3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe: Easy and Flavorful
This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is the ultimate quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. With just boneless chicken, orange marmalade, and soy sauce, you can create a sweet, tangy, and savory dish in just 20 minutes. Simply pan-fry the chicken until golden, coat it in the rich orange sauce, and serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for a thicker sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
For more quick chicken recipes, check out Baked Caesar Chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce. For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Reduce heat to low and pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well, making sure each piece is coated. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables. For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top.
For the perfect side dish, try Garlic Bread.
Tips for the Best 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
- Use chicken thighs – They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Add some crunch – Toss in cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds.
- Make it spicy – A dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha adds heat.
- Thicken the sauce – Use cornstarch slurry for a stickier glaze.
- Double the sauce – If serving with rice, make extra sauce for drizzling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients – Only three ingredients needed.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies.
- Kid-Friendly – Sweet and tangy flavors make it a hit with kids.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Values are approximate and depend on portion sizes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken with these easy side dishes:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice – Soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative.
- Egg Noodles or Lo Mein – Toss the chicken with noodles for a heartier meal.
Variations and Customizations
- Honey Orange Chicken – Replace marmalade with honey + fresh orange juice.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Extra Protein – Add tofu or shrimp for variety.
- BBQ Orange Chicken – Mix in BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Conclusion
This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With only three simple ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for an easy and flavorful meal. Try it tonight and enjoy a homemade takeout-style dish with minimal effort!
3-INGREDIENT ORANGE CHICKEN
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for a thicker sauce
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce. For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).
- Reduce heat to low and pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well, making sure each piece is coated. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables. For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with sauce.
