Hey friend, I’ve got something special for you today—Orange Chicken that’s as easy as it is delicious! You know how sometimes you just need a quick and comforting dinner, but you also don’t want to compromise on flavor? This recipe is that sweet spot. You only need three ingredients, and you’re on your way to a dish that’s bursting with zesty orange goodness. Trust me, this is one of those “game-changer” recipes that will become a weeknight favorite in no time.
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Why You’ll Love 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or picture serving this at a party, where guests are asking for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy stuff; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you usually shy away from complicated recipes, this one’s for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without any stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Want a little extra kick? Toss in some chili flakes or a dash of soy sauce. Prefer something milder? Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who doesn’t love a dish that’s sweet, savory, and super satisfying? This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is pure heaven. Let’s break it down:
Chicken: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer) get tender and juicy as they soak up all those amazing flavors. Quick and easy, but always a hit.
Orange Marmalade: This is where the flavor comes to life! Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of citrusy zest. The marmalade creates that rich, sticky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and balance to the sweetness of the marmalade. It brings just the right umami kick to the dish, rounding out the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely caramelized crust.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together your orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. The flavors will start to come together in the most tantalizing way.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish: Place your chicken breasts in the prepared dish. Pour the marmalade-soy sauce mixture over the top, making sure the chicken is fully coated. You can also spoon some of the sauce over the chicken halfway through cooking for extra flavor!
Cook to Perfection: Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep an eye on it so that the sauce doesn’t burn, and be sure to check for that golden, caramelized finish!
Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it tender.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve this orange chicken hot over a bed of rice or with a side of steamed veggies. The sauce will be perfectly sticky and irresistible—trust me, you’re going to love this!
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more satisfying:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors of the chicken.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce. A baguette or garlic bread works wonders!
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas are great choices to add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. A simple garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro will elevate the presentation.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Chop the chicken ahead of time and mix the sauce ingredients the night before. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble and bake.
Spice It Up: Want some heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add some ginger to the sauce for a fresh twist.
Dietary Adjustments: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. You can also opt for a sugar-free marmalade for a lower-sugar version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep the chicken juicy.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for doubling! The chicken freezes beautifully, so consider making a big batch for later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re using more chicken.
Q7: Is there an alternative to soy sauce?
A7: You can use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a milder flavor.
Q8: Can I use homemade orange marmalade?
A8: Yes, homemade works great! Just ensure it’s sweet enough to balance the soy sauce.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A9: Sure! Add some bell peppers or onions to the dish before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Q10: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A10: Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! Just store in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new favorite go-to recipe for busy nights, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something simple yet packed with flavor. With just three ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up this Orange Chicken in no time. So, go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make! Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3–4 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 cup flour or cornstarch (or a mix of both)
Instructions
- Combine Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Set aside.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge the chicken cubes in the flour/cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add Sauce: Pour the marmalade-soy sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the flour mixture for a kick of flavor.
- Sticky Sauce: For a thicker, stickier sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or your favorite stir-fried veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg