3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to recreate a takeout favorite at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With only three main ingredients for the sauce—BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce—you can create a quick, tasty meal in under 30 minutes. The dish is also highly customizable to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it sweet, spicy, or a little zestier. It's a kid-friendly option, packed with bold, tangy flavors that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s perfect when you’re craving takeout but want to keep things easy and homemade.

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)

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

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3-4 chicken breasts, cut into cubes

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

• 2 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 to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.

2. Prep the Chicken Coating: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, combine flour and/or cornstarch to create a crispy coating.

3. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken cubes in the beaten egg, then coat them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, toss it in the prepared sauce until evenly coated.

6. Serve: Serve the chicken over white rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with sautéed vegetables like green peppers or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.

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 a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

• Air Fryer Chicken: For a lighter version, cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

• Sticky Sesame Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for extra crunch and flavor.

• Extra Zesty: Add orange zest to the sauce for a fresh, citrus-forward flavor.

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for a crispy finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Sweet Baby Ray's is a popular choice for this recipe due to its balanced flavor, but feel free to use any BBQ sauce you like.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to make it spicy.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Fresh or thawed chicken works best for this recipe, but if you use frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer for a longer period of time to thicken, or add a little cornstarch slurry to the sauce for extra thickness.

Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?

Orange marmalade provides the best flavor, but you can experiment with other fruit preserves like apricot or peach if you prefer.

How long can I store leftover orange chicken?

You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is the perfect way to satisfy your craving for takeout without leaving your home. With minimal ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and customizable to fit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it spicy, sweet, or savory, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Try it today and enjoy all the flavors of your favorite restaurant-style orange chicken from the comfort of your kitchen!