Name: 3‑Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ)
Prep time: 14 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 5 cups cooked chicken nuggets (homemade or frozen); ½ cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s); 1 cup sweet orange marmalade; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

I whip up this 3‑ingredient orange chicken in under 20 minutes—crispy chicken nuggets tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory orange marmalade BBQ sauce. 3‑Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and fuss‑free this is—just three main sauce ingredients plus my favorite chicken. It tastes like Chinese takeout but comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s customizable: I can swap BBQ sauce brands, add spice, or use baked tofu if I’m cooking for vegetarians.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 5 cups cooked chicken nuggets (homemade or frozen)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

directions

I cook the frozen chicken nuggets according to package directions until they’re hot and crispy.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I stir together BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using). I cover it with a damp paper towel and microwave for 45 seconds.
I dump the hot chicken into the bowl and toss until every piece is coated in that glossy orange sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 14 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute (plus nugget cooking time)
Total time: 15 minutes

variations

• To add spice, I mix in a tablespoon of sriracha or garlic chili sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, I swap the chicken nuggets with baked or fried tofu cubes.
• I sometimes use turkey or chicken meatballs for a different protein option.
• I’ve tried adding hoisin or teriyaki sauce for a flavor twist, or I top it off with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I want to store them longer, I freeze the sauce and nuggets separately for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to reheat, I microwave or warm them in a skillet, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free chicken nuggets and tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and it turns out just as delicious.

Is this sauce too sweet?

It’s sweet, but the BBQ and soy sauce help balance it out. When I want less sweetness, I add a little rice vinegar or some hot sauce.

Can I bake the nuggets instead of frying?

Absolutely. I bake them until they’re crispy and then toss them in the sauce for a lighter version.

Will it work with gluten-free nuggets?

Yes, gluten-free nuggets work perfectly. I treat them the same as regular ones when preparing the dish.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, I just cook the nuggets and toss everything together.

Conclusion

This orange chicken is my favorite quick fix when I’m craving something sweet, tangy, and satisfying. It comes together with almost no effort and always impresses. Whether I’m making it as-is or experimenting with different add-ins, it’s a go-to recipe in my kitchen.