Let’s be honest, some days you want a dinner that tastes like you fussed for hours, but you only have about 20 minutes and the energy of a sloth. I see you, and this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is here to be your new kitchen hero. With just a jar of orange marmalade, some BBQ sauce, and a package of chicken, you can create a sweet, tangy, and incredibly satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. This is the kind of recipe that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
In my house, this dish is a legend. It became a go-to during a particularly chaotic week when my kids’ schedules were packed and my grocery budget was… let’s call it creative. I needed a win, and this recipe delivered. The sauce glazes the chicken with a gorgeous, sticky sheen, and the bright, citrusy flavor feels both comforting and a little bit fancy. It’s the perfect solution for busy families, last-minute guests, or just one of those “what on earth am I making for dinner?!” nights.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
This recipe is more than just easy—it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal plan. Here’s why it’s about to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Unbelievably Simple: Three ingredients. One pan. Minimal cleanup. It’s the definition of a no-fuss meal.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce is a total crowd-pleaser, winning over even the pickiest little eaters.
- Budget-Conscious: Using pantry staples and affordable chicken cuts keeps this meal easy on your wallet.
- Endlessly Customizable: You can easily tweak the sauce or add veggies to make it your own. I’ll share some ideas below!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’re halfway to dinner. It doesn’t get much easier than this.
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Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
3 ingredient orange chicken recipe Perfect sweet savory balance Quick easy weeknight meal using marmalade BBQ sauce Ready in 20 mins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce. Stir until they are fully blended into a smooth, rich sauce.
- Add the chopped chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. You don’t need any oil because the sauce will provide plenty of moisture.
- Add the sauced chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy glaze that clings to the chicken.
- Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice or with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
This incredibly easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. Made with just orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and chicken, it’s a sweet, tangy, and satisfying meal ready in about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand—I like a hickory-smoked variety for depth)
- Optional for serving: Cooked rice, chopped green onions, sesame seeds
How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Ready to see the magic happen? Follow these simple steps for a fail-proof dinner.
- In a large bowl, combine the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce. Stir until they are fully blended into a smooth, rich sauce.
- Add the chopped chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. You don’t need any oil because the sauce will provide plenty of moisture.
- Add the sauced chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy glaze that clings to the chicken.
- Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice or with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
My Top Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
A few little tricks can take this simple dish from great to absolutely fantastic.
- Chicken Cut: For quick and even cooking, make sure your chicken pieces are all roughly the same size. This is the secret to avoiding some pieces being dry while others are underdone.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick when it’s cooking, don’t panic! Just add a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice to thin it out a bit.
- Extra Zing: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha mixed into the sauce is a fantastic addition.
- Keep an Eye on It: Stir occasionally to prevent the sugars in the marmalade and BBQ sauce from burning on the bottom of the pan.
Simple Variations to Try
This recipe is a wonderful base for creativity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of these easy twists:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some bell pepper strips or broccoli florets during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan meal. For more one-pan inspiration, check out our guide to quick one-pan dinners.
- Swap the Protein: This sauce is also delicious with meatballs or even poured over pre-cooked shredded chicken for an ultra-fast version.
- Change the Citrus: Apricot preserves or peach jam make a wonderful substitute for the orange marmalade for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve With Your Orange Chicken
While this orange chicken is a star on its own, pairing it with the right sides makes it a memorable meal. I love serving it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. A simple, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the sweetness. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works perfectly. And if you’re feeding a crowd, these easy quick baked egg rolls would be a phenomenal start to the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove with a tiny splash of water to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this orange chicken in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This is a great set-it-and-forget-it option. Just place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the mixed sauce over it, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be incredibly tender.
Can I use a different type of jam?
You sure can. While orange marmalade gives it that classic flavor, apricot, peach, or even pineapple preserves would work wonderfully. Each will create a slightly different, but equally delicious, sweet and sour sauce.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece of chicken; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink color. For more tips on handling chicken safely, the FoodSafety.gov website is a great resource.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, as some brands contain gluten. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
So there you have it—the easiest, most delicious 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken that’s guaranteed to save the day. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds us that the best meals often come from the simplest ingredients and a little bit of love. I hope it brings as much joy and ease to your table as it has to mine. If you’re looking for another incredibly simple chicken dish, you have to try this 5 Ingredient Lemon Garlic Chicken. Now, go grab that jar of marmalade and get cooking!
