4-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

Name: 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup orange marmalade; 1/2 Kansas City style BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup low-sodium Soy Sauce; 1 (1 pound bag) frozen fully cooked chicken nuggets; Sliced green onion (optional); Sesame seeds (optional)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup Kansas City-style BBQ sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 (1 pound) bag frozen fully cooked chicken nuggets
Sliced green onions (optional)
Sesame seeds (optional)

This recipe yields 4 servings. Ingredient amounts adjust automatically, but cooking times remain the same.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
Arrange the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until crispy and heated through, following package instructions if needed.
While the nuggets bake, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed and smooth.
Transfer the baked nuggets to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over them and toss until each nugget is evenly coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	615
Total Fat	23g (30% DV)
Saturated Fat	4g (20% DV)
Cholesterol	62mg (21% DV)
Sodium	1654mg (72% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	85g (31% DV)
Dietary Fiber	2g (7% DV)
Total Sugars	60g
Protein	20g (40% DV)
Vitamin C	5mg (5% DV)
Calcium	59mg (5% DV)
Iron	2mg (8% DV)
Potassium	452mg (10% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information is based on available data and may vary. Consult a doctor or dietitian for medically restrictive diets.

4-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

The Fascinating World of Orange Chicken

Orange chicken, a beloved dish in many households and restaurants, traces its origins to the fusion of American and Chinese culinary traditions. While its exact inception is debated, it is widely acknowledged that the dish was popularized in the United States during the late 20th century by Chinese-American chefs looking to adapt traditional recipes to Western tastes. Combining crispy fried chicken with a sweet, tangy orange sauce, this dish quickly became a signature item in Chinese-American cuisine.

Regional Variations

Across the United States, orange chicken has taken on subtle regional twists. In the Midwest, chefs often emphasize a balance of sweetness and tanginess, using marmalade as a base for the sauce. On the West Coast, restaurants might add fresh orange zest or a touch of ginger to brighten the flavor profile. Meanwhile, in the Southern states, some versions incorporate a hint of heat using chili flakes or hot sauce, giving the dish a spicy-sweet dimension. Each region tailors the dish to local palates while maintaining the hallmark orange glaze and crispy chicken texture.

Distinguishing Features

Orange chicken is frequently compared to other sweet-and-sour chicken dishes, but there are clear differences. Unlike General Tsos chicken, which leans heavily on savory, garlicky, and sometimes spicy notes, orange chicken is sweeter and more citrus-forward. Compared to lemon chicken, which relies on a tart, bright lemon sauce, orange chicken offers a deeper, fruitier flavor due to the use of orange marmalade or juice. Its signature appeal comes from the harmonious blend of crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful orange sauce that is both sweet and slightly tangy.

Serving Occasions

Traditionally, orange chicken is served as a main course in Chinese-American restaurants, often accompanied by steamed rice or fried rice and a side of vegetables. It has also become a popular choice for home-cooked meals due to its simplicity and broad appeal. Quick-prep versions, like this 4-ingredient recipe, make it convenient for weeknight dinners, while more elaborate versions are commonly featured in buffet-style or family-style dining, allowing diners to enjoy the crispy chicken coated in rich sauce alongside other dishes.

Interesting Facts

One fascinating aspect of orange chicken is its remarkable adaptability. Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with various citrus combinations, such as grapefruit or tangerine, to tweak the flavor. The dishs popularity in the U.S. even inspired fast-food chains to create their own renditions, making it a household name far beyond traditional Chinese-American eateries. Another interesting fact is that the dishs characteristic sweetness is sometimes balanced with savory or spicy elements, such as soy sauce, ginger, or chili, creating a complex flavor that appeals to multiple taste preferences. Despite its Americanized origin, orange chicken has become an iconic example of culinary cross-cultural exchange.

FAQ about 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

The ingredients for 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken are: 1 cup orange marmalade, 1/2 cup Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 (1-pound) bag frozen fully cooked chicken nuggets. Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the frozen chicken nuggets on a baking sheet for 11 to 13 minutes, or according to the package directions, until hot and crispy.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, until hot. Stir occasionally to combine.

After baking the nuggets, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the nuggets and toss to coat them evenly.

Yes, you can add vegetables! Many people enjoy adding stir-fry vegetables or serving the chicken with a side of vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.

To make this recipe healthier, consider using a lower-sodium soy sauce, using fewer sweet ingredients like marmalade, or pairing it with a side of vegetables or brown rice instead of white rice.

Yes, you can use homemade chicken nuggets instead of frozen ones. Simply prepare the chicken nuggets as you normally would, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.

