4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Craving takeout but want a healthier, budget-friendly option? This 4-ingredient orange chicken recipe is your weeknight dinner hero! Skip the greasy delivery and whip up this satisfying dish in under 30 minutes.
Packed with flavor yet incredibly simple, this recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cubed and cooked until golden brown, then coated in a tangy, sweet orange marmalade sauce balanced with savory soy sauce and rich brown sugar.
This recipe is easily customizable! Want a thicker sauce? Add a cornstarch slurry. Craving a bit of heat? Include a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t have brown sugar? Substitute honey or maple syrup.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
This 4-ingredient orange chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying takeout cravings without breaking the bank. So ditch the delivery menu and get cooking!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great, more flavorful alternative. Just be aware that they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
I don’t have orange marmalade. What can I use instead?
You can substitute another citrusy spread like apricot preserves or pineapple jam. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How can I make the chicken crispier?
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken it?
As mentioned in the recipe, you can add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, toss it with the sauce as directed.
What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables are all great options.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What you need to make 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup orange marmalade
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
How to make it:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips:
For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and cook for an additional minute, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Want to add a little heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute honey or maple syrup.For a more flavorful chicken, marinate it in the soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
Latest Reviews:
This recipe is a lifesaver! – Who knew 4 ingredients could be so delicious? My family devoured it, even my picky eater who loved the sweet and tangy sauce. Definitely will be making this again! Mary R.
Huge hit with the kids! – So easy to throw together after soccer practice. The chicken was nice and crispy, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and savory. We’ll be trying it with chicken thighs next time. Carlos K.
This is my new go-to for takeout cravings – So much faster and healthier than ordering in. Loved the tip about adding a cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce. Perfect over brown rice! Peggy T.
Printable Recipe:
4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight! With only 4 ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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