If you’re craving big flavor with almost zero fuss, you’ll fall head over heels for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken. It’s a family favorite for good reason: perfectly crispy chicken nuggets get tossed in a sticky, zesty orange barbecue sauce that tastes like a hug in a bowl. The best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples, and you can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes! Whether you want Chinese takeout vibes at home or need a quick meal everyone will devour, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few essential ingredients, 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken transforms simple components into a dish that’s irresistibly tangy, saucy, and satisfying. Each one plays a starring role in the flavor and texture that make this recipe magic.
- Chicken Nuggets: Use your favorite precooked brand for effortless crispy bites; they’re the “secret shortcut” to getting that golden crunch without any frying mess.
- BBQ Sauce: Reach for a good-quality, sweet barbecue sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s—the smoky sweetness is a bold backdrop for the orange flavor.
- Sweet Orange Marmalade: This thick, citrusy preserve is the secret weapon for a bright, sticky glaze, pairing perfectly with the savory barbecue notes.
- Soy Sauce: Just a few tablespoons bring the whole sauce together with a salty, umami punch and balance out the sweetness.
- Sesame Oil (Optional): For a hint of toasted nuttiness, drizzle in a little sesame oil—it adds depth and a subtle rich aroma.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Step 1: Bake the Crispy Chicken Nuggets
Start by cooking your chicken nuggets according to the package directions. The key here is to keep them super crispy on the outside, so try spreading them out in an even layer on a baking sheet. Flip them halfway through baking for the best crunch. If you have an air fryer, go ahead and use it—air-fried nuggets get extra golden and crispy, which tastes incredible when coated with the orange sauce.
Step 2: Whip Up the Orange BBQ Sauce
While the nuggets are baking away, stir together your barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and (if you’re using it) sesame oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Give it a good mix until everything’s combined. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent any sticky splatters, then microwave for about 45 seconds. This quick zap warms everything up and lets the flavors meld into a glossy, fragrant glaze that’s ready to coat your chicken.
Step 3: Toss Together for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Perfection
Once the chicken nuggets are sizzling and golden, immediately toss them in the sauce. Use a big mixing bowl and stir gently to make sure every piece gets a generous glossy coating. The heat from the nuggets helps the sauce seep in, turning each bite into that sweet-tangy, finger-licking goodness you’re craving from 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds right before serving—these little extras bring color and a fresh crunch. If you want more zing, a little orange zest or a dash of red pepper flakes will take each bite to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
For a classic takeout-style meal, serve 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or even fried rice. Don’t forget some crisp steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a colorful Asian slaw to round out the plate. The vibrant sauce pairs perfectly with mild, simple sides that soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading saucy nuggets onto skewers for party-friendly orange chicken sticks, or pile them onto a platter for easy sharing. For a fun twist, tuck the chicken into lettuce cups or top a simple salad with saucy nuggets and extra drizzle of that glossy orange glaze. Leftovers also make a killer filling for wraps or Asian-style tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the sauced nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle while the sauce thickens up even more. For the best texture, try to keep the sauce and chicken separate until ready to serve, if possible.
Freezing
You can freeze unsauced baked chicken nuggets for up to 2 months. When it comes to 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken, it’s best to hold off on freezing the sauced version so the coating doesn’t get soggy. Instead, thaw the nuggets and make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To recapture the chicken’s crispy crunch, reheat nuggets in an oven or air fryer until hot and golden, then warm the sauce separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once both are hot, toss together just before serving and enjoy your 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken nuggets instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade nuggets bring even more flavor and wholesomeness to your 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken. Just bake or fry them as you would normally, then proceed with the sauce recipe for the same sticky, delicious finish.
What if I don’t have orange marmalade? Is there a good substitute?
If orange marmalade isn’t on hand, try using apricot jam or peach preserves with a splash of orange juice. The goal is to recreate that bright, citrusy tang that makes 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken so crave-worthy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free chicken nuggets and be sure your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free. That way, everyone can dig into this quick and tasty dish without worry.
How can I make it spicier?
For some heat, stir in a teaspoon or two of sriracha, gochujang, or even diced fresh chili peppers into the sauce before microwaving. The sweet and spicy combo is out of this world for fans of bold flavors in their 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken.
Does this recipe double easily?
Yes, it’s super simple to scale up for a crowd. Just double the sauce and the chicken nuggets, but be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet so the nuggets stay crispy. The more, the merrier—everyone will want seconds!
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is one of those dishes you’ll reach for every time you need a seriously delicious dinner with minimal effort. With hardly any prep and a ton of bright, sticky-sweet flavor, it’s sure to win over everyone at your table. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite weeknight staple!
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3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in less than 20 minutes! Easy orange marmalade BBQ sauce and crispy chicken make for a quick and tasty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Nuggets:
- 5 cups chicken nuggets, precooked
BBQ Sauce Mixture:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken Nuggets: Cook the chicken nuggets according to the package instructions.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 45 seconds.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the hot, crispy chicken nuggets with the orange BBQ sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 566 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 1151mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 84g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
