Orange Chicken Recipe
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Orange Chicken Recipe

ByLily Carter

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors—trust me, this Orange Chicken Recipe will hit the spot every time. It’s one of those easy recipes that manages to impress without making you sweat it out in the kitchen. I love serving this on a busy weeknight when I want something special but fast, and it always turns out juicy, flavorful, and sticky in the best way.

What makes this Orange Chicken Recipe so special is the way the orange marmalade and barbecue sauce team up to create a rich, zesty glaze that clings perfectly to every bite of tender chicken. It’s perfect for casual dinners, family meals, or even when you’re looking to shake things up from your usual chicken routine. Plus, it uses pantry staples you probably already have, so it’s ultra-convenient too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful by relying on just a handful of ingredients that complement one another beautifully. When you shop, look for quality orange marmalade—it really makes a difference in the depth of flavor.

  • Orange marmalade: I prefer a brand like Smucker’s for its perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter citrus notes.
  • Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce: This adds a smoky, tangy undertone to the glaze that you won’t get with plain sauces.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a nicely browned, crispy outside.
  • Olive oil: Use it for searing, which locks in moisture and builds a delicious crust on the chicken.

Variations

I often tweak this Orange Chicken Recipe to keep it interesting or to suit dietary preferences. It’s a super flexible dish, and you can make it your own in no time.

  • Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze turns this into my go-to weeknight spicy-sweet combo.
  • Use chicken thighs: For even juicier meat, swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs. They hold up well during cooking and soak up sauce beautifully.
  • Low-sugar tweak: Look for a low-sugar marmalade and barbecue sauce to reduce sweetness without losing that bold flavor.
  • Gluten-free: Check your barbecue sauce label to confirm it’s gluten-free, and this recipe is good to go!

How to Make Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the sauce

Start off by combining the orange marmalade and barbecue sauce in a small bowl. I whisk them until they’re perfectly blended and smooth—this makes sure every bite of chicken gets coated in that luscious, jammy glaze later.

Step 2: Sear the chicken in batches

Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of your chicken pieces, but don’t crowd the pan—that’s key for getting a nice golden sear instead of steaming. Cook for about 7-9 minutes, turning so each piece browns evenly and cooks through. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the remaining chicken, adding the last tablespoon of olive oil as needed.

Step 3: Simmer with the orange glaze

Once both batches are cooked, add all the chicken back to the skillet along with any juices on the plate. Pour the orange marmalade and barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken. Reduce your heat to medium, and let it simmer gently, stirring often to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens and coats the chicken—this usually takes about 15 minutes. The end result is sticky and glossy chicken that’s bursting with orange flavor.

How to Serve Orange Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice topped with small chunks of shiny orange-glazed chicken scattered with white sesame seeds and small green onion pieces. On the right edge of the rice layer, there are two bright orange slices arranged side by side. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of chopped green onions slightly visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some thinly sliced green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving. It adds freshness and a little crunch that contrasts so nicely with the tender chicken and lush sauce.

Side Dishes

This Orange Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati—it soaks up all that beautiful sauce! For veggies, I like quick-sauteed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I sometimes serve the orange chicken over a bed of noodles and toss it with a bit of fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts. It turns the dish into something a little dressier, perfect for when friends pop by unexpectedly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can easily freeze this Orange Chicken Recipe (I skip freezing it with rice to keep things simple). Just pop the chicken and sauce into an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When it’s time to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and keep that perfect sticky consistency.

FAQs

  1. Can I use orange juice instead of orange marmalade in this Orange Chicken Recipe?

    While you can use orange juice for a lighter citrus flavor, orange marmalade provides that unique combination of sweet, tart, and slightly bitter notes along with bits of orange peel that add texture. The marmalade also helps the sauce thicken and glaze the chicken beautifully, so I recommend sticking with it if you want that signature sticky finish.

  2. What’s the best way to get a crispy exterior on the chicken?

    Patting your chicken pieces dry before cooking is key to the crispiness you’ll want. Also, make sure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd it—give the chicken enough space to brown nicely instead of steaming. Using enough olive oil ensures that golden crust forms beautifully!

  3. How spicy is this Orange Chicken Recipe?

    This version is mild and sweet with tangy undertones. If you want to spice things up, you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. It adapts well to any heat level you prefer.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Check the labels on your barbecue sauce to confirm it’s gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients—orange marmalade, chicken breast, and olive oil—are naturally gluten-free, making the whole recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets with the right sauce.

  5. What’s the best side dish to serve with this Orange Chicken Recipe?

    Steamed jasmine rice is my go-to because it soaks up the sauce perfectly. For veggies, quick-sauteed broccoli or snap peas add a fresh crunch that balances the rich chicken.”

Final Thoughts

This Orange Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up when I want something that feels both comforting and a bit fancy with minimal effort. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one helping! If you’re looking for a recipe that brings together simple ingredients in a deliciously tangy, sweet sauce with juicy chicken, give this a try—I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation too.

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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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