Irresistible 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in 25 Minutes

Let me tell you about my secret weapon for crazy-busy weeknights – this ridiculously easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken! I stumbled onto this lifesaver years ago when my pantry was nearly empty, and now it’s my go-to when I need something fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. Just chicken, orange marmalade, and soy sauce transform into sticky-sweet magic in under 20 minutes. My kids actually cheer when they smell it bubbling on the stove – that’s how good it is! Trust me, this isn’t just another “quick recipe.” It’s the kind of dish you’ll make again and again because it works every single time.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

This recipe isn’t just easy—it’s downright magical. Here’s why it’s become my weeknight hero:

• Seriously simple: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. If you can brown chicken and stir, you’ve got this!
• Faster than takeout: From fridge to table in 25 minutes flat (yes, I’ve timed it while hungry).
• Sweet-spicy perfection: The marmalade caramelizes into this glossy, sticky sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
• Endlessly adaptable: Throw in some red pepper flakes or garlic if you’re feeling fancy—or keep it pure and simple.

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for it to finish cooking while that amazing orange scent fills your kitchen!

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Grab these three simple ingredients and you’re halfway to dinner already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• • 1 lb boneless chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks work best)
  • 1 cup orange marmalade – the cheap supermarket kind works perfectly here

2 tbsp soy sauce – regular or low-sodium, but don’t skip it!

See? I told you it was simple! The marmalade does all the sweet-tangy heavy lifting, while the soy sauce adds that deep umami flavor. Pro tip: Make sure your chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Okay, let’s turn those three simple ingredients into something magical! Here’s exactly how I do it every time:

1. Brown that chicken first: Heat your pan over medium heat (no oil needed if it’s nonstick). Add the chicken pieces in a single layer – don’t crowd them! Let them get golden on one side before flipping, about 3-4 minutes total. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it!
2. Sweet and savory magic: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the marmalade and soy sauce all at once. Stir gently to coat every piece – the sauce will look thin at first, but trust the process!
3. Simmer to perfection: Let it bubble gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken into this gorgeous sticky glaze that clings to the chicken. Watch closely after 5 minutes – you want the chicken cooked through but still juicy (cut a piece to check if unsure).

And that’s it! Turn off the heat and let it sit for 2 minutes – the sauce thickens even more as it cools slightly. Pro tip: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up.

Tips for Perfect 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-miss tricks:

• Too salty? Start with 1 tbsp soy sauce, then add more to taste.
• Want heat? Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with the marmalade.
• Keep the heat medium-low once the sauce goes in – high heat makes the sugars burn!

Remember: The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it in the pan!

Serving Suggestions for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this beauty! Steamy white rice is my go-to—it soaks up that glorious orange sauce like a dream. For crunch, I’ll toss some quick-steamed broccoli on the side. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions makes it look fancy with zero effort. Sometimes I’ll even throw some mandarin orange slices on the plate if I’m feeling extra! Pro tip: Keep napkins handy—this is finger-licking good.

Storing and Reheating 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Here’s the deal with leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) – pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, I prefer the stovetop with a splash of water to revive that glossy sauce, but the microwave works in a pinch (30-second bursts, stirring between). Heads up – freezing turns the marmalade weirdly grainy, so I don’t recommend it. Trust me, this stuff disappears too fast to worry about long-term storage anyway!

Nutritional Information for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating with this easy dish (based on 1 of 4 servings):

• 320 calories – lighter than takeout!
• 24g protein – thanks to that lean chicken breast
• 28g sugar – mostly from the natural fruit in marmalade

A quick heads up – exact numbers can vary depending on your brand of marmalade or soy sauce. I always say: Enjoy every sticky, sweet bite without overthinking it!

FAQs About 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs actually stay juicier—just trim excess fat and cook 2-3 minutes longer since they’re thicker. The extra richness pairs beautifully with the sweet orange sauce.

Is there a low-sugar option?
Try sugar-free marmalade (it works surprisingly well!) or mix ½ cup regular marmalade with ½ cup orange juice. The sauce will be thinner but still delicious.

Can I make this ahead?
The sauce keeps beautifully for 3 days—just store it separately and reheat with the chicken to maintain that perfect sticky texture.

Too sweet for my taste?
Balance it with an extra splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end—brightens everything up!

Rate This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe

Did this easy orange chicken save your weeknight? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a star rating or comment below! You can also see more quick dinner ideas on our Pinterest board.

Print