Description
Create a restaurant-style orange chicken with just three simple ingredients! This quick and delicious dish combines tangy orange marmalade, smoky BBQ sauce, and tender chicken for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky, as preferred)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce for added depth
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
- 1 tsp minced garlic for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. If using thighs, trim any excess fat.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a bowl, stir together orange marmalade and BBQ sauce until smooth.
- Choose a Cooking Method:
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until golden. Pour the sauce over the chicken, stir to coat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Slow Cooker: Add chicken to the crockpot, pour sauce over the top, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir the chicken to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it rest for a few minutes to absorb flavors. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best as they cook evenly and soak up the flavorful sauce. Thighs are juicier and less prone to drying out, especially in oven or slow cooker methods.
- Balance the Sauce: Adjust the marmalade-to-BBQ ratio to suit your taste. Use more BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor or extra marmalade for a sweeter, citrusy kick.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken, especially in the oven or on the stovetop, to ensure it remains tender. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect results.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5-30 mins