If you’re on a quest for a quick meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this delightful 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and taste, offering a tangy punch of orange and BBQ goodness that’s bound to impress your taste buds and your family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Simplicity: With just three main ingredients, this dish is a breeze to prepare even on the busiest of nights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet orange marmalade and tangy BBQ sauce delivers a mouthwatering taste experience.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love it as much as adults, making it a go-to family meal that’s bound to please everyone at the table.
Versatile Pairing: Can be served with a variety of sides for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delightful.

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and delicious with these few, but fantastic ingredients. Each plays a vital role in creating that savory, tangy glaze that makes our 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Precooked Chicken Nuggets: These are the shortcut heroes of our dish, offering juicy texture without the fuss.
BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s): The BBQ sauce adds a smoky sweetness and is the backbone of our delicious glaze.
Sweet Orange Marmalade: This brings the citrusy brightness that perfectly balances the dish with both sweetness and a touch of tang.
Soy Sauce: A dash of umami adds depth and complexity to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Sesame Oil (optional): Adds a nutty aroma and takes the glaze to a whole new level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This base recipe for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak flavors or ingredients according to your personal taste or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken nuggets for tofu cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version that retains all the deliciousness.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

First things first, cook your chicken nuggets according to package instructions. These nuggets will soon transform into crispy bites ready to be glazed with our delightful sauce.

Step 2: Create the Orange Glaze

Mix the BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and optional sesame oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from splattering, then microwave for a quick 45 seconds to meld these flavors together.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Once your nuggets are cooked to crispy perfection, toss them in the heated glaze until each piece is thoroughly coated. This step is what elevates them from everyday nuggets to a delectable dish.

Pro Tips for Making 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Sauce Consistency: If your glaze looks too thick, add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Golden Crispiness: For extra crispy nuggets, bake them a couple of minutes longer than the package recommendation.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week, saving time on busy nights.
Ingredient Selection: Opt for high-quality marmalade to ensure that fresh, sweet citrus taste comes through beautifully.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to bring a touch of freshness and a little crunch to each bite of your orange chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, allowing you to scoop up that delightful glaze with every mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve the orange chicken in a shallow bowl with the sauce pooling at the base, topped off with a colorful citrus wheel and vibrant veggies on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready for reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken nuggets separately without the sauce for up to a month. Just reheat and toss with fresh sauce when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Gently reheat your 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the oven at 350°F until warm, or give it a quick zap in the microwave for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use another type of marmalade?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruit marmalades like peach or apricot for a unique twist on the original flavor.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for chicken nuggets?

Absolutely! You can use tofu or even cauliflower pieces as a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure you choose gluten-free soy sauce and BBQ sauce, and if needed, use gluten-free nuggets as well.
What other sauces work well with this recipe?

You can also try teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile that blends well.

Final Thoughts

Give this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken a try, and you’re sure to make it a staple in your meal rotation. It’s quick, flavorful, and sure to become one of those recipes you turn to when you want a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Enjoy every delicious bite!

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 148 reviews

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 14 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute (microwave heating, additional for cooking nuggets if needed)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful 3-ingredient Orange Chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken nuggets coated in a sweet and tangy orange barbecue sauce with hints of sesame oil for added flavor. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or snack that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Sauces

5 cups chicken nuggets, precooked
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 cup sweet orange marmalade
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the chicken nuggets: Follow the package instructions to cook the chicken nuggets until crispy and hot. This typically involves baking or frying, but ensure they are cooked thoroughly and crispy for best results.
Prepare the sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering.
Heat the sauce: Microwave the mixture on high for 45 seconds, then stir well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
Combine and toss: Once the sauce is heated and mixed, toss the hot, crispy chicken nuggets in the orange BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Serve: Plate the coated chicken nuggets and enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the orange marmalade slightly or substitute with a orange-infused hot sauce.
Using freshly cooked crispy nuggets ensures the best texture; reheat if needed for serving.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a simple green salad.
Sesame oil is optional but adds a delicious nutty flavor; omit if you prefer a milder taste or have allergies.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg