4-Ingredient Orange Chicken

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, and super simple, this 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is just the recipe you need! It’s the perfect mix of crispy chicken and a tangy orange sauce that’ll have you coming back for more. With only four ingredients, you can whip this up in no time—trust me, you won’t believe how easy (and tasty) it is.

Why You’ll Love 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken

This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Quick and Simple: Only four ingredients and just a few easy steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. No complicated steps, just pure flavor!

Flavor Explosion: The tangy orange sauce is sweet, savory, and sticky in all the right ways. The crispy chicken provides the perfect contrast to that rich sauce, creating a combination that’s completely irresistible.

Minimal Ingredients: Who says you need a ton of ingredients to make something amazing? With just four items, this dish proves that less is more when it comes to great flavors.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding the family or serving a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed hit. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to make in larger quantities!

Ingredients in 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy chicken is the base of this recipe. Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for a little extra flavor and moisture.

Orange Marmalade: The key to the sauce! The sweet and tangy orange marmalade coats the chicken and gives it that signature orange flavor.

Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds a savory, umami kick that balances out the sweetness of the marmalade.

Cornstarch: This is for coating the chicken before frying. It creates a crispy, golden exterior that pairs perfectly with the sticky sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible orange chicken!

Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to fry and ensure every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce.

Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they’re well-coated. The cornstarch will give the chicken a crispy coating when fried.

Fry the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides—about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce is warm and combined. Taste and adjust the sauce, adding more marmalade if you prefer a sweeter sauce or more soy sauce for a saltier flavor.

Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the sauce until each piece is well-coated.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your orange chicken over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is for a tasty, no-fuss meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken

This orange chicken is a standout dish on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Rice: Serve this orange chicken over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a balanced, hearty meal.

Noodles: If you’re craving noodles, toss the chicken in with some cooked noodles for a savory stir-fry-style meal.

Vegetables: A side of roasted or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas would complement the sweetness of the orange chicken nicely.

Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you get the best results with this simple dish:

Adjust the Sauce: If you like a more intense orange flavor, you can add a little orange juice or zest to the sauce for an extra burst of citrus.

Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the orange marmalade sauce.

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. If you’re not worried about extra fat, they’ll make the dish even tastier.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the chicken crispy.

Make it Ahead: You can prep the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Just store the components separately and assemble and cook when you’re ready to serve!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken fully before cutting and cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different sauce instead of orange marmalade?
A2: You can try using apricot jam, honey, or a homemade orange sauce, though the flavor might differ slightly.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to toss them together and cook just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, but the chicken may lose some crispiness.

Q5: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
A5: Yes, low-sodium soy sauce will work just fine. Just keep in mind that it might result in a slightly less savory flavor.

Q6: Can I make this dish in the oven?
A6: Yes! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, then toss with the sauce.

Q7: Can I freeze the orange chicken?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight and warm it up on the stove with the sauce.

Q8: Can I make this dish without cornstarch?
A8: The cornstarch gives the chicken a crispy coating, but you could try using flour or skipping it for a different texture.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A9: Absolutely! You can stir in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make it more filling.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish a nice spicy kick.

Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is the perfect quick meal when you want something tasty, satisfying, and super simple. With crispy chicken, a tangy sauce, and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles for a complete dinner that everyone will love!

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