How to Make 4 Ingredient Orange Chicken in Minutes

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to whip up a dish that’s as delicious as it is quick? Today, I’m super excited to share with you my go-to recipe for 4 Ingredient Orange Chicken. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great addition to your collection of quick family dinners and easy pasta recipes that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just 4 simple ingredients—yes, you read that right!
• Ready in minutes, making it a perfect 30-minute meal.
• Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas that are both easy and flavorful.
• Kid-friendly and customizable to your taste preferences.
• No fancy cooking techniques required—just mix, toss, and serve!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy orange chicken recipe:

• 5 cups frozen chicken nuggets (cooked according to the package directions)
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, it’s as simple as it gets!

1. In a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Heat in the microwave on high heat for 45 seconds, then whisk the sauce until smooth (there will be small chunks from the orange rind in the orange marmalade).
2. Pour the sauce over the fully cooked chicken nuggets (be sure the nuggets are freshly cooked and hot) and toss to coat.
3. Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed rice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to take your 4 Ingredient Orange Chicken to the next level:

• Customize the Sauce: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a bit of honey. For a spicier version, toss in some red pepper flakes!
• Freshness Matters: Make sure your orange marmalade isn’t expired, as it can affect the flavor.
• Texture Preference: If you’re not a fan of the chunky texture from the orange rind, you can strain the sauce before tossing it with the chicken.
• Pair it Up: Serve with some steamed veggies or a side salad for a balanced meal. If you’re a fan of creamy garlic pasta, it pairs wonderfully with this dish too!

How to Serve

Serving this orange chicken is as easy as making it! Here are a few ideas:

• Over Rice: The classic way to enjoy orange chicken is over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
• In a Bowl: Turn it into a meal prep bowl with some roasted veggies and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl!
• With Noodles: Toss it with some noodles for a quick and easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinner ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead and store:

• Make Ahead: Cook the chicken nuggets and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to toss them together.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing just the sauce. Simply thaw and toss with freshly cooked chicken when you’re ready.

And there you have it, folks! A delicious, easy, and quick orange chicken recipe that’s perfect for your next weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for more 30-minute meals or easy meal ideas, be sure to check out some of my other recipes. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!