4-Ingredient Orange Chicken (Quick & Easy)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This orange chicken recipe is a game-changer for those who want an easy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The star of the dish is frozen chicken nuggets, which means you can skip the laborious breading and frying process. With just a few pantry ingredients—orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce—you can whip up a glossy, sweet, and savory glaze that sticks perfectly to the crispy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for the family or need a quick dinner, this recipe delivers the comfort of homemade takeout without the stress.

Ingredients

• 5 cups frozen chicken nuggets

• 1 cup orange marmalade

• ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce

• 2 tablespoon soy sauce

• Optional: chopped green onion for garnish

• Optional: cooked rice or noodles, for serving

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven and bake the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package instructions, usually about 20 minutes, until golden and crispy.

2. While the nuggets bake, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly.

3. Once the chicken nuggets are done baking, toss them in the orange sauce, coating each nugget evenly.

4. Serve over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for added freshness and color.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.

• Crispy Chicken: Use a different type of frozen chicken (like breaded chicken tenders) for extra crunch.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken nuggets for crispy tofu or a plant-based nugget alternative.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish or heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the sauce from drying out, and warm until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade chicken nuggets instead of frozen ones?

Yes, homemade or any type of crispy chicken can work for this recipe. Just ensure it’s cooked through and crispy before adding the sauce.

2. Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove before tossing the chicken nuggets in.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this recipe spicier, try adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a small amount of chili paste to the sauce.

4. Can I use a different brand of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! You can use any brand of BBQ sauce that you prefer. Sweet Baby Ray’s is popular for its balance of sweetness and tang, but any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas will make the dish more hearty and nutritious.

6. What’s the best way to serve this recipe?

This orange chicken pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

7. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked orange chicken (without rice or noodles). When ready to eat, reheat it from frozen in the oven or microwave until heated through.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and potentially the chicken nuggets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and choose gluten-free nuggets.

10. Can I make the sauce without BBQ sauce?

While BBQ sauce is key to the flavor of this recipe, you could experiment with other sauces like ketchup and hoisin sauce, but the result will be different from traditional orange chicken.

Conclusion

This 4-ingredient orange chicken recipe is a quick, simple, and tasty way to enjoy a homemade takeout-style meal. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or whipping up a last-minute meal, this orange chicken is a delicious and hassle-free option that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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