Orange Chicken

Small bites of fried chicken are smothered in a flavorful and tangy orange sauce in this delicious orange chicken recipe.

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Table of Contents

Let’s Dish: About This Recipe for Orange Chicken
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
Basic Orange Chicken Recipe Substitutions And Additions
How To Make Orange Chicken
Homemade Orange Chicken Troubleshooting
How to Serve Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken Storage Instructions
Why This Orange Chicken is the Best:
Orange Chicken Frequently Asked Questions
More Chinese Takeout Inspired Dishes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
More Delicious Recipe Ideas

This orange chicken recipe combines two unexpected but powerful ingredients: orange marmalade and barbecue sauce. Together, they create a thick, tangy glaze that beautifully coats each piece of tender chicken. With every step refined for simplicity and flavor, this recipe makes bringing takeout-style orange chicken to your table easier than ever. From perfectly browning the chicken to reducing the sauce until it’s irresistibly thick, we’ve crafted every detail to make sure you get the best results every time.

An oval serving dish or Orange Chicken with an orange slice to garnish.

Let’s Dish: About This Recipe for Orange Chicken

MAIN INGREDIENTS: orange marmalade, Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce, boneless skinless chicken breast, olive oil

QUICK STEPS: whisk together marmalade and barbecue sauce, brown chicken pieces in a skillet, add sauce and simmer until thickened

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 35 minutes, serves 4

Why This Recipe

Perfected Cooking Technique: Our team of recipe developers fine-tuned the browning process to ensure that the chicken is tender inside and beautifully golden brown outside, achieving that ideal crispy texture without deep frying.
Reliable Sauce Consistency: By simmering the sauce with precise timing, this recipe yields a thick, clingy glaze that sticks to each piece of chicken, delivering bold flavor in every bite.
Efficient and Time-Saving: This recipe was developed with ease in mind, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish in just about 35 minutes, perfect for weeknights or quick family meals.
Tested for Foolproof Results: We’ve tested this recipe thoroughly to make sure each step is clear and easy to follow, so you can confidently recreate this orange chicken with delicious, consistent results every time.

Ingredients for Orange Chicken

Our version of this recipe for easy Chinese orange chicken has a delicious tangy orange sauce covering the pieces of chicken and is ready in about half an hour.

You’ll need:

18 ounce jar of orange marmalade
¾ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce
2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces and patted dry with a paper towel
3 tablespoons olive oil

PRO TIP:

We love the tangy taste of Sweet Baby Ray’s for this orange chicken sauce recipe (just like in our Sweet Baby Ray’s Crock Pot Chicken recipe). You can use any BBQ sauce you’d like, but we recommend a tangy sauce with a smoky flavor for this recipe.

Basic Orange Chicken Recipe Substitutions And Additions

CHICKEN BREAST: If you prefer dark meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.

ORANGE MARMALADE: If you can’t find orange marmalade, apricot preserves can be a good substitute. It will give a slightly different but equally delicious sweet-tangy flavor.

ADDITIONAL VEGETABLES: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the skillet for extra crunch and color. Sauté these vegetables along with the chicken or cook them first and add them when you add the sauce to the pan.

SPICES: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce mixture. This will give the dish a spicy kick.

GARNISHES: Top the finished Orange Chicken with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and a touch of freshness.

SEASONINGS: If you’d like more flavor, you can experiment with these additions to the sauce.

¼ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh ginger
1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce

How To Make Orange Chicken

Follow these steps and photos to create an easy and delicious meal that your family will love.

PRO TIP:

This orange sauce chicken recipe comes together very quickly! If you plan to make rice or other side dishes, you’ll want to start them as you cook your chicken.

STEP ONE: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce until well combined. Set it aside for now.

The sauce is in a mixing bowl, well combined.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

This chicken orange sauce recipe makes a little bit of extra sauce that can be used to pour over the rice when serving. If you’d like even more sauce, you can double the amount BBQ sauce and orange marmalade you use.

STEP TWO: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil.

The chicken should be in bite-sized pieces. You can use paper towels to pat dry the chicken before cooking. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. This step is crucial for getting a good sear on the chicken pieces, and helps lock in moisture for juicier chicken.

STEP THREE: Add half the chicken pieces to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet so that you can achieve a nice golden brown on the chicken.

Cook and brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

PRO TIP:

If your skillet is smaller, you may want to cook your chicken in three batches instead of two to avoid overcrowding the pan.

STEP FOUR: Add the additional tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet, then add the remaining half of the chicken pieces to cook and brown.

STEP FIVE: Add the cooked chicken from the plate back into the skillet, along with all the juices from the chicken and the orange sauce mixture. Stir everything together.

The sauce is being poured over the sauteed chicken.

STEP SIX: Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken and orange sauce for until the sauce reduces by almost half. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken well.

Be sure to keep an eye on the sauce and stir it often to prevent it from burning as it bubbles and reduces.

Make sure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the sauce should be sticky and flavorful.

STEP SEVEN: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your orange chicken over white rice or with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

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Homemade Orange Chicken Troubleshooting

The chicken pieces are not browning properly.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches to allow each piece to brown evenly. It’s also important to make sure your chicken pieces are all cut to a uniform size.

The sauce burns or sticks to the pan.

Stir the sauce frequently and reduce the heat to medium. Adding a small amount of water can help if the sauce becomes too thick.

Remember that all stovetops cook at a slightly different temperature, so you may need to adjust the temperature throughout the cooking process.

The sauce is too runny.

Allow the sauce to reduce by almost half over medium heat, stirring frequently. If needed, you can cook it a bit longer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Whether serving your orange chicken for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, there are many ways to enjoy this flavorful Chinese-inspired dish.

Over Rice: Serving the orange chicken over a bed of fluffy brown rice is a classic choice. The rice absorbs the tangy sauce.

With Fried Rice – For a more indulgent meal, serve the chicken with homemade fried rice. Try cauliflower rice if you want to skip carbs.

With Vegetables – Pair the chicken with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. The fresh, crisp vegetables contrast nicely with the sweet and savory chicken.

Some of Our Favorite Asian-Inspired Side Dishes:

Orange Chicken Storage Instructions

MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the dish as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store the cooked orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, you can freeze the orange chicken. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to two months.

HOW TO REHEAT: Reheat thawed orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a little water or chicken broth to the sauce if it has thickened too much.

You can also reheat it in the microwave: Place thawed chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through.

A serving of orange chicken with chopsticks.

Why This Orange Chicken is the Best:

Our orange chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite in your house. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s about the simplicity, versatility, and convenience this recipe offers.

Easy to Make: With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready really quickly.

Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and stored, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Orange Chicken Frequently Asked Questions

What should I serve with Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken pairs well with white rice, fried rice, steamed vegetables, or even in a wrap for a quick meal.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when you add the sauce to the skillet.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.

This orange chicken recipe brings bold flavor and ease to your kitchen, making it an ideal choice for a quick, delicious meal at home. With its unique sauce and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for any night you crave that takeout-style taste.

More Chinese Takeout Inspired Dishes You’ll Love

Homemade Orange Chicken

5 from 2 votes

Small bites of fried chicken are smothered in a flavorful and tangy orange sauce in this delicious orange chicken recipe.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

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Ingredients

18 ounce jar orange marmalade
¾ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast approximately 3 large breasts cut into 1 ½ inch pieces and patted dry with a paper towel
3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a small bowl whisk together the orange marmalade and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce until well combined and set aside.
Heat a large (12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add half the chicken pieces to the skillet. Be sure to not overcrowd the skillet so that you are able to get a nice brown on the chicken pieces.
Cook and brown the chicken on all sides for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add the additional 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet, then add the remaining half of the chicken pieces to the skillet to cook and brown for 7-9 more minutes.
Add the cooked chicken from the plate back into the skillet, and all the juices from the chicken, along with the orange sauce mixture.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken and orange sauce for 15 minutes or until the sauce reduces by almost half and the orange sauce gets thick and coats the chicken well. Be sure to keep an eye on the sauce and stir it often to keep the sauce from burning as it bubbles and reduces.
Once the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat and serve!

Notes

We love the tangy taste of Sweet Baby Ray’s for this orange chicken sauce. You can use any BBQ sauce you’d like, but we recommend a tangy sauce with a smoky flavor for this recipe.
This orange chicken recipe comes together very quickly! If you plan to make rice or other side dishes, it may be best to cook them beforehand, or start them as you cook your chicken.
This recipe makes a little bit of extra sauce that can be used to pour over the rice when serving. If you’d like even more sauce, you can double the amount BBQ sauce and orange marmalade you use.
If your skillet is smaller, you may want to cook your chicken in three batches instead of two to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
Ina Chong
Amy Tandiko Graphic Designer

Orange Chicken Recipe