Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving takeout but want something homemade, this Easy Orange Chicken recipe is your answer. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant—sweet, tangy, and with just the right amount of zing. It’s a quick and delicious way to bring those takeout vibes to your kitchen, without the wait!

These orange chicken nuggets is one of our favorite easy dinner recipes. Serve with chicken fried rice or ham fried rice for a full meal the entire family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Dinner Idea

• 5 Ingredients: This recipe comes together so quick, and most of that is due to the short list of ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you aren’t sure what to serve.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chicken is perfect for a make ahead meal. Make and divide between containers for a quick grab lunch!
• Customizable: While this is delicious, you can definitely jazz things up with some easy additions. Read on to find out our favorite ways to serve this quick dinner idea.

This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is nothing new. I’ve been using it for years and it is always a hit. Minimal ingredients, ready in less than 15 minutes, and most importantly, loved by all. The secret is in the sauce. With just a handful of ingredients you can have crispy delicious orange marmalade chicken that rivals take-out!

And here’s the kicker—the sauce has a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a depth of flavor that makes it taste like something you’d get from a pro. Once you try it, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making this all along. It’s easy, delicious, and bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to want to give this a try!

Easy Orange Chicken Ingredients

I used frozen chicken nuggets to keep prep and cost low, but you can definitely use a homemade chicken nugget or naked chicken pieces in this orange chicken recipe with equally delicious results. Here is what you need to get started:

• Orange Marmalade: Marmalade is a fruit preserve that is made from the juice and the peel of the fruit. You can find this next to the jellies and nut butters. Most of the orange flavor and sweetness will come from this ingredient.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite sauce. In an effort to provide the best options, we tried this with Kraft original, which is a more budget friendly option, Sweet Baby Ray’s, and Kinders. All tasted delicious.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds the delightful flavor of umami flavor that helps to tone down the marmalade and bbq sauce.
• Orange Juice: And, because I love a bolder orange flavor, a dash of orange juice.
• Chicken: Bare Chicken Nuggets are king in our home. Not exactly a diet food, but the lean on the healthier end of a chicken nugget.

Recipe Variations

The original orange chicken with orange marmalade is great all on it’s own, but if you’d like to jazz things up you can add any of the following:

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is an amazing addition to the recipe and really gives it a boost in flavor.
• Ginger: I have ginger paste on hand almost always. A little goes a long way and can give you a more peppery spice finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, a dash or two of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
• Rice Vinegar: My good friend swears by a 1/4 teaspoon of rice vinegar.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Keep things simple and make this easy orange chicken recipe with marmalade with a higher quality frozen chicken nugget or tender.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken according to the package directions. I prefer to air fry the nuggets for a more crisp finish or make them in the oven. Avoid cooking in the microwave.
2. Heat the Sauce: Stir together the marmalade, bbq sauce, soy sauce, and orange juice in a large liquid measuring cup. Stir to combine. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, or until heated through.
3. Toss the Chicken: Drizzle the mixture over the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
4. Enjoy: Serve immediately with warm rice and sautéed vegetables.

What to Serve with Easy Orange Chicken

Looking for the perfect sides to complete your orange chicken meal? Here are a few delicious options that pair perfectly:

• Vegetable Lo Mein: This Vegetable Lo Mein is a great way to add some noodles and extra veggies to your plate. The flavors blend beautifully with the orange chicken sauce, making it a satisfying combo.
• Roasted Broccoli: Keep things simple and healthy with some Roasted Broccoli. It’s quick to prepare and adds a nice crunch and freshness to your meal.
• Chicken Fried Rice: For a classic takeout-style experience, whip up some Chicken Fried Rice. The savory rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy orange chicken, creating a balanced and filling meal.

These sides will take your homemade orange chicken to the next level and give you that full takeout experience—all from the comfort of your kitchen!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

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