3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the takeout experience right into your home kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful yet simple to prepare. The combination of BBQ sauce, sweet orange marmalade, and soy sauce creates a tangy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. The ease of making this dish, along with its mouthwatering flavor, makes it an instant favorite for families. For more quick and tasty meals, you might also enjoy this baked orange chicken recipe as a delicious alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and kid-approved. The three main ingredients are often staples in your pantry, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to whip up something special without extensive planning. It’s perfect for a family dinner, and the sweet and savory flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The versatility in serving options, such as over rice or alongside steamed veggies, only adds to its appeal. You really can’t go wrong with this delicious meal! You may also find 3 Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken useful.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by creating a tangy sauce on the stovetop, while simultaneously preparing your chicken for frying. The crispy chicken pieces are then coated in the sweet glaze, making for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 Cup BBQ Sauce Sweet Baby Ray’s
- 1 Cup Sweet Orange Marmalade Smucker’s
- 2 TBSP Soy Sauce
Crispy Chicken Ingredients:
- 3-4 Chicken Breasts We used 3
- 1 Cup Flour/1 Cup Cornstarch You can use both or either/or
- 2 Eggs
- Oil We used vegetable oil
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, sweet orange marmalade, and soy sauce. Heat it on low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce cooks, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot and sizzling, add the chicken pieces.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Serve over cooked white rice, and feel free to add steamed veggies like green peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
How to Serve
To make your meal visually appealing, serve 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken over a fluffy bed of white rice. Garnish with finely chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flair. This dish also pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers, elevating your meal to make it truly special.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, occasionally stirring until heated through. If preferable, you can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months; just ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make
For perfectly crisp chicken, allow each piece to rest for a moment after coating with flour and cornstarch before frying. This ensures the coating adheres better, giving you that desired crunch. Additionally, you can experiment with the sweetness of your sauce by adjusting the ratio of BBQ sauce to marmalade to suit your taste.
Variations
Feel free to add a personal twist to the recipe by swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You can also mix in spices like garlic powder or ginger for added depth of flavor. For a spicier kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prep time for this dish?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick option.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just ensure that it is fully thawed and dried off before breading to achieve the best texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They can also be frozen for later use.
Are there gluten-free options?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour and cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
3 Ingredient Orange Chicken not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a fun cooking experience that anyone can accomplish. If you want to expand your culinary repertoire even further, check out this 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Sauce Recipe for additional tips and ideas. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, sweet orange marmalade, and soy sauce. Heat it on low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce cooks, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot and sizzling, add the chicken pieces.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Serve over cooked white rice, and feel free to add steamed veggies like green peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
