3 Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ)

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is my secret to getting that sweet, tangy, and savory flavor of takeout-style orange chicken with almost no effort. This simple recipe uses just orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and crispy chicken, yet the flavor is bold and satisfying. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when I need dinner fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it couldn’t be easier. Just three ingredients and I’ve got a sticky, delicious glaze that clings to crispy chicken bites. It hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and a little smoky—without requiring a long list of ingredients or a lot of prep time. It’s perfect when I want that takeout taste without ordering in, and it’s so versatile I can serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as a party appetizer.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked crispy chicken (frozen popcorn chicken, nuggets, or homemade)

• Orange marmalade

• BBQ sauce (any style I like, smoky or sweet)

directions

1. I cook the chicken according to package instructions or make my own until it’s golden and crispy.

2. While the chicken cooks, I mix equal parts orange marmalade and BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

3. I let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring often, until it’s warm and slightly thickened.

4. Once the chicken is ready, I toss it in the sauce until fully coated.

5. I serve it hot over rice or noodles, or with steamed veggies on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 5 minutes to prepare the sauce and 15–20 minutes to cook the chicken (depending on the type), so I have dinner ready in 20–25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if I want extra umami or a bit of heat. I’ve also used spicy BBQ sauce for more kick. For a tropical twist, I stir in a little pineapple juice or add pineapple chunks to the finished dish.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Yes, I often use fresh chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned, and pan-fried until crispy before tossing in the sauce.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

I like using a smoky or sweet-style BBQ sauce, but any variety works. It depends on whether I want more tang, heat, or sweetness.

Is orange marmalade the same as orange jam?

Not exactly. Orange marmalade usually has citrus peel and a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness, which is perfect for this dish. But orange jam can work if I’m in a pinch.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I’ve added cooked chicken and the sauce to a slow cooker on low for 1–2 hours just to keep it warm for parties. But I don’t recommend cooking raw chicken this way with the sauce—it’s better to crisp the chicken first.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

I don’t freeze it after it’s coated in sauce, but I freeze the cooked chicken and just make the sauce fresh when I’m ready to serve.

Conclusion

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ) is my favorite quick-fix dinner when I need something tasty and satisfying without much prep. It brings bold flavor with minimal work, and everyone at my table always asks for seconds. Whether I’m feeding my family or making a last-minute meal, this recipe is always a winner.