Craving a quick and delicious dinner? Try this Easy Orange Chicken recipe with just 4 ingredients! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines crispy chicken nuggets with a tangy, sweet, and savory orange sauce made from orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a meal the whole family will love. Ready in minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a fast and flavorful dinner. Pin now for an easy, mouthwatering dinner idea!
The Ingredients
- 5 cups frozen chicken nuggets: Cook according to package directions.
- 1 cup orange marmalade: Provides the sweet and tangy orange flavor.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky and savory element to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Enhances the umami and adds a bit of saltiness.
How to Make Orange Chicken
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl. Whisk until blended.
- Heat the Sauce: Microwave the mixture on high for 45 seconds. After heating, whisk again until smooth, despite the small chunks from the orange rind in the marmalade.
- Combine with Chicken: Pour the sauce over the hot, freshly cooked chicken nuggets. Toss until the nuggets are thoroughly coated.
- Serve: Serve the coated orange chicken over steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Cook Nuggets Fresh: Ensure the chicken nuggets are hot and freshly cooked before tossing them in the sauce for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce it slightly by heating it on the stovetop before tossing with the nuggets.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce (like spicy or honey) to change the flavor profile.
How to Serve
- Over Rice: Serve the orange chicken hot over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
- With Vegetables: Pair with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain the desired consistency.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate and the chicken nuggets can become soggy upon reheating.
Easy Orange Chicken (4-ingredients)
Course: DinnerCuisine: AsianServings
6
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
15
minutesIngredients
5 cups frozen chicken nuggets, cooked according to package directions
1 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Whisk the mixture together.
- Heat the Sauce: Microwave the sauce on high for 45 seconds. After heating, whisk again until smooth, noting that there will be small chunks from the orange rind in the marmalade.
- Combine with Chicken: Pour the sauce over the freshly cooked and hot chicken nuggets. Toss until the nuggets are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed rice.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade orange chicken!
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