3 Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ)

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken combines tangy orange marmalade, smoky BBQ sauce, and tender chicken into an irresistibly sweet and savory dish.

It’s a perfect quick-fix dinner that requires minimal prep, yet delivers maximum flavor. Pair it with rice or steamed veggies for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Skillet or large pan (for stovetop method) or baking dish (for oven)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or whisk

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
• Orange marmalade: Delivers bright citrus flavor and sweetness.
• BBQ sauce: Adds smoky depth and balances the tang of the marmalade.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3/4 cup orange marmalade
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce

Directions

Stovetop Method

1. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce until well blended.
2. Sear the chicken: Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper (optional). In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Add the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the marmalade-BBQ mixture over the chicken, turning each piece to coat it well. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
4. Serve: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Enjoy with rice, noodles, or veggies.

Oven Method

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Arrange chicken: Place the chicken in the baking dish in a single layer.
3. Pour sauce: Whisk together the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce, then pour it evenly over the chicken. Flip each piece to coat thoroughly.
4. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C). Baste with the sauce halfway for maximum flavor.
5. Serve: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving with extra sauce on top.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

• Stovