Craving takeout flavor without the fuss? This Orange Chicken Recipe is a zesty chicken dish that’s quick, easy, and made with just three ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this tangy orange chicken delivers sweet, savory goodness in every bite. Create this simple chicken meal and savor the vibrant joy of zesty chicken dishes!
Why You’ll Love Orange Chicken Recipe
- Quick Prep: Ready in 20 minutes for a simple chicken meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just three items for tangy orange chicken.
- Family-Friendly: Crowd-pleasing zesty chicken dish for all.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients for simple chicken meals.
- Takeout Vibes: Restaurant-style tangy orange chicken at home.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you need for this zesty chicken dish (serves 4):
- 1 lb (454g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (240g) orange marmalade
- 1 cup (240g) BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, for cooking)
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Breasts or thighs for juicy simple chicken meals.
- Marmalade: Adds sweet-tangy flavor to tangy orange chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a favorite for bold zesty chicken dishes.
- Oil: Neutral oil like canola for crispy simple chicken meals.
Directions for Orange Chicken Recipe
Let’s make this tangy orange chicken—quick, flavorful perfection!
Cook Chicken
I heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. I add 1 lb chicken pieces, cooking for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through for a juicy zesty chicken dish.
Mix Sauce
In a bowl, I combine 1 cup orange marmalade and 1 cup BBQ sauce, stirring until smooth for a vibrant simple chicken meal sauce.
Coat and Simmer
I pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. I simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens, creating a glossy tangy orange chicken.
Serve
I serve hot over rice or veggies, garnished with sesame seeds for a stunning zesty chicken dish.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 55g carbs, 25g protein, 15g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Orange Chicken Recipe
Try these spins on this zesty chicken dish:
- Spicy Twist: Add sriracha for fiery tangy orange chicken.
- Lighter Option: Use sugar-free marmalade for healthier simple chicken meals.
- Vegetarian Swap: Substitute tofu, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts, for meatless zesty chicken dishes.
- Citrus Boost: Add orange zest for vibrant tangy orange chicken.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in cilantro for fresh simple chicken meals.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a cool drink.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store tangy orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes for fresh simple chicken meals. Freezing is not recommended due to sauce texture changes in zesty chicken dishes.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve zesty chicken dishes over rice with green onions.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds for vibrant simple chicken meals.
- Pairing: Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca or tea.
- Portion Size: ~1 cup per person for tangy orange chicken.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep.
FAQs About Orange Chicken Recipe
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw completely first for even-cooked simple chicken meals.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook chicken with sauce on low for 4–5 hours for tangy orange chicken.
What BBQ sauce is best?
Choose a smoky or sweet sauce for zesty chicken dishes.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Use tofu or cauliflower for meatless simple chicken meals.
What sides pair well?
Rice or broccoli complements tangy orange chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Chicken Cabbage Savory Pirog
- Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Pulled Chicken
Conclusion
Orange Chicken Recipe is a quick, flavorful winner. This zesty chicken dish, with its sweet-tangy sauce, brings takeout vibes to your table with ease. Create this simple chicken meal and enjoy the delicious, vibrant joy of tangy orange chicken!
Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 454g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup 240g orange marmalade
- 1 cup 240g BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil optional, for cooking
Instructions
Cook Chicken
- I heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. I add 1 lb chicken pieces, cooking for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through for a juicy zesty chicken dish.
Mix Sauce
- In a bowl, I combine 1 cup orange marmalade and 1 cup BBQ sauce, stirring until smooth for a vibrant simple chicken meal sauce.
Coat and Simmer
- I pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. I simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens, creating a glossy tangy orange chicken.
Serve
- I serve hot over rice or veggies, garnished with sesame seeds for a stunning zesty chicken dish.
Notes
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