Discover the Deliciousness of Easy Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce bursting with citrus flavor. Our Easy Orange Chicken recipe offers the perfect harmony of texture, aroma, and taste that will make your taste buds sing. The golden, crispy exterior paired with the sticky, vibrant orange sauce and a hint of savory depth from soy and BBQ sauce makes it irresistible. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to prepare this dish while still delivering restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal without fuss. Serve it over fluffy white rice with steamed broccoli to make a complete and satisfying dinner.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
Preparing this Easy Orange Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes, with the cooking time depending on your method: 16 minutes in the air fryer or 6-8 minutes pan frying. Total time is approximately 26 minutes if using the air fryer. This recipe serves 3-4 people, making it ideal for small families or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ jar orange marmalade (about 7-8 oz)
- ½ bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce (about 8-9 oz)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Steamed broccoli, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken coating: In a ziplock bag, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning is evenly mixed.
- Coat the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake well until all pieces are thoroughly coated in the seasoned flour.
- Cook the chicken:
- Air fryer method: Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 16 minutes, shaking halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Pan fry method: Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: In a medium pot, combine the orange marmalade, Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce, and low-sodium soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture reaches a simmer.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the sauced chicken over steamed white rice and serve with a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Orange Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness and even cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce: This helps control the salt level, especially since the BBQ sauce and marmalade contain some salt and sweetness.
- Shake the bag gently: Over-shaking can remove excess flour coating, so aim for just enough to cover the chicken evenly.
- Simmer the sauce gently: Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent burning the sugars in the marmalade and BBQ sauce.
- Add zest for extra citrus kick: Grate a bit of fresh orange zest into the sauce before simmering for a brighter aroma and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Looking to customize your orange chicken? Here are some easy variations and substitutions while keeping it halal and alcohol-free:
- Chicken thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken instead of regular flour.
- Healthier swaps: Bake coated chicken pieces in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil usage.
- Vegetarian alternative: Substitute tofu cubes for chicken, pressing out excess moisture before coating.
- Spicy flair: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a mild heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat without losing texture, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the crispy chicken soggy. To crisp up, reheat the chicken pieces in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 3-5 minutes before tossing back in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?
- Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time as thighs might take slightly longer to cook.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely. This orange chicken reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Can I substitute the orange marmalade?
- You can use homemade orange jam or preserves. Ensure it is sweet and citrusy to provide the characteristic orange flavor.
- Why do we add BBQ sauce to the orange chicken sauce?
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce adds a rich smoky sweetness and depth that balances the citrus and savory ingredients, making the sauce uniquely delicious.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating and verifying your soy sauce is gluten-free, you can enjoy a gluten-free version.
Nutrition Estimate Per Serving
Each serving of this Easy Orange Chicken contains approximately 400 calories, with 35 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat. The balance of lean chicken protein, moderate carbs from rice and sauce sugars, and minimal fat make this dish satisfying without being overly heavy.
Easy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ jar orange marmalade (about 7-8 oz)
- ½ bottle Sweet Baby Ray's Original BBQ Sauce (about 8-9 oz)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Steamed broccoli, for serving
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a ziplock bag
- Add chicken pieces to the bag and coat thoroughly
- [Choose one cooking method]:
- Air Fryer Method: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 16 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Pan Fry Method: Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Mix orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a pot. Simmer briefly.
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve over rice with steamed broccoli