Name: 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 14 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 5 cups chicken nuggets, precooked; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (we used Sweet Baby Ray’s); 1 cup sweet orange marmalade; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

I am so excited to share my absolute favorite 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe with you! This dish brings together crispy chicken nuggets and a tangy, sweet homemade orange BBQ sauce that you can whip up in minutes. It’s a game-changer when you want something delicious, comforting, and ultra easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights or any time you crave that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

What makes this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe stand out for me is how beautifully the flavors come together so effortlessly. The sweetness of orange marmalade mixed with BBQ sauce and a touch of soy sauce creates this amazing glaze that perfectly coats the crispy chicken nuggets. It’s tangy and sweet with just a hint of savory depth from the soy sauce, giving it a unique taste that’s both familiar and fresh.

Another thing I truly love is how quick and simple the whole process is. If you’re like me and sometimes want a fantastic meal without hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend. Plus, the ingredients are basic and easy to find, but the end result tastes like something you’d order from a restaurant. It’s perfect for gatherings, game nights, or even a cozy family dinner where you want impressiveness without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a bed of golden brown rice topped with several pieces of fried chicken glazed with a shiny orange sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green chopped scallions. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is an orange slice on the left side and a second bowl with rice and chicken which appears slightly out of focus. The photo looks bright and clear with a close view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but critical to getting the perfect flavor and texture. Each one adds something special to the sauce or crispy chicken coating to make this dish so memorable.

Chicken nuggets (5 cups, precooked): Using precooked nuggets speeds up the process and ensures a crispy, juicy base for the sauce.
BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): I recommend a sweet variety like Sweet Baby Ray’s for the perfect smoky-sweet balance.
Sweet orange marmalade (1 cup): This adds the essential citrusy sweetness that defines the dish and gives it that signature orange chicken vibe.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): It adds a salty umami kick that balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Sesame oil (2 teaspoons, optional): A little drizzle adds a gorgeous nutty aroma and depth if you want to take it up a notch.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the chicken nuggets according to the directions on the bag. I usually bake them to get that perfect crispiness, but feel free to air fry or pan-fry for extra crunch.

Step 2: Meanwhile, combine the BBQ sauce, sweet orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering.

Step 3: Microwave the sauce mixture on high for about 45 seconds. This warms and melds all the flavors into a smooth, sticky sauce.

Step 4: When the chicken nuggets are hot and crispy, toss them generously in the warm orange BBQ sauce. Make sure every nugget is coated for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Serve immediately so you can enjoy that perfect combo of crisp outside and tangy-sweet glaze. Trust me, you won’t want to wait!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings, which makes it perfect for sharing with your family or friends. Prep time is just around 14 minutes as you can cook the nuggets and prepare the sauce almost simultaneously. The cooking time is incredibly short—about 1 minute to heat the sauce—and the total time from start to finish is roughly 15 minutes. No resting or cooling time is needed, making it one of the fastest dinners you can prepare without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How to Serve This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with several pieces of crispy, bright orange fried chicken bites covered in a sticky sauce. The chicken pieces have a rough, crunchy texture with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Small green chopped scallions are spread over the chicken, adding a touch of fresh green color. A woman's hand holding wooden chopsticks is picking up one piece, lifting it above the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love to serve this orange chicken piping hot right out of the bowl to keep that delightful crispiness on the nuggets. For sides, steamed jasmine rice or fried rice is my top choice because the rice soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce. Fresh sautéed green beans or a crunchy Asian slaw also complement the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

When it comes to presentation, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions really makes the dish pop visually and adds nice texture contrasts. You can even garnish with a few fresh orange slices to highlight that citrus element and brighten the plate. For drinks, I adore pairing this dish with something light and refreshing; a crisp white wine like a Riesling or a chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lime works wonders.

This recipe is so versatile in its appeal—whether you’re cooking up a casual weeknight meal or serving it at a party, it always impresses. I like to portion it into small bowls for easy sharing, so everyone can dig in with their favorite sides and drinks. The sauce tastes best when served warm, but it still holds up well if you leave it for a short time at room temperature before eating.

Variations

If you want to play around with the recipe, I’ve found a few great ways to mix things up. For example, you can swap out the chicken nuggets for battered tofu or cauliflower florets to make a vegan-friendly version. Just roast or fry them until crispy and toss in the sauce the same way.

For those avoiding gluten, be sure to choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce alternative, like tamari, to keep the flavors intact without compromise. You can also experiment with different types of marmalade or even add fresh grated ginger to the sauce for an extra zingy twist that wakes up the palate.

If you want to try a different cooking method, air frying the chicken nuggets before saucing gives an extra crispy texture that I absolutely love. Or, make your own fresh chicken bites instead of using nuggets for a homemade touch while keeping the sauce recipe the same.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Using a shallow container helps the pieces cool quickly and stay evenly coated with sauce.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the sauced chicken because the texture of the nuggets and the sauce might change when thawed. If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the cooked nuggets and sauce first and freeze them independently for up to 2 months. Reheat separately to preserve the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I suggest warming the nuggets in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Warm the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop then toss the nuggets in it just before serving. Avoid reheating sauced nuggets in the microwave alone as they can turn soggy quickly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of nuggets?

Absolutely! You can use bite-sized pieces of fresh chicken breast or thighs, coat them lightly with flour or cornstarch, and pan-fry until golden before tossing in the sauce. This will take a bit longer but gives a fresh homemade feel.

Is this recipe spicy?

This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add heat by mixing in some chili flakes or hot sauce to the orange BBQ mixture if you like a kick.

What’s the best orange marmalade to use?

I recommend choosing a sweet orange marmalade with bits of orange peel for texture and flavor depth. Avoid overly bitter or sour types to keep the sauce balanced and smooth.

Can I make the sauce on the stovetop instead of microwave?

Yes! Warm the sauce ingredients together over low heat in a small saucepan until everything is melted and well combined. This works especially well if you’re making a larger batch.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To lighten it up, try baking or air frying homemade chicken tenders without breading or using baked rather than fried nuggets. You can also reduce the amount of BBQ sauce or choose a low-sugar variety to control sweetness.

Conclusion

I’m so thrilled to have shared this simple, flavorful 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe with you. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to bring joy and satisfy cravings with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need something quick and delicious, this recipe is a total winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—happy cooking!