3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

ava salmon

Published:

January 4, 2026

3-Ingredient Orange Chicken served with rice and vegetables on a plate

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Quick overview

This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken cooks fast. It has a sweet orange taste and a bit of salt from soy. You can read a clear step guide on the site 3-ingredient orange chicken to help you learn fast.

why make this recipe

Make this dish when you want a fast hot meal. It uses small things you may have in the house. You get a sweet and tangy sauce with crisp chicken, like the easy orange chicken ideas on easy orange chicken recipe.

how to make 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Cut the chicken and make the sauce. Fry the chicken pieces till they turn gold. Toss them in the warm sauce so each piece gets a shine. For a different cook method see tips on roasted orange chicken tips.

Ingredients :

1 cup BBQ sauce (for example, Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 cup sweet orange marmalade (for example, Smucker’s)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3–4 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 cup flour or cornstarch (or a mix of both)
2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying

You can also read a roasted orange chicken idea at roasted orange chicken for other ways to use orange and soy.

Directions :

Prepare the Sauce: Put BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce in a medium pot. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Stir now and then so the flavors mix and the sauce gets a bit thick.
Prep the Chicken Coating: Put the beaten eggs in one bowl. Put the flour or cornstarch in another bowl. You will use these to coat the chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cube in the egg. Then roll it in the flour mix. Make sure each piece has a full coat.
Fry the Chicken: Put about 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan. Heat the pan on medium-high. Fry the chicken 3–5 minutes per side. Cook until the meat is done and the outside is gold. Take the pieces out and put them on paper towels to drain the oil.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Let the chicken cool a little. Toss the pieces in the warm sauce. Make sure every piece is covered.
Serve: Put the chicken over white rice. You can add cooked green peppers or broccoli on the side.

You can also check a different chicken bake idea at baked ranch chicken.

how to serve 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Serve the chicken hot over white rice. Add a small side of green veggies. You can put the chicken on a bed of steamed rice or noodles. A few sesame seeds on top look nice and add a light crunch.

how to store 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Cool the chicken to room temp first. Put it in a sealed box or jar. Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat so the sauce stays smooth. Do not leave it out more than two hours.

tips to make 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Use cornstarch for a crisp coat.
Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot.
Let the sauce simmer so it gets thick and sticks to the chicken.
Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Dry the chicken pieces before coating to help the coat stick.

variation (if any)

You can bake the coated chicken in the oven for a lower oil option.
Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin for a deeper taste.
Add chili flakes to the sauce for a light heat.
Use orange zest in the sauce for more fresh orange flavor.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs stay moist and taste good. Cut them in the same size pieces.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce a day before and keep it in the fridge. Warm it before you toss the chicken.

Q: How do I make the chicken less oily?
A: Put the fried pieces on paper towels to drain. You can also bake them after a quick fry for less oil.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before you reheat.