Orange Chicken is a sweet and tangy takeout-style dish I can make right at home with just four simple ingredients. Crispy chicken nuggets are coated in a sticky orange glaze made from marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce—creating a meal that’s full of flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m all about quick, crowd-pleasing meals, and this one is a go-to in my kitchen:
- Only 4 Ingredients: I don’t need to fuss with a long shopping list or complicated prep.
- Fast and Easy: It’s ready in half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with everyone—even picky eaters.
- Better Than Takeout: I save money and customize the dish to my liking, all without leaving home.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen chicken nuggets
- Orange marmalade
- BBQ sauce (I like using Sweet Baby Ray’s for its bold flavor)
- Soy sauce
- Green onion (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Bake the Chicken: I start by cooking the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package instructions and let them cool slightly once baked.
- Make the Sauce: In a pan over medium-high heat, I combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until it’s hot and slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken: I pour the hot sauce over the cooked chicken nuggets and stir them until every piece is evenly coated.
- Serve: I like to serve the orange chicken over rice, noodles, or even with stir-fried veggies on the side.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 5 servings. It takes around 5-10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake the nuggets, and 5-7 minutes to heat the sauce—so I can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to add heat.
- Homemade Chicken: Instead of frozen nuggets, I use breaded chicken tenders or homemade baked chicken bites.
- Citrus Twist: A bit of fresh orange zest or juice gives the sauce an extra zing.
- Veggie Boost: I stir in steamed broccoli or snow peas at the end to make it more of a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop. The flavors deepen after a day, so the leftovers taste even better.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen nuggets?
Yes, I often swap in homemade baked or air-fried chicken pieces. I just make sure they’re fully cooked before tossing them in the sauce.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
I prefer a classic, smoky BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s. Since the marmalade adds sweetness, I avoid sauces that are too sugary.
Is orange marmalade necessary?
Orange marmalade is key to the signature sweet and citrusy glaze. If I don’t have it, I’ve tried subbing with apricot preserves and adding a little orange zest or juice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready, I just bake the chicken, reheat the sauce, and combine.
What can I serve with orange chicken?
I usually pair it with white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Sometimes I add a side of steamed veggies, stir-fried greens, or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful Orange Chicken is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, it satisfies my craving for something tangy, sweet, and comforting. Whether I serve it over rice or noodles, it's always a hit—and way better than takeout.
Orange Chicken
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Description
Orange Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and quick weeknight dinner made with just four ingredients—perfect for busy nights when I want bold takeout-style flavor fast. Crispy chicken nuggets are coated in a sticky orange glaze made from marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce for an irresistibly easy meal that's ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen chicken nuggets
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken Nuggets: Bake the chicken nuggets according to package instructions. Let cool slightly.
- Make Orange Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Stir occasionally for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked nuggets to a large bowl. Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions if desired, and serve over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies.
Notes
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Homemade chicken bites or tenders can be used in place of frozen nuggets.
- Add fresh orange zest or juice to brighten the flavor.
- Mix in steamed broccoli or snow peas for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day!
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