This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s made with simple ingredients like orange marmalade, soy sauce, and chicken breasts, so you can prepare a flavorful meal in no time. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for an easy, delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to please.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility! Serve it with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. This orange chicken is also great for meal prep—it’s just as tasty the next day. Plus, with only 4 ingredients, it’s an affordable choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the marmalade has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water to make a slurry. Add this to the sauce mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook the diced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken, stir to coat evenly, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or your favorite side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 300
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up this meal. With just chicken, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and cornstarch, you can have a homemade dish in under 20 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with both kids and adults, making this a great meal for the whole family.
- Versatile: You can serve this orange chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or even a bed of sautéed veggies for a more balanced meal.
- Customizable: If you want to spice things up, feel free to add red pepper flakes, garlic, or a splash of orange juice for extra zing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Start by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. The smaller pieces cook faster and absorb the sauce more evenly. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the marmalade has melted and the sauce is smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to form a slurry. Once the sauce is heated through, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken it. Stir continuously, and within a minute or two, the sauce should thicken to a perfect consistency.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange sauce over it and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce fully. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is shiny and covered in a thick, flavorful glaze.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
This recipe is also great for meal prep. Simply divide the chicken into individual portions, pair with your favorite side dishes, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s an easy way to have a tasty and satisfying lunch or dinner ready to go.
Variations and Tips for Your 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken:
While the basic 4-ingredient orange chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can make this dish your own with a few simple tweaks. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, you can throw in some veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Simply sauté the vegetables in the same pan as the chicken for a couple of minutes before adding the sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious element to the dish.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the sauce. You can also substitute a bit of the soy sauce with sriracha for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the orange marmalade.
- Use Different Proteins: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily switch it up by using other proteins such as shrimp, pork, or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tofu can be crisped up before adding the sauce for added texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetness of the orange marmalade can be balanced out by adding a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply use less marmalade and add extra soy sauce or a bit of hoisin sauce for a savory depth.
- Add Aromatics: For more depth of flavor, you can sauté garlic or ginger in the pan before cooking the chicken. These aromatics will add a wonderful fragrance and complexity to the sauce.
How to Serve Your Orange Chicken:
Once your orange chicken is ready, there are many delicious ways to serve it. While rice is a classic choice, consider these alternatives:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The fragrant rice complements the bright flavors of the orange chicken perfectly.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice makes a great pairing.
- Noodles: You can serve the chicken over cooked noodles like chow mein or soba for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Salad: For a lighter option, serve the orange chicken on top of a fresh salad with greens like spinach or arugula. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
This 4-ingredient orange chicken makes for an excellent meal prep option. Here are a few tips for storing and reheating:
- Storing: If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the orange chicken for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last up to 2-3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Reheating: When reheating the chicken, you may want to add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to keep it from thickening too much.
Nutritional Information:
This 4-ingredient orange chicken is a flavorful yet relatively healthy meal, with lean chicken providing a good source of protein. The use of orange marmalade adds a touch of sweetness without being overly sugary, and the dish can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs:
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving (without rice)
- Protein: 30g per serving
- Carbs: 25g per serving (this can be reduced by serving over cauliflower rice)
- Fat: 10g per serving
Conclusion:
This 4-ingredient orange chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and savory meal that’s both easy to make and family-friendly. Whether served over rice, noodles, or veggies, this recipe is versatile and customizable, making it a go-to option for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!