While this recipe uses BBQ sauce, you can experiment with other sauces like hoisin sauce or even teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Comments

elcue

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Delicious. It’s all about this perfectly tangy sauce! To decrease carbs I stir fried chunks of chicken breast (with a touch of grated fresh ginger and Chinese Five Spice). I tossed in steamed sliced carrots & broccoli florets. We think this sauce would be equally good with pork.

GrandPuppy

11/14/2024 02:13:22 AM

This is so quick and easy. I didn’t have nuggets so I used frozen chopped chicken and it worked great. My husband told me to definitely make it again.

Yummy23

11/14/2024 04:04:39 PM

This was excellent, especially if you use some "quality" ingredients. We used Tyson chicken tenders and Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. Your sauce will not be too sweet with Sweet Baby Ray's. I also added onion & garlic powder, pepper and a chunked onion & served over white rice. Easy and great flavor!

clarkfam

11/13/2024 04:05:08 PM

This recipe is easy and versatile. I use grapefruit, lemon and orange marmalade. All flavors are good. Also add stir fry vegetables what ever I have on hand. Young and old love this recipe.

Grocery Addict

11/25/2024 05:37:06 PM

Very yummy, and impressive how much flavor came from so few ingredients. It was a bit sweet for my taste—but I think orange chicken is typically supposed to be pretty sweet—so I preferred it after adding a hefty dose of sriracha for added sweet heat. Next time I think I'll also try to find frozen popcorn chicken instead of the nuggets to make the bites easier to eat with chopsticks.

WorthyOnion2597

01/28/2025 02:01:17 AM

Way too sweet because of how much orange marmalade was called for. Very orange forward. Could cut that amount in half for sure. Made recipe “as is” then added more soy sauce to cut the sweet. Added chili crisp oil and sriracha for heat. Salt and pepper as needed. Still too sweet.

RubyBroth2624

03/16/2025 02:33:38 AM

Will make this again but I made tweaks to mine: I made my own chicken nuggies by thawing and cutting up chicken fillets, coating in seasoned corn starch and frying in peanut oil. I added salt & pepper to the corn starch. For the sauce I added a small amount of grated fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, and lime juice (sorry I didnt measure). Make the sauce up early in the process. Heat until bubbling while frequently stirring, then turn the heat to like 1 or 2. You want it to stay warm but not bubbly so the ingredients have time to incorporate with each other, or prepare the sauce up the night before and reheat when ready. I served it with white rice and restaurant-style garlic green beans. I also recommend if making the nuggets the same way I did, and want make a large batch, that you make them the night before and reheat when needed

CaringPot6787

11/19/2024 10:05:06 PM

We added in stir fry veggies to the rice and with this on top of it, it was delicious!

BoldJuice5920

01/25/2025 12:42:47 AM

Im wondering if putting the coated chicken nuggets back into the oven for 5=10 minutes would be called for? Carma;ize the coating?

PerkyMead4070

02/09/2025 11:37:26 PM

I used Realgood lightly breaded chicken nuggets. Sugar free Marmalade. Bbq sauce & soy sauce. Only a few tablespoons (with same ratios)since it was just for me as a test

zupanj

02/03/2025 11:31:12 PM

Easy to make. Wife said it was too sweet and I agree it was too something. Not sure I thought it was too sweet but it was certainly intense and I think that is because of the marmalade. Will cut the marmalade in half if I make it again.

SandraB

08/22/2025 11:56:35 AM

This has become my “go to” anytime I need something quick and easy. Simple yet delicious.

Tania

06/27/2025 11:59:24 PM

I had leftover rice and stir fry vegetables so I served with that and it was easy, quick and my picky daughter enjoyed it.

george hancox

06/22/2025 03:39:56 PM

Love it

BriefSoy7903

04/08/2025 10:50:17 PM

Easy to make with great flavor. I substituted BBQ sauce with Hoisin.

LilacBass3922

02/16/2025 10:33:42 PM

Delicious, will try again. Not a big toast eater, didn't have Orange Marmalade. Subbed in some peach habanero jam I had and a little OJ.

BraveZest3112

02/10/2025 01:48:03 AM

I followed this recipe as instructed and it came out beautifully! Family really enjoyed this, and will make again!

zupanj

02/03/2025 11:31:12 PM

William Miller

02/03/2025 02:25:22 PM

Easy, fast, and ridiculously good.

mtrevino

01/31/2025 07:32:17 PM

This recipe is up my alley. I love quick easy recipes. I, unlike others, do not have the time to prepare a gourmet dish that takes a long time to prepare and cook. Thanks for sharing.

Cook Time: 20 minutes

4-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)