I’m excited to share my easy orange chicken recipe that combines the brightness of orange marmalade with the depth of BBQ sauce. This sweet and savory fusion dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The secret to this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. The orange marmalade adds a tangy and citrusy flavor, while the BBQ sauce provides a rich and smoky undertone.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, I recommend using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh orange juice and a good-quality BBQ sauce. The result is a dish that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serve this orange chicken with steamed vegetables or rice to round out the meal. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe with Orange Marmalade and Bbq Sauce
Simple ingredients come together to create this sweet and savory orange chicken dish.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Orange Marmalade 🍊 | ½ cup | High-quality, citrusy marmalade |
| BBQ Sauce 🍗 | ¼ cup | Good-quality, thick BBQ sauce |
| Soy Sauce 🧂 | 2 tbsp | Low-sodium soy sauce |
| Fresh Orange Juice 🍊 | 2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed orange juice |
| Brown Sugar 🍮 | 1 tbsp | Packed brown sugar |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced garlic |
| Ginger 🌿 | 1 tsp | Grated fresh ginger |
| Cornstarch 🌾 | 1 tbsp | For thickening sauce |
| Vegetable Oil 🫒 | ½ cup | For frying chicken |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Kosher salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground black pepper |
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For the best flavor, use high-quality orange marmalade and good BBQ sauce. Fresh orange juice makes a difference too—don’t skip it. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level. The chicken should be cut into even pieces so it cooks consistently.
No orange marmalade? Apricot jam with orange zest is a decent substitute. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons. You can also use honey instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the crispy texture. You can also freeze it for 2 months—just thaw and reheat. To keep the chicken crispy, store it separately from the sauce and combine when reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Win: I can throw this easy orange chicken recipe together in under 30 minutes, and it’s honestly a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
- Orange Bliss: The combination of orange marmalade and fresh orange juice creates a ridiculously good sauce that’s both tangy and sweet.
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is perfect for meal prep – I make a big batch on Sunday and have lunches covered for days.
- Leftover Love: I always make extra because the leftovers are just as good the next day, and it’s a great way to stretch my grocery budget.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade and BBQ Sauce
Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious sweet and savory fusion dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
Start by cutting the 1.5 lb Chicken Breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with 0.5 tsp Salt and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. I like to use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and uniform pieces that cook evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 tsp Ginger, and 2 cloves Garlic Cloves until well combined. Add the chicken to this marinade and mix until the pieces are fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce by whisking together the 0.5 cup Orange Marmalade, 0.25 cup BBQ Sauce, 2 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice, and 1 tbsp Brown Sugar in a bowl until smooth. I use a high-quality orange marmalade for the best flavor. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. While the oil is heating, mix the 1 tbsp Cornstarch with a pinch of the marinated chicken pieces to coat them lightly. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Be careful when adding chicken to the hot oil as it may splatter. I always use a splatter guard to prevent oil from getting on the stovetop or my skin.
Step 3: Glaze with Orange Marmalade BBQ Sauce
In the same skillet (after removing excess oil), pour in the prepared orange marmalade BBQ sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully glazed.
The sauce should be sticky and caramelized, clinging to the chicken pieces. If it seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little more Fresh Orange Juice. Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the glazed orange chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. I like to serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables to balance the meal. The combination of crispy fried chicken and the sweet, tangy orange marmalade BBQ sauce is sure to be a hit. Make sure to serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is warm.
For an added touch, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top for extra flavor and presentation. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Pro Tips For Making Easy Orange Chicken Recipe With Orange Marmalade And Bbq Sauce
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken breasts until they just reach 165°F, as overcooking will make them dry and tough. I learned this the hard way—after burning three batches, I finally figured out that a quick sear followed by a short bake is the way to go.
- Balance the Sauce: When mixing Orange Marmalade and BBQ Sauce, start with a 2:1 ratio and adjust to taste; this will give you a good balance between sweet and tangy. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: it’s all about finding that harmony between the flavors.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in a mixture of Soy Sauce, Fresh Orange Juice, and a bit of Orange Marmalade for at least 30 minutes to really infuse the meat with flavor. I was skeptical until I tried it, and now I can tell a huge difference in the final dish.
- Finish with Fresh Juice: Add a squeeze of Fresh Orange Juice towards the end of cooking to brighten up the dish and balance out the richness of the BBQ Sauce. Sounds weird, but it works: it adds a nice freshness that elevates the whole recipe.
Dietary Considerations for This Dish
Making It Gluten-Free
To make this orange chicken recipe gluten-free, start by replacing the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Be sure to check the labels of your BBQ sauce and orange marmalade as well, as some brands may contain gluten.
Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations
For a keto version, replace the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia. You can also reduce the amount of orange marmalade used, as it contains natural sugars. Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or a low-carb vegetable stir-fry to keep the dish low in carbs. 🌾
Dairy-Free Considerations
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but be cautious with the BBQ sauce ingredients as some may contain dairy or dairy by-products. Always check the label to ensure it’s dairy-free. If you’re concerned, you can make your own BBQ sauce using dairy-free ingredients.
Spice Level Adjustments
To make this dish spicier, add some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers to the marinade. For a milder version, reduce or omit the ginger and garlic in the marinade. You can also adjust the heat level of your BBQ sauce by choosing a mild or hot version.
Other Dietary Considerations
If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce and be mindful of the salt added to the recipe. You can also reduce the amount of BBQ sauce used, as it can be high in sodium. For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the overall fat content.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade orange marmalade in this recipe?
Yes, homemade orange marmalade works beautifully in this orange chicken recipe. Using homemade marmalade allows you to control the sweetness and bitterness levels. For best results, ensure your homemade marmalade has a similar consistency to store-bought versions. If it’s too runny, you may need to adjust the sauce’s thickening time.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?
To maintain crispy chicken, serve immediately after glazing with the orange marmalade BBQ sauce. If you need to wait, keep the fried chicken separate from the sauce until serving. You can also try baking the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying for a crisper exterior.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry the chicken and glaze with the sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated gently.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes to the marinade or use a spicy BBQ sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit the ginger and garlic in the marinade. You can also choose a mild BBQ sauce to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
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