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With just four things from the store, this orange chicken is my go-to when life feels wild. Crunchy chicken bites covered in a zesty, sticky orange glaze come together fast, and you get that takeout feeling without leaving home.
When I whipped this up for the first time, my family really thought I’d ordered delivery. The youngest? Still begs for it nonstop.
Tasty Ingredients
- Soy sauce: It makes things extra savory If you want less salt, go with a reduced-sodium version
- BBQ sauce: Gives a cozy smoky flavor Pick a milder one so that orange comes through
- Frozen chicken nuggets: Whatever brand makes you happy Look for those crunchy ones so the tangy sauce stays put
- Orange marmalade: Sweet, bright, and citrusy with chewy bits of peel for extra texture
How to Make Everything
- Finish with Toppings
- Serve your orange chicken over a big scoop of hot rice Toss some sliced green onion or sesame seeds on top if you want a little crunch and color
- Coat the Chicken
- While the chicken’s piping hot, pour the sauce all over in a big bowl or straight on the tray Mix it so every piece gets glossy and covered
- Bake or Air-Fry
- Cook your chicken nuggets as it says on the bag Don’t wait—sauce sticks best while they’re fresh from the oven
- Heat and Mix Sauce
- Toss the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and orange marmalade in a microwave bowl Warm it up for about 45 seconds Stir again, and don’t worry if you see some orange peel chunks
Good to Know
- Loaded with protein and super lively orange flavors
- Kiddos always want seconds and it saves the day on jam-packed evenings
I seriously love that orange marmalade. The sweetness and little bits of peel always make me think of my grandma’s jam stash. I get a kick out of how quickly everyone cleans their plate and comes back for seconds.
Leftover Ideas
Pop what’s left in a sealed tub in the fridge and eat in the next three days. Crisp it back up in the oven or air fryer for best crunch. You can nuke it, but the outer layer might soften up.
Mix Things Up
If you’re feeling spicy, swap in some hot pepper jelly for the marmalade To skip gluten, use gluten-free nuggets and tamari instead of soy Want to go lighter? Try grilled chicken strips in place of the breaded ones
Serving Ideas
This sticky orange chicken is awesome with fluffy rice, but noodles or a pile of stir-fried broccoli work too. Want party snacks? Pass them out with toothpicks—people will hover around for more.
A Little History
This shortcut dish takes inspiration from the classic American-Chinese favorite. Orange marmalade and store-bought BBQ sauce make it super quick and big on flavor—just right for busy nights when you want something special.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I use fresh chicken instead of nuggets?
Definitely! Just cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-size pieces and cook them like usual.
- → Does this taste really sweet?
The marmalade gives it sweetness but the soy and BBQ sauces add a nice savory and tangy kick, so it’s balanced.
- → Can the sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day early and keep it in the fridge. Warm it up before adding the chicken.
- → What sides go well with it?
Rice is the top pick, steamed or fried. You can also try steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat it within two days and warm it gently before serving.