3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe : A Quick Dinner

Craving a delicious dinner but short on time? This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is the answer! With just three simple ingredients—chicken, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce—you can create a flavorful, sticky, and tangy dish that tastes like your favorite takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fast dinner idea, this recipe brings the bold flavors of orange chicken to your table without any hassle.

Save

What is 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken?

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is a simplified version of the classic Chinese-American dish known for its sweet and tangy orange sauce. This easy recipe uses only three ingredients—chicken, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce—to create a deliciously sticky and flavorful sauce that coats tender pieces of chicken. It’s the ultimate shortcut to enjoying orange chicken at home without complicated ingredients or long cooking times.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients: You only need three ingredients to make this flavorful dish.
Quick and Easy: You can have this recipe ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Bold Flavor: The combination of orange marmalade and BBQ sauce creates a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sticky, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

To make this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken: 450g (1 lb) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Orange Marmalade: ¾ cup (180ml) for a sweet, citrusy flavor
BBQ Sauce: ¾ cup (180ml) for a smoky, savory taste
Optional: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients.
Knife and Cutting Board: For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Save

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the chicken pieces. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes sticky.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve the orange chicken immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Save

Tips for the Perfect 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Adjust the Sauce: Add more or less BBQ sauce depending on your preference for sweetness or smokiness.
Add Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Use Different Chicken: You can use frozen popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets for an even faster version.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
Alternative Sauce: Substitute orange marmalade with apricot preserves for a different twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Cook the chicken until just golden brown to keep it tender and juicy.
Not Thickening the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer until it becomes thick and sticky for the best flavor.
Using the Wrong BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce with a flavor you enjoy, as it’s a key part of the dish.

How to Serve and Present 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Over Rice: Serve this dish over white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
With Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
In a Bowl: Create an orange chicken bowl with rice, vegetables, and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Save

FAQs for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

Can I make this dish less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of orange marmalade or use a less sweet BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.

What side dishes go well with orange chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is the ultimate quick and easy dinner recipe. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more fast dinner ideas!