There are nights when dinner feels like the last thing on your list. I get it, because I’ve been there. This 3-ingredient orange chicken came to life on one of those chaotic evenings when all I had in the fridge was leftover chicken and a bottle of orange marmalade from a forgotten holiday cheese board. I grabbed the soy sauce, tossed everything in a pan, and hoped for the best. One bite in, my husband looked up with that “what did you just feed me?” look, and not in a bad way. It was sticky, sweet, just the right touch of savory, and ridiculously fast.
So yes, this quick chicken orange recipe didn’t just save dinner, it kicked off a whole new weeknight tradition.
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Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This recipe checks all the boxes: quick, budget-friendly, and downright addictive. If you love takeout but hate the price tag or mystery ingredients, this chicken orange recipe is your answer.
You only need three simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. There’s no deep-frying, no long list of spices, and no fancy marinades. Just three things that, together, create a glaze so good, you’ll want to lick the pan clean.
Even better? It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles and is kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly versatile. It’s right up there with other fast favorites like this sticky garlic chicken noodles; sweet, savory, and soul-satisfying.
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3-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Sticky, sweet, and savory, this 3-ingredient orange chicken is a quick fix dinner winner that beats takeout; made in just 15 minutes!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken (breast or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup orange marmalade
2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken until fully cooked and lightly golden.
2. Add the orange marmalade and soy sauce, stir to coat.
3. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
4. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Notes
For extra heat, add red chili flakes.
Swap orange marmalade with apricot preserves or sweet chili sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
You truly need just three key ingredients to make this irresistible orange chicken:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs | Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking |
| Orange Marmalade | Adds the citrusy sweetness and stickiness |
| Soy Sauce | Balances sweetness with a salty umami punch |
Optional additions include garlic, red chili flakes, or a splash of rice vinegar; but trust me, you don’t need them to fall in love with the base version.
For another simple chicken recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, you’ll love this crockpot honey mustard chicken.
How to Make It
Making this 3-ingredient chicken orange dish is a breeze and perfect for beginners or busy cooks.
- Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. - Step 2: Add the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir to coat all the chicken pieces. - Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Let it cook for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken.
Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or veggies. You can even spoon it over a baked potato. It’s as versatile as our chicken and sweet potato rice bowl.
Tips and Variations
- Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness
While chicken breast works just fine, boneless thighs offer more moisture and richer flavor. - Adjust the Sweetness
If your marmalade is extra sweet, add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor. - Make it Crispy
Want a bit of crunch? Lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking. This gives a crispy crust that soaks up the sauce beautifully. - Double the Batch for Meal Prep
This dish holds up well for a few days in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Try pairing leftovers with a quick fried rice like in our dump and go crockpot teriyaki chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for best searing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep things allergy-friendly.
What if I don’t have orange marmalade?
Apricot preserves, orange jelly, or even sweet chili sauce can work in a pinch, just taste and adjust as needed.
Can I bake it instead?
Absolutely. Mix the sauce and pour it over chicken in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Looking for another crowd-pleasing dish with minimal prep? Check out this cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Final Thoughts
This 3-ingredient orange chicken recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s fast, flavorful, and a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want to skip takeout without sacrificing taste, this recipe delivers every single time.
As always, it was tested in our real kitchen, devoured at our real table, and approved with a full, happy belly.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
