This incredibly easy orange chicken recipe uses just three ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly glazed chicken that’s faster than takeout and bursting with fresh orange flavor.
Easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe
Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal with minimal ingredients and effort. This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken has become my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when I’m craving something flavorful but don’t have the time or energy for complex cooking. Inspired by the popular Chinese-American dish, this simplified version delivers all the tangy, sweet goodness with a fraction of the ingredients.
Orange chicken has always held a special place in American Chinese cuisine, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations when citrus fruits symbolize prosperity and good fortune. The bright orange flavor represents positivity and warmth, making this dish perfect for winter months when citrus is at its peak, though it’s certainly delicious year-round.
THIS RECIPE:
- Uses only 3 simple ingredients you likely already have
- Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Creates restaurant-quality orange chicken without deep frying
- Works perfectly for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Yield | 4 cups |
The beauty of this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken lies in its simplicity. By focusing on just a few quality ingredients, the flavors shine through brilliantly without being muddied by unnecessary additions. The sweet-tangy orange sauce caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, creating a glossy coating that rivals any takeout version. And the best part? You’ll have it on the table in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive.
Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
The secret to making this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken truly spectacular is choosing high-quality ingredients. Since we’re working with just three components, each one plays a crucial role in the final flavor profile. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate this simple recipe to something truly memorable.
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup orange marmalade (good quality, preferably with visible orange peel)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Orange zest for garnish
When selecting orange marmalade, look for one with visible pieces of orange peel for the most authentic flavor and texture. The bitterness from the peel balances the sweetness perfectly. For the chicken, thighs will give you a juicier result, but breasts work beautifully too if you prefer white meat.
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1½ lbs chicken | Choose organic if possible; thighs offer more flavor, breasts are leaner |
| Sauce Base | 1 cup marmalade | Select brands with visible orange peel pieces and minimal additives |
| Flavor Enhancer | ⅓ cup soy sauce | Low-sodium allows better control of salt level; use tamari for gluten-free |
How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Creating this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is refreshingly straightforward. The key is to cook the chicken properly before adding the sauce ingredients, allowing them to reduce into a glossy, flavorful glaze that coats each piece perfectly. The entire cooking process takes place in a single pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor development.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures better browning when you cook them.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Create the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the orange marmalade and soy sauce to the pan with the cooked chicken.
Combine and simmer: Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Finish the dish: When the sauce has reduced to a thick glaze that coats the back of a spoon, remove from heat. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly.
Pro tip: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth during the simmering stage. For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a few minutes longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Tips for Making 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Even with just three ingredients, there are several techniques that can elevate this simple orange chicken recipe from good to extraordinary.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference by adding ½ teaspoon of rice vinegar if you find the sauce too sweet.
- Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha if you enjoy heat.
| Technique | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cutting chicken | Cut pieces into similar sizes (about 1-inch cubes) for even cooking |
| Browning | Ensure pan is hot before adding chicken; don’t stir too frequently |
| Sauce consistency | Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon but isn’t too sticky |
| Flavor balance | Taste before serving; add a pinch of salt if needed |
The simmering stage is critical for developing flavor. As the sauce reduces, it concentrates and caramelizes slightly, creating that distinctive orange chicken glaze. Be patient during this stage, stirring occasionally to prevent burning but allowing enough time for the sauce to thicken properly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prepping or preparing components ahead of time to streamline your cooking process later.
You can cook the chicken pieces up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet and add the sauce ingredients to finish the dish. This method saves time while still delivering fresh flavor.
For complete make-ahead preparation, you can fully prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop during storage, often making day-two orange chicken even more flavorful than when freshly made.
When reheating pre-made orange chicken, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the pan to refresh the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick or dry. Heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored leftovers of this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken remain delicious for several days, making it an excellent option for planned leftover meals.
Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. When properly stored, the chicken will maintain its quality for 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly during refrigeration, which is normal.
For best results, use glass containers rather than plastic, as the acidic sauce can sometimes cause staining or odor absorption with plastic containers. Keep leftovers in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically toward the back rather than in the door.
When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a microwave at 70% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs thinning.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing large batches to enjoy later.
To freeze properly, allow the cooked orange chicken to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best quality, remove as much air as possible from the packaging. Portion into meal-sized quantities before freezing to make thawing more convenient.
Properly stored, 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken will maintain best quality in the freezer for up to 3 months, though it remains safe to eat beyond this timeframe.
To thaw and reheat:
- Transfer the frozen chicken to the refrigerator and allow to thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth while reheating to refresh the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
Pro tip: For the freshest flavor after freezing, add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest during reheating to brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
For traditional serving, place the glossy orange chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works wonderfully and absorbs the orange flavor beautifully.
Vegetable pairings that complement the sweet-tangy flavor profile include:
- Steamed broccoli or broccolini
- Stir-fried snow peas or sugar snap peas
- Simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Roasted carrots or bell peppers
For beverages, the sweet-tangy profile of this dish pairs nicely with unsweetened iced tea, light lagers, or a crisp Riesling if you’re enjoying wine. For a non-alcoholic option that complements the orange notes, try sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus.
Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for visual appeal and textural contrast. A small side of extra sauce can be offered for those who enjoy a more saucy dish.
FAQ
Can I use orange juice instead of marmalade?
While orange juice has a similar flavor profile, it won’t create the thick, glossy sauce that makes this recipe special. If you only have juice, reduce it first with 2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar until slightly thickened before adding the soy sauce and chicken.
Is there a way to make this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your orange marmalade label as well, though most are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe while maintaining the 3-ingredient concept?
Yes! Adding vegetables doesn’t count against the core 3 ingredients. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work wonderfully. Add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture while allowing them to absorb some of the orange sauce.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you find the orange marmalade too sweet, balance it by adding 1-2 teaspoons of rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice. You can also use low-sugar marmalade or add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce to counter the sweetness.
Can I use this same 3-ingredient sauce with other proteins?
This sauce works beautifully with other proteins! Try it with cubed firm tofu (pressed to remove excess moisture), shrimp (cook for just 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking), or even sliced pork tenderloin. The cooking times will vary, but the sauce process remains the same.