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This easy orange chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of classic Chinese takeout right at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Using just four simple ingredients and frozen chicken nuggets, you can whip up a sweet and savory dinner in under twenty minutes. The homemade orange glaze, made with orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, delivers a delicious balance of citrusy sweetness, smoky richness, and umami depth. This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Ingredients
- Five cups frozen chicken nuggets: cooked according to package directions. Using frozen nuggets is a great shortcut to get that crispy outside and tender inside quickly without the hassle of breading and frying yourself
- One cup orange marmalade: for natural sweetness and brightness. The little bits of orange rind add a lovely texture and zesty citrus flavor that’s essential to authentic orange chicken
- Half a cup BBQ sauce: provides a smoky, tangy undertone that surprisingly complements the orange glaze perfectly. Choose a Kansas City-style BBQ sauce if you want that classic balance of sweet and tang
- Three tablespoons soy sauce: to bring umami and saltiness to the sauce. Using low sodium soy sauce is a great way to control salt levels while keeping that rich soy flavor intact
Step-by-step instructions
- Saucemaking:
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl whisk the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce together until combined. Heat the mixture on high in the microwave for 45 seconds. This warming helps the marmalade soften and the flavors meld beautifully. After heating, whisk again until the sauce is smooth though you will notice some small chunks of orange rind from the marmalade which add wonderful texture
- Coating the Chicken:
- Make sure your chicken nuggets are cooked fresh according to package instructions and still hot. Immediately pour the warm orange sauce over the nuggets and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece evenly in the glossy glaze. The heat from the nuggets helps the sauce cling perfectly
- Serving:
- Serve the orange chicken immediately over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce making every bite delicious. This dish also pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal
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Storage tips
Keep leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken nuggets. If freezing, separate into portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient substitutions
Frozen chicken nuggets can be swapped for chicken tenders or even cooked chicken pieces for a slightly different texture. For a vegetarian twist, crispy tofu cubes or tempeh would work well. If you do not have BBQ sauce on hand, try mixing hoisin sauce with a touch of honey to replicate the sweet and smoky flavors. Use regular soy sauce if low sodium is not available, just adjust salt to taste.
Serving suggestions
Orange chicken goes perfectly with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables for a healthy side. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions to add texture and freshness. A few fresh orange slices on the side brighten the presentation and enhance the citrus notes. You can also serve with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh chicken instead of nuggets?
Yes, you can cook fresh chicken pieces or breasts and then toss them in the orange glaze. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- → How do I make the sauce less thick?
Stir in a little orange juice or water to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- → Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Use spicy chicken nuggets or add hot sauce to the glaze to increase the heat level.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed white or brown rice pairs perfectly, along with steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the microwave.
- → Can the glaze be used with other meats?
Yes, this sweet and tangy orange glaze works well with pork, beef, fish, or shrimp too.