3-INGREDIENT ORANGE CHICKEN
Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy? This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is just the ticket! With a simple yet flavorful orange marmalade BBQ sauce and crispy chicken, you can whip up this tasty dish in less than 20 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is perfect for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Orange Chicken but doesn’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. With just three key ingredients and your favorite frozen popcorn chicken, you’ll have a dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. It’s so simple, even the kids can help out or make it themselves for an after-school snack!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Plate for setting coated chicken
- Paper towels for draining
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 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)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cut the chicken breasts into cubes. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat with the flour/cornstarch mixture. Place the coated chicken on a plate.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once drained, add the chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve the orange chicken over white rice and enjoy. Consider adding vegetables like green peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the egg mixture for 10 minutes before coating.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is high in protein and offers a good balance of sweet and savory flavors. Adjust the portion size to fit your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of marmalade? Absolutely! Try experimenting with different fruit marmalades for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have corn starch? You can use all flour instead, though the cornstarch adds extra crispiness.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious, quick, and easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. We’d love to hear about any variations you come up with!