This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an American twist on sweet and sour chicken. Made with frozen chicken nuggets, orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, it’s a flavorful meal ready in minutes.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe uses only 4 key ingredients for a quick and easy chicken dinner
- The dish is an American twist on classic sweet and sour chicken
- Frozen chicken nuggets make it a fast and convenient meal option
- The orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce create a delicious glaze
- Customize the spice level by using spicy chicken nuggets or adding hot sauce
What is 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken?
4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is a quick and easy version of the popular Chinese-American dish, sweet and sour chicken. It uses just four main ingredients to capture the classic flavors of sweet, tangy, and savory. This makes it a takeout-worthy meal that’s easy to make at home with minimal effort.
An American Adaptation of Sweet and Sour Chicken
4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is an American twist on traditional Chinese sweet and sour chicken. It uses orange marmalade for a similar flavor, unlike the original’s complex sauce. This dish is budget-friendly and family-friendly, perfect for quick chicken dinners or weeknight meals.
A Takeout-Worthy Dish Made at Home
Despite its simplicity, 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken tastes like it’s from a restaurant. The mix of sweet and savory flavors makes it a citrus-flavored chicken that’s both healthy and flavorful. With just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy a takeout-style meal at home.
“Even my picky eater loved this recipe! It’s become a family favorite for our weeknight dinners.” – Mary R.
Ingredients Needed for 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
To make this tasty 4-ingredient orange chicken, you only need a few things. You’ll need frozen chicken nuggets or chicken fingers, and three sauces: orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. These ingredients mix well to make a delicious, citrusy chicken dish great for weeknights.
Frozen Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Fingers
The recipe starts with 2 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can use them as frozen chicken nuggets or chicken fingers. This makes the dish quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a fast dinner.
Orange Marmalade
The orange marmalade is the main flavor in this dish. It adds a sweet and tangy citrus taste. It mixes well with the other sauces to create a balanced flavor.
BBQ Sauce
Barbecue sauce brings a savory and smoky taste to the mix. The recipe uses equal parts orange marmalade and barbecue sauce. This ensures a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor. It complements the other ingredients well. With these four ingredients, you get a flavorful and easy chicken dish perfect for weeknights.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Making the tasty 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is easy. First, cook the frozen chicken nuggets or chicken fingers as the package says. While the chicken cooks, mix the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce for the orange glaze.
After the chicken is done, pour the orange sauce over it. Gently toss to coat each piece well. This mix of sweet marmalade, tangy BBQ sauce, and savory soy sauce makes a mouthwatering, quick chicken dinner. It’s great for busy weeknights or family-friendly gatherings.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Fingers | 5 cups |
| Orange Marmalade | 1 cup |
| BBQ Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is budget-friendly and healthy. It’s perfect for a quick, citrus-flavored chicken dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, it’s ideal for simple protein sources and weeknight meals.
Quick and Easy Orange Chicken Sauce
The secret to this tasty 4-ingredient orange chicken is the sauce. You’ll mix orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. These pantry staples make a citrusy chicken dish.
Microwave Marmalade, BBQ Sauce, and Soy Sauce
Put orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds. Then, whisk until it’s smooth and mixed well.
The heat blends the ingredients into a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce. It coats the chicken perfectly.
Whisk Until Smooth
After warming the sauce, whisk it well to avoid lumps. You get a shiny, pourable sauce. It’s perfect for your 4-ingredient orange chicken.
This sauce is quick to make. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or family-friendly cooking.
“This orange chicken sauce is the star of the show! The perfect balance of sweet and savory.”
4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This 4-ingredient orange chicken recipe is perfect for a quick dinner. It uses simple, affordable ingredients. The mix of sweet and savory flavors will make your taste buds happy.
Pour Sauce Over Cooked Chicken Nuggets
First, mix the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in the microwave until smooth. Then, toss the sauce with cooked chicken nuggets. This makes sure every bite is full of the tasty citrus-flavored sauce.
Toss to Coat Evenly
After tossing the chicken in the sauce, use tongs or forks to coat each piece evenly. This step ensures the orange flavor is spread out. It also makes the dish look great, pleasing everyone at the table.
This easy orange chicken recipe is great for busy nights. It’s a healthy chicken dish that’s also budget-friendly and family-friendly. Just pour the sauce over the chicken, toss, and enjoy a simple protein source with a citrus-inspired taste.
Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken
This 4-ingredient orange chicken recipe is great with many sides, making a full and tasty meal. It’s best with steamed rice. The chicken and sauce mix well with the rice, letting the orange flavor stand out.
For a heartier meal, try it over stir-fried veggies. Broccoli, snow peas, and carrots are great choices. They add color, crunch, and vitamins. This makes a balanced, family-friendly dinner.
Whether with rice or veggies, this chicken is a quick, easy, and tasty option for weeknights. It’s simple, healthy, and budget-friendly. Everyone in the family will love it.
Variations on 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
The classic 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is loved by many. But, you can make it your own in many ways. Try using spicy chicken nuggets or add hot sauce to the orange sauce for a spicy twist. You can also swap chicken for pork or shrimp to change up the dish while keeping the citrus flavor.
Spicy Orange Chicken
For those who love bold flavors, try a spicy version of the 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken. Use spicy chicken nuggets or tenders. Then, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the orange sauce. This makes a dish that’s both delicious and craveable.
Use Different Meats Like Pork or Shrimp
Chicken isn’t the only protein for this dish. You can use pork or shrimp for a change. For pork, use bite-sized pieces of tenderloin or chops. For shrimp, use peeled and deveined ones. The orange sauce pairs well with both, making a family-friendly meal for any weeknight.
“This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is a game-changer! The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is simply irresistible.”
Make it in the Slow Cooker
Looking for a simple way to make delicious 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken? The slow cooker is your go-to. It’s easy and budget-friendly, making it perfect for any weeknight.
To start, put your chicken in the crockpot. Then, cover it with a mix of orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. Let it cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3 hours. This way, the chicken will be tender and juicy.
After the chicken is done, shred it with two forks. Then, toss it in the orange sauce. Serve it over steamed rice or with your favorite healthy side dishes. It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 359 |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 10g |
For the best results, use a 6-quart to 7-quart slow cooker. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F. You can also add veggies for the last 30 minutes for a healthy meal. A slow cooker liner makes cleanup easy.
This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is great for busy nights or family-friendly events. It’s delicious, citrus-flavored chicken made easy with your slow cooker.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Enjoying 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken doesn’t have to stop when it’s finished. You can keep the leftovers fresh and tasty for days. Here’s how to keep your 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken delicious:
Storing Leftover 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Store leftover 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cool the chicken completely before putting it in the container.
Reheating 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
To reheat, use the oven or a skillet on the stovetop. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Or, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until warm.
Don’t reheat in the microwave. It can make the chicken lose its crispy texture.
Freezing 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken
For longer storage, freeze 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken for up to 6 months. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers or bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Follow these tips to enjoy 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken for longer. It’s a quick, budget-friendly, and family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Conclusion
The 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also great when you want a tasty, takeout-style meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious, citrus-flavored chicken dish that everyone will enjoy.
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. It’s ideal for quick, budget-friendly meals or as a crowd-pleaser at social gatherings. You can make it spicier or try it with different proteins like pork or shrimp. The 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken offers endless possibilities to match your taste.
In summary, this easy and flavorful chicken recipe is a great addition to your weeknight dinners. It’s also a fantastic choice for a healthy, family-friendly meal with minimal ingredients. Try it for a satisfying and delightful 4-ingredient orange chicken experience.
