This 4-ingredient orange marmalade chicken recipe couldn’t be any easier, and it’s ready in minutes.
Cooked popcorn chicken is tossed in a sweet and sour orange soy glaze for an orange chicken that’s better than takeout!
Zesty Orange Chicken Highlights
- Flavor: This dish combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with the bright, citrusy tang of orange marmalade and a savory hint of soy sauce for a perfectly sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Difficulty: Cook the chicken, toss it with the sauce, and serve. So easy!
- Swaps: Chicken can be switched out for leftover cubed pork or shrimp.
- Time-Saving Tip: Perfect for last-minute appetizers or get-togethers!
- Serving suggestions: This recipe for orange chicken can be kept warm in a Crockpot for guests and gatherings. Just add a side of rice and a tangy cucumber radish salad.
Orange Chicken Essentials
Chicken: Any coated popcorn chicken works in this recipe! You can also use breaded chicken tenders or strips. For lower-calories, use frozen and thawed chicken cutlets.
Sauce: Make this sauce with basics from the pantry! Go for any flavor of barbecue sauce and make a signature sauce.
Variations: Squirt in a little sriracha for a spicy kick. Coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium dish. Orange marmalade can be pureed in a small blender if you don’t want chunky pieces in the sauce. Add extras like steamed broccoli florets, baby corn, water chestnuts, green onions, and sesame seeds on top for even more flavor.
How to Make Orange Chicken
- Cook popcorn chicken according to package directions.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer (full recipe below).
- Toss chicken with sauce in a large bowl until coated.
- Serve as desired.
Zesty Orange Chicken Hacks
- DIY popcorn chicken by dredging cubes of chicken breast in 1 cup of cornstarch, two beaten eggs, and then dipping it back into the cornstarch. Fry popcorn chicken in oil at 350°F until cooked through. Drain on paper towels before tossing in the orange sauce.
- For an even quicker dish, cook the popcorn chicken in the air fryer at 400°F. Make sure the air fryer is preheated and the chicken is placed in an even layer so the hot air circulates around each piece.
Keeping it Fresh
Keep leftover orange chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop on medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Tasty Asian Inspired Recipes
Did you make this Easy Orange Chicken recipe? Leave a comment and a rating below.
Easy Orange Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen popcorn chicken or chicken bites, see notes for homemade
For The Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook chicken according to package directions.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine the barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and toss it with the sauce.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- vegetable oil for frying
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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