4-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is the ultimate quick and easy dinner that delivers all the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors you love in a fraction of the time. With only four simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, flavorful orange sauce that’s sure to satisfy your craving for takeout.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces in a little oil until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).

2. Make the Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, mix together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.

3. Combine:

• Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is sticky.

4. Serve:

• Serve the orange chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables for a quick, satisfying meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Add Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken for a plant-based version.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the skillet for more texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Thaw the chicken fully before cooking for even results.

2. Can I use fresh orange juice instead of marmalade?

Yes, but you’ll need to add sugar to balance the flavor. You can also add a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use a different fruit preserve?

Yes! Try using apricot or peach preserves for a different twist.

5. How can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the amount of orange marmalade and add a little extra soy sauce for a more savory flavor.

Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is a simple, quick, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With minimal ingredients, it’s a great go-to recipe when you’re craving something sweet and savory. Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a satisfying dish that tastes like takeout but is ready in just 20 minutes!

4-Ingredient Orange Chicken

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion

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Description

This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is the perfect quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights. With just four simple ingredients, this dish delivers a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful orange sauce make this recipe an easy takeout-inspired meal that’s ready in 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

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Instructions

• Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces in a little oil until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).
• Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, mix together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
• Combine: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is sticky.
• Serve: Serve the orange chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Notes

• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken for a plant-based version.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the skillet for additional flavor and texture.