How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Asian-American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient orange chicken delivers all the sweet, tangy, sticky flavor of your favorite takeout in a fraction of the time and cost. Chicken thighs coated in orange marmalade and soy sauce create a glossy, restaurant-worthy dish with almost no effort.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 31g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
- 0.5 cup orange marmalade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the orange marmalade and soy sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to medium and pour the sauce over the chicken.
Step 3: Glaze and Serve
Stir the chicken to coat it completely in the orange sauce. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating every piece of chicken. Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- orange marmalade → apricot jam plus a squeeze of fresh orange juice for a less bitter flavor
- chicken thighs → boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes for a leaner option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan which steams the chicken instead of creating a golden sear
- Cooking the sauce on too high heat which causes it to burn quickly due to the high sugar content in the marmalade
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 31g protein, 28g carbs, 17g fat, 0g fiber.
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