3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken will knock your socks off with just a handful of everyday ingredients and practically zero fuss! Tender, juicy chicken nuggets get tossed with a sticky, bright orange glaze that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory. There’s no deep frying or complicated sauces here—just BIG flavor with the satisfying crunch you crave. If you’re looking for a family-favorite meal that comes together lightning-fast and disappears even faster, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is how these humble ingredients team up to create something downright craveable! Each element pulls its weight, adding a punch of flavor, color, or texture you’d never expect from such a simple list.

• Chicken nuggets: Pre-cooked and ready to go, these give you that crispy chicken bite without a messy breading or fry session.
• Sweet orange marmalade: This citrusy jam delivers the signature sticky-sweet orange glaze and gorgeous shine.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite—something bold and smoky helps balance all the sweetness.
• Soy sauce: A splash of umami brings savory depth and rounds out the sauce (don’t skip it!).
• Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle gives the finished dish a subtle, nutty aroma that feels extra special.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Nuggets

Start by preparing your chicken nuggets according to the package instructions. Whether you bake or air fry, you want them hot and ultra-crispy so they’ll stand up to that mouthwatering glaze.

Step 2: Mix Up the Saucy Magic

While those nuggets are getting golden, grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine the sweet orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir, making sure the marmalade breaks up completely for a silky smooth sauce.

Step 3: Heat the Sauce for Extra Flavor

Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave the sauce for about 45 seconds. This short burst melts everything into one glossy, beautiful glaze that’ll cling perfectly to every bite.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Once the chicken nuggets are cooked and your sauce is steamy, pour the sauce right over the hot nuggets. Toss everything together until every piece is coated in that luscious sweet-and-smoky orange glaze. You won’t believe how much the flavor pops!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken with a flurry of sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a little extra orange zest. These little touches add fresh flavor and make every bite look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Go classic and serve it over a bed of sticky white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. Steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or even a simple Asian slaw all make great sidekicks for this vibrant chicken dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your orange chicken into lettuce cups for a fun appetizer, or skewer the saucy nuggets and serve as party bites. I’ve even topped pizza dough with leftovers and a sprinkle of cheese for a wild East-meets-West twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce gets more flavorful by the hour—but if you can resist sneaking bites, you have more willpower than I do!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the chicken cool completely first. Place it in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze the pieces individually, then pop them into a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing that wonderful texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chilled or frozen 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in a hot oven (about 375°F) until warmed through. This brings back the crisp edges and sticky glaze. A microwave will work in a pinch, but you might lose a little crunch.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen nuggets?

Absolutely! If you have leftover crispy chicken or want to cube and roast chicken breast, just make sure it’s fully cooked and crunchy. The sauce will work its magic on any kind of bite-sized chicken.

What can I substitute for orange marmalade?

If you don’t have orange marmalade, try using apricot jam with a little squeeze of fresh orange juice. You’ll get similar citrusy sweetness and sticky texture.

Is 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken gluten free?

It depends on the nuggets, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce you use. Look for gluten free-labeled products or swap in tamari for the soy sauce to keep everything friendly for gluten sensitive eaters.

How spicy is this dish?

On its own, 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is more sweet and tangy than spicy. If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with a drizzle of sriracha on top.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe is super easy to scale up. You can double or triple the quantities with zero extra effort—just make sure you have a big enough bowl for tossing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s wildly delicious yet unbelievably easy, you have to try this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken. It’s become a staple at my house for good reason: fast, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser. Give it a go and get ready for happy faces around the table!

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