Easy Orange Chicken Recipe 3 Ingredients

My Incredibly Easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

Let me share with you my absolute favorite hack for making delicious orange chicken with just 3 ingredients! This recipe has been my lifesaver on countless busy nights when I’m craving something tasty but don’t have the time or energy for a complex meal. It’s so simple, yet the results are mouthwatering every time. Here’s how I whip up this quick and easy dish!

My Super Simple Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (Sometimes I use thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 cup orange marmalade (I prefer a good quality, low-sugar variety)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium to keep it healthier)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening, if needed)

My Quick and Easy Orange Chicken Process

1. First, I heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. No oil needed – another bonus of this recipe!
2. I add my chicken pieces to the hot skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. I let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides and cooked through.
3. While the chicken is cooking, I mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce in a small bowl. This simple combination is the magic behind the dish!
4. Once the chicken is cooked, I pour my orange-soy mixture over it. I stir everything together, making sure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
5. I let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to bubble and thicken slightly.
6. If I find the sauce is too thin, this is when I add my cornstarch slurry. I stir it in and let it simmer for another minute until the sauce reaches my desired consistency.
7. And that’s it! I’m ready to serve my incredibly easy, delicious orange chicken.

Why I Love This 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken

This recipe has become my go-to for so many reasons:

• It’s unbelievably quick and easy – perfect for those nights when I’m tempted to order takeout.
• The flavor is amazing considering how few ingredients are used. It’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
• It’s versatile – I can easily adjust the sweetness or saltiness to my liking.
• It’s much healthier than takeout versions, especially when I use low-sugar marmalade and low-sodium soy sauce.
• Clean-up is a breeze with just one pan to wash!

My Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this orange chicken over:

• Steamed white rice – a classic pairing
• Brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option
• Cauliflower rice when I’m watching my carbs
• A bed of mixed stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal

My Pro Tips

• If I want some heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• For extra flavor, I sometimes grate in some fresh ginger or add a minced garlic clove when cooking the chicken.
• If I have them on hand, I love to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
• This recipe doubles easily if I’m cooking for a crowd or want leftovers (which are great for lunch the next day!).

Variations I’ve Tried

While I love the simplicity of the 3-ingredient version, sometimes I like to mix it up:

• Using apricot preserves instead of orange marmalade for a different fruity twist
• Adding a tablespoon of rice vinegar for extra tanginess
• Mixing in some hoisin sauce for a richer flavor
• Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free version

This 3-ingredient orange chicken has saved dinner time in my house more times than I can count. It’s proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!