Craving something sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is exactly what you need. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese takeout spot—without any of the hassle. It’s simple, quick, and loaded with that mouthwatering orange flavor we all love. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This recipe is all about making your life easier without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why it’s a total winner:
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Budget-Friendly: With only four ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight dinner solution.
Customizable: Want more spice or sweetness? Feel free to tweak it to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will love this! The balance of sweet and tangy will make everyone at the table smile.
Ingredients
Ingredients in 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This recipe is a breeze to put together with just four key ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and perfect bite-size portions.
Orange Marmalade: The star ingredient! It gives the dish that signature tangy sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to balance the sweetness of the marmalade.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a nice glossy finish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the simple steps that will give you the perfect 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken:
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a little more marmalade if desired.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the orange sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the orange chicken over rice or noodles, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is provided in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed rice or fried rice for the perfect balance.
- Sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for added crunch.
- Noodles for a heartier meal.
Additional Tips
- Want some extra flavor? Try adding a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the sauce for a zesty kick.
- If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
- For a crispy version, coat the chicken in a bit of flour before frying.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a finishing touch.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
3. Can I use a different kind of marmalade?
You can use lemon or grapefruit marmalade if you prefer a different citrus flavor.
4. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, add a little more cornstarch mixed with water to achieve your desired thickness.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
6. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas would all make great additions.
7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of marmalade?
You can use honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
8. How do I make the chicken crispy?
Coat the chicken in flour or cornstarch before cooking it in oil for a crispy texture.
9. How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a larger crowd.
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is everything you need in a meal: quick, easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a simple yet delicious dish, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a burst of sweet and savory goodness in every bite!
Print
4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Description
This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is a quick and easy takeout-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, sweet, and tangy chicken dish in no time!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce.
4. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove from heat and serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
– For extra crispiness, coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
– Adjust sweetness by using more or less orange marmalade.
– Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– This dish pairs well with white rice, brown rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg