3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 3-ingredient orange chicken is a quick and simple dish with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. In less than 30 minutes, you can have crispy chicken coated in a delicious orange sauce that rivals takeout. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors with a few easy variations. It's a family-friendly meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)

• ½ cup orange marmalade (e.g., Smucker’s)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 cup flour (or cornstarch, or a mix of both)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prep the Chicken Coating: In one bowl, beat eggs. In another, combine flour (or cornstarch) for coating.

3. Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken cubes in the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the prepared sauce until evenly coated.

6. Serve: Serve the orange chicken over white rice or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 portions

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

• Air Fryer Version: Cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch or gluten-free flour for the coating.

• Sticky Sesame Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for added crunch.

• Extra Zesty: Add orange zest to the sauce for an additional burst of citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals. For a crispy finish, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe, adding extra juiciness.

2. Can I use a different type of sauce?

While BBQ sauce is key to the flavor, you can experiment with other sweet sauces like teriyaki for a different twist.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?

The chicken can be fried in advance, but it's best to toss it in the sauce just before serving for optimal crispiness.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best to store leftovers in the fridge, but you can freeze the chicken without the sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat and toss with fresh sauce when serving.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce to increase the heat.

7. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, the flavors are mild and sweet, making it a great dish for kids. Adjust the spiciness if necessary.

8. Can I use other fruit preserves instead of orange marmalade?

You can substitute with apricot jam or peach preserves for a different fruity flavor.

9. Can I use the oven instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

This 3-ingredient orange chicken is a quick, tasty, and customizable meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously tangy and crispy dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you're making it as is or adding your own twist, it’s bound to become a favorite!