Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: Tangy Homemade Magic in Minutes

Whipping up a quick and delightful orange chicken might just become your new weeknight dinner obsession.

Zesty citrus notes dance perfectly with crispy chicken pieces.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create something spectacular.

Our approach cuts down complicated steps without sacrificing flavor intensity.

Tender chicken coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce promises to impress everyone around the table.

Fresh orange juice and minimal prep work make this dish a winner.

Why Orange Chicken is a Favorite

• Rescue Dinner in Minutes: Grab pre-cooked popcorn chicken and rice to create a delicious meal without complicated prep work, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize with Ease: Mix store-bought ingredients like orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce to craft a personalized sauce that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-style dish.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Explosion: Sweet and tangy orange sauce coats crispy chicken, making this recipe a guaranteed hit with children who love fun, bold tastes.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just a saucepan and bowl means less washing up, allowing more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Ingredients for Orange Chicken

• Popcorn Chicken: Crispy frozen chicken pieces that form the protein foundation of the dish.
• Rice: A classic side that provides a neutral base for the flavorful chicken.

• Orange Marmalade: A sweet and tangy citrus spread that creates the primary flavor profile.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky and rich undertone to the orange sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces a savory and umami element to balance the sweetness.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide a fresh crunch and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Cook Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Popcorn Chicken and Rice

Follow the cooking instructions on the package for both popcorn chicken and rice. Make sure to cook them simultaneously to ensure everything is hot and ready at the same time.

Step 2: Create Zesty Orange Sauce

• Orange marmalade
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce

Stir the ingredients thoroughly to create a vibrant and tangy sauce.

Step 3: Simmer Sauce to Perfection

Heat the sauce mixture over medium-low temperature.

Continuously stir the sauce for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and well-combined. The gentle heat helps meld the flavors together.

Step 4: Coat Chicken in Delicious Sauce

Transfer the cooked popcorn chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and gently toss until every piece is completely covered in the glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 5: Plate and Savor

Spread the freshly cooked rice on serving plates. Top the rice with the saucy orange-glazed popcorn chicken.

The dish is now ready to be enjoyed immediately while still warm and delicious.

Pro Tips for Orange Chicken

• Whisk marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended coating for maximum flavor.
• Simmer sauce on medium-low to prevent burning and maintain a glossy, even consistency.
• Use a large bowl for tossing to guarantee every piece of popcorn chicken gets evenly and completely covered in the tangy orange sauce.
• Prep rice and chicken simultaneously to save time and create a speedy weeknight dinner solution.
• Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of ginger to the sauce for an extra kick of warmth and complexity.

Variations for Orange Chicken

• Spicy Kick Orange Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
• Honey Glaze Variation: Replace BBQ sauce with honey for a sweeter, more mellow orange chicken experience.
• Asian-Inspired Version: Mix in ginger and garlic powder to the sauce for an authentic restaurant-style taste.
• Pineapple Fusion: Incorporate crushed pineapple into the orange sauce for a tropical, tangy profile.

Pairing Food For Orange Chicken

• Elevate Citrus Sweetness: Pair this orange chicken with a crisp Riesling wine, whose subtle sweetness and bright acidity complement the tangy orange sauce perfectly.
• Create Refreshing Balance: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar to cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a cool, fresh contrast.
• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Add steamed broccoli or roasted green beans to introduce a subtle green vegetable that adds nutritional value and balances the dish's sweet and savory profile.
• Boost Texture Variety: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to introduce a crunchy element and add visual appeal to the colorful orange-glazed chicken.

Storage Tips for Orange Chicken

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place chicken and rice on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Spread chicken and rice in a baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically to ensure even heating.

Warm chicken and rice in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or extra sauce to keep the dish juicy and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Popcorn chicken is perfect as it’s pre-cooked and bite-sized, making preparation quick and easy.

• Can I use different sauces if I don't have orange marmalade?

While orange marmalade gives a unique flavor, you can substitute with apricot jam or another sweet citrus preserve for similar results.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy sauce combined with crispy chicken makes it a hit with children and adults alike.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat if desired.

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory orange chicken delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors straight from home kitchens. Crispy golden chicken pieces glazed with zesty citrus sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Proteins:

• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) bag frozen popcorn chicken

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 (17 ounces/482 grams) jar orange marmalade
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce

Serving Accompaniment:

• Cooked white or brown rice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare popcorn chicken and rice following package guidelines, ensuring thorough cooking.
2. In a medium saucepan, blend orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, whisking to integrate flavors smoothly.
3. Heat the sauce mixture over medium-low temperature for approximately 5 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent burning and achieve a uniform consistency.
4. Transfer cooked popcorn chicken into a spacious mixing bowl, then generously coat each piece with the hot orange sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Plate the sauced chicken atop the prepared rice, creating an appetizing and flavorful meal ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Choose high-quality popcorn chicken for better texture and flavor, preferably brands with crispy breading.
• Adjust sauce sweetness by balancing orange marmalade and BBQ sauce ratios to suit personal taste preferences.
• For a healthier version, use low-sodium soy sauce and opt for baked or air-fryer chicken instead of traditional deep-fried.
• Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds to add extra visual appeal and subtle crunch to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 492 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 1260 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg