Zesty 3 Ingredient Orange Marmalade BBQ Chicken Recipe

Whipping up a quick and delectable orange chicken with just three ingredient magic can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Simplicity meets incredible flavor in this unexpected culinary creation.

Tangy marmalade blends perfectly with classic bbq sauce to create an irresistible glaze.

Sweet meets savory in a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

One skillet becomes your secret weapon for crafting restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.

Succulent chicken pieces coated in this vibrant sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t believe how something so straightforward can taste so phenomenal.

Grab your apron and let’s make dinner spectacular!

Pairings for 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

• Elevate Citrus Sweetness: Pair this tangy orange chicken with a crisp Riesling wine, whose light sweetness and bright acidity complement the dish's fruity barbecue glaze.
• Balance Bold Flavors: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber and mint salad to cool down the rich, sweet-savory chicken and provide a contrasting crisp texture.
• Enhance Zesty Notes: Add steamed jasmine rice as a perfect base, allowing the orange bbq sauce to soak into the grains and create a harmonious flavor experience.
• Complete the Meal: Finish with a light lemon sorbet dessert that echoes the citrus theme and cleanses the palate after the intense chicken flavors.

Tasty Options for Orange Marmalade BBQ Chicken

• Gluten-Free Zest: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly and gluten-sensitive.
• Vegan Citrus Crunch: Swap chicken nuggets with tofu or tempeh nuggets, using plant-based BBQ sauce and ensuring all ingredients are vegan-certified.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free orange marmalade and a reduced-sugar BBQ sauce to create a lighter version with fewer calories.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the orange BBQ mixture for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need chicken nuggets, bbq sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil. These five simple ingredients create a delicious and easy meal.

• Can I use homemade chicken nuggets instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade or store-bought chicken nuggets will work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cooked crispy before tossing in the sauce.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The sweet and tangy sauce is mild and appealing to children. Most kids love chicken nuggets, and the orange marmalade adds a fun twist to a classic dish.

• How spicy is the orange bbq sauce?

The sauce is not spicy at all. It’s a sweet and slightly tangy combination of bbq sauce and orange marmalade, making it mild and enjoyable for most taste preferences.

Why 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Is So Simple

• Whip Up Effortless Meal: This recipe requires just three ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare for busy home cooks who want delicious food without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily swap BBQ sauce varieties or adjust marmalade types to create your unique twist on a classic comfort dish that keeps meal preparation exciting.
• Speed-Ready Dinner Solution: Using pre-cooked chicken nuggets and a quick microwave sauce means you can have a tasty meal on the table in mere minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights or last-minute hunger strikes.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: The sweet and tangy orange BBQ sauce combined with crispy chicken nuggets makes this a guaranteed hit with children and picky eaters who love familiar, approachable flavors.

What You Need for Orange Marmalade BBQ Chicken

• Chicken Nuggets: Crispy, golden chicken pieces perfect for a quick meal.

• BBQ Sauce: Tangy and slightly smoky condiment.
• Orange Marmalade: Sweet and citrusy preserve with orange peel bits.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and umami Asian seasoning.
• Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty oil with deep flavor.

• Damp Paper Towel: Helps control moisture during microwaving.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Container for mixing and heating sauce.

Cooking Instructions for 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Nuggets

Open the bag of chicken nuggets and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

Follow the cooking instructions on the package to achieve crispy, golden-brown nuggets.

Bake or air fry until they are perfectly cooked and have a nice crunch.

Step 2: Create Tangy Orange Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Orange marmalade
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering.

Step 3: Heat Sauce

Place the covered bowl in the microwave and heat for 45 seconds.

The brief heating will help blend the flavors and create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

Remove the hot chicken nuggets from the oven or air fryer.

Pour the warm orange BBQ sauce over the nuggets.

Gently toss the nuggets until they are completely coated in the sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the saucy chicken nuggets to a serving plate.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

These orange-glazed chicken nuggets make a delightful appetizer or quick meal that’s sure to impress.

Easy Tips for Orange Marmalade Chicken

• Warm the sauce just before serving to keep it glossy and prevent separation, ensuring each chicken nugget gets perfectly coated.
• Adjust the sauce's sweetness by using low-sugar marmalade or adding a splash of rice vinegar for extra tanginess.
• Select a high-quality BBQ sauce and orange marmalade for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
• Bake or air fry nuggets instead of microwaving to maintain maximum crispiness when adding the sauce.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Orange Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness and prevent drying out.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Drizzle extra orange BBQ sauce over reheated chicken to refresh the flavor and prevent the meat from tasting bland or too dry.

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade Bbq) Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling “3 Ingredient Orange Chicken” offers a quick culinary adventure blending sweet and tangy flavors. Succulent chicken pieces glazed with orange marmalade and barbecue sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 5 cups chicken nuggets (precooked)

Sauces and Condiments:

• 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Rays)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

Additional Flavoring:

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven or prepare air fryer according to chicken nugget package instructions for optimal crispiness.
2. While chicken is cooking, create the vibrant orange glaze by combining bbq sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a microwave-safe container.
3. Cover the sauce mixture with a slightly dampened paper towel to prevent splattering and ensure even heating.
4. Microwave the sauce for approximately 45 seconds, stirring halfway through to blend the ingredients thoroughly and release their aromatic flavors.
5. Once the chicken nuggets are golden and crisp, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
6. Pour the heated orange-infused bbq sauce over the hot nuggets, gently tossing to ensure each piece is evenly and generously coated with the glossy, tangy glaze.
7. Serve the saucy chicken nuggets immediately while they remain hot and crispy, allowing the vibrant flavors to tantalize your taste buds.

Notes

• Swap out traditional BBQ sauce for a homemade version to control sugar content and flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick that elevates the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Consider using air fryer or oven-baked chicken nuggets for a lighter, crispier texture with less oil.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to enhance visual appeal and add a fresh crunch.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg