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This 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken is crazy simple and insanely yummy. Let’s be honest, it’s the sauce that makes this dish and the nugs are just the vehicle (but a delicious vehicle at that!).

The sweet tang of orange marmalade and savory soy sauce, it’s an easy dish that packs a flavorful punch. I love this recipe because it literally tastes like takeout but is way cheaper, and takes less than 18 minutes to make!

4 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

Save the time and money for takeout with this easy four-ingredient supper, which if you know me, is like music to my ears. I love having a delish dinner that’s not only super quick to make on nights I don’t feel like cooking, and tastes like something I bought from a restaurant.

Ingredients and Substitutions for 4-Ingredient Marmalade Chicken

Frozen Chicken Nuggets: I like the convenience of frozen chicken nuggets because they are crispy and ready to go. I used “Jane’s” brand (not sponsored) but you can use your favorite. If you want something a bit healthier, you can swap them out for some chopped chicken breasts or thighs. Just season them up with a bit of salt and pepper before cooking.
Soy Sauce: This brings a nice umami flavor to the dish. If you need it to be gluten-free, just use tamari instead.
Orange Marmalade: This is what gives the dish its signature sweetness. If you do not have marmalade, orange jam works just as great.
Orange Juice (Optional): This helps thin out the sauce a bit. If you do not have any, water works fine, but the juice adds a nice citrusy zing. If you want your sauce thicker, feel free to leave it out.

Ingredient photo for the 4 ingredient orange chicken.

**EAZYTIP: Common seasonings and oil are not counted in the ingredient list because most home kitchens have these ingredients in their cupboards.

How to Make Four Ingredient Orange Chicken

You will not believe how simple this is! Let’s get cooking.

PREP STEP : Preheat Oven – First things first, preheat your oven according to the chicken nugget package instructions.

STEP 1: Cook Nuggets – Spread those frozen nuggets on a baking sheet and cook them according to the box instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. Yum!

Frozen chicken nuggets on a baking sheet.

STEP 2: Prepare the Sauce – While those nuggets are baking, grab a pot and mix together the soy sauce, orange marmalade, and optional orange juice over medium heat. Stir it up until the marmalade melts and everything combines nicely. If it looks too thick, just add a splash of orange juice or water to get it just right.

STEP 3: Toss Nuggets – Once your nuggets are all crispy, throw them into a big bowl. Drizzle that delicious sauce over the top and toss gently to coat them evenly.

STEP 4: Serve – Serve those saucy nuggets over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Dig in and enjoy!

The nugget covered sauce in a while dish.

How Do I Know When My Orange Chicken is Ready?

You will know your Orange Chicken is ready when those nuggets are crispy and coated in that tasty sauce. Just make sure everything is heated through and the sauce has a nice thickness to it, but not too thick!

Tips and Variations

Here are some fun ideas to take your 4 Ingredient Easy Orange Chicken to the next level:

Serve with Fresh Veggies: Elevate your meal by adding some vibrant veggies! Saute or steam broccoli, snap peas, or even sautéed bell peppers and add them into the sauce before you coat the nuggets. Not only do they add color and nutrition, but they also balance out the sweetness of the orange sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins!
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a dish that’s not too sweet, no worries! You can easily customize the flavor. Simply reduce the amount of orange marmalade and boost the soy sauce to add more savory depth. This adjustment will still keep the dish delicious but cater to your taste buds. You might even try adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist!
Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, kick things up a notch! Add a splash of sriracha or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you’re cooking the sauce. This not only adds warmth but also creates a lovely contrast with the sweetness of the marmalade. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili oil for zippier flavor.

4 ingredient orange chicken served over rice in a pottery bowl.

These tips will help you whip up an Orange Chicken that is quick, delicious, and completely satisfying!

Storage and Leftovers

To store: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat: For the best results, pop the chicken back in the oven or air fryer to get that crispiness back. If you are in a hurry, the microwave works, but it might lose some crunch.

Serving

This 4-Ingredient Marmalade Chicken is incredibly versatile! You can serve it over a fluffy bed of rice for a hearty dinner that feels comforting and satisfying. If you’re in the mood for something different, toss the chicken in a wrap with some fresh veggies and maybe a drizzle of extra sauce for a tasty lunch that’s easy to take on the go.

Feeling organized? Make it part of your meal prep! This dish is perfect for whipping up a batch on the weekend, so you have delicious, ready-to-eat meals all week long. Just pop it in a container with some steamed broccoli or a side salad, and you’re all set for busy days ahead.

FAQ’s

Can I use fresh chicken instead of nuggets?
Absolutely! Just chop up some chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and cook them in a pan until they are fully cooked, then toss them in that awesome sauce!

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can totally prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you are ready to cook the nuggets.

Have you tried this 4 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe? I would love to hear what you think! Your feedback means so much to me. Share your experience in the comments below or drop me an email at [email protected]. Thanks for stopping by the blog today. I hope you enjoy making and eating Orange Chicken Recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it. Have a fantastic day!

Yield: 6 servings

4 Ingredient Orange Chicken

This quick and easy orange chicken recipe comes together in just minutes with only four simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a sweet and savory dish that your family will love without the hassle of takeout.

Ingredients

1 box Chicken Nuggest, frozen, 1kg or 35 ounces
1 cup orange marmalade (or jam) (see notes)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (see notes)
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Orange Juice (optional)

Instructions

Roast the chicken nuggets according to the package instructions in the oven.
While the nuggets are roasting, in a heavy pot, combine the BBQ, Soy sauce and marmalade. Heat over medium-high heat until the sauce comes to a boil and all the ingredients have incorporated nicely.
When the nuggets come out of the oven, put them in a large bowl and toss them with the prepared sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

I like using orange marmalade over orange jam because the marmalade has a stronger, tanger flavor than the jam, but the orange jam will work fine if you can't find marmalade.
The bbq sauce I used was Sweet Baby Rays original and I have also used Kraft's chicken and rib. I recommend using your favorite sauce to be honest so you know the flavor in the sauce will be on point to what you like!
Only use the orange juice to thin out the sauce if you find it's too thick. Water will stand in as a substitute.