This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner! With just four simple ingredients, you can transform frozen chicken bites into a sweet, tangy, and sticky orange chicken dish that tastes like takeout but is made in minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without the fuss.
Prep Time
- 5 minutes
Cook Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 25 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (24–32 oz) bag frozen chicken bites (fully cooked, such as popcorn chicken or nuggets)
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce until smooth. The combination of these three ingredients creates a sweet, savory, and tangy glaze that perfectly coats the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Spread the frozen chicken bites evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle half of the sauce over the chicken bites, tossing gently to coat them evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes , or until the chicken bites are heated through and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Add the Final Glaze
- Once the chicken bites are done, remove them from the oven and toss them with the reserved sauce for an extra sticky, flavorful coating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of veggies for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of orange marmalade or a drizzle of honey.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the frozen chicken bites in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss with the sauce after cooking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze unglazed chicken bites for up to 1 month . Add the sauce after reheating.
Variations
- Homemade Chicken Bites: Use bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs instead of frozen chicken bites. Bake or fry them until cooked through before tossing with the sauce.
- Different Sauces: Swap BBQ sauce with hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a flavor twist.
- Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and just four pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or simply craving takeout flavors at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ready to make dinner a breeze? Grab your ingredients and whip up this easy, crowd-pleasing orange chicken—it’s quick, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying!
