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I love this easy orange chicken with just four ingredients. It’s my go-to way to get that takeout taste even on busy nights. The crispy chicken bites and shiny citrus sauce come together in about 20 minutes with hardly any effort.
The very first time I made this for my family, they couldn’t believe it wasn’t from a restaurant. My youngest still asks for this every week.
What You Need
- Frozen chicken nuggets: Grab your go-to brand for the most comforting taste Pick nuggets with a crunchy coating so the sauce sticks well
- Orange marmalade: Gives the sauce a bright, citrusy sweetness Look for one with chunks of orange peel for a real homemade feel
- BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky flavor that balances the sweetness Use a mild version so the orange flavor shines
- Soy sauce: Brings that salty, savory hit Use low sodium if you’re watching salt levels
How To Make It
- Mix the Sauce First
- Grab a microwave-safe bowl and whisk the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce together Heat it for 45 seconds on high Give it a good stir again Some bits of orange peel should still be there for texture
- Cook the Nuggets
- Follow the package instructions to warm the frozen chicken nuggets Make sure they’re hot and crispy fresh out of the oven or air fryer so they soak up the sauce better
- Cover With Sauce
- Pour the warm sauce over the hot nuggets while they’re still in the pan or a big bowl Toss everything so each nugget is coated nicely with that sticky glaze
- Time to Eat
- Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice for a classic combo Add sliced green onions or sprinkle sesame seeds if you want some crunch and color
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Things You Should Know
- Packed with protein and full of bright, zesty flavor
- Kids love it and it’s a great fix for a busy family night
What I really enjoy is the orange marmalade. The sweetness and real bits of peel remind me of my grandmother’s homemade jams It’s so fun watching everyone grab seconds and lick the sauce off their forks
How To Store It
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, reheat in the oven or air fryer. The microwave works too but the coating might get a little soft.
Swap Ideas
If you want to add a little kick, swap some orange marmalade for hot pepper jelly For gluten-free, use gluten-free nuggets and tamari sauce To lighten things up, try grilled chicken strips instead of breaded nuggets
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Serving Ideas
This orange chicken is amazing over fluffy steamed rice but also works great on noodles or with stir-fried broccoli For gatherings, serve as a tasty finger food with toothpicks
A Bit of History
This quicker version is inspired by the classic American-Chinese favorite but gets a little help from orange marmalade and bottled BBQ sauce It’s a perfect example of fast, tasty fusion cooking that fits real weeknight life
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap chicken nuggets for fresh chicken?
Sure, use cooked, small chicken breast or thigh pieces if you want to make it from scratch.
- → Is this dish super sweet?
The marmalade brings sweetness but BBQ and soy sauce add a nice mix of savory and tangy flavors to balance it out.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
Definitely. Mix the sauce and keep it in the fridge up to a day before. Warm it up before throwing it on the chicken for the best taste.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
Rice, whether steamed or fried, works great. Simple steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas also pair perfectly.
- → How should I save leftovers?
Put the leftover coated chicken in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for two days max. Heat gently before eating again.