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This simple orange chicken comes together with just four ingredients. It’s my quick fix when I want that takeout vibe on a hectic night. Crispy chicken pieces meet a shiny, citrusy glaze in about 20 minutes, no sweat.
The first time I made this, my family swore it was takeout. My youngest still wants it every single week.
Ingredients
- Frozen chicken nuggets: Choose your favorite brand for the coziest comfort Pick nuggets with a crispy crust so the sauce clings nicely
- Orange marmalade: Brings bright, citrus sweetness Go for one with bits of peel for that homemade vibe
- BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky touch that balances out the sweet Use a mild kind so the orange flavor stands out
- Soy sauce: Gives salty, savory notes Low sodium works if you need to watch salt
Steps to Make It
- Start with the Sauce
- Grab a bowl you can use in the microwave and mix together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce Pop it in the microwave on high for 45 seconds Give it another good stir You want some bits of orange peel left for texture
- Heat the Nuggets
- Cook the frozen nuggets according to their package Make sure they’re hot and crispy right out of the oven or air fryer so the sauce sticks better
- Pour on the Sauce
- While the nuggets are still warm, dump the sauce over them in the pan or a big bowl Toss it all so every nugget gets that sticky glaze
- Dig In
- Put this orange chicken over some steamed rice for a classic meal Add sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and color
Need to Know
- This dish is packed with protein and big on bright, zesty flavors
- Kids love it and it’s a lifesaver on busy family nights
What I really like is the orange marmalade. The sweet taste and real peel bits remind me of my grandma’s jams. It’s fun watching everyone go back for more and lick their forks clean.
Storing Tips
Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 3 days. To keep the crunch, reheat in the oven or air fryer. You can microwave it too but the crust might get soft.
Switch It Up
If you want some heat, swap part of the marmalade for hot pepper jelly For gluten-free, pick gluten-free nuggets and tamari sauce To make it lighter, try grilled chicken strips instead of breaded nuggets
Serving Tips
This orange chicken rocks over fluffy steamed rice but also goes great on noodles or with stir-fried broccoli For parties, serve it as finger food with toothpicks.
A Little Backstory
This quick take is inspired by the classic American-Chinese dish but gets a hand from orange marmalade and bottled BBQ sauce. It’s a great example of fast, tasty fusion food made for real weeknights.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I swap chicken nuggets for fresh chicken?
Yep! Just cook small pieces of chicken breast or thigh if you want to start from scratch.
- → Is this dish super sweet?
The marmalade adds sweetness but the soy and BBQ sauces bring a savory and tangy twist so it’s balanced.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
For sure. You can mix it up and stash it in the fridge for a day before. Just heat it up before pouring on the chicken.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
Rice is the best, steamed or fried. Steamed veggies like snap peas or broccoli work great too.
- → How should I save leftovers?
Put the leftover chicken in a sealed container in the fridge. Use within two days and reheat gently before eating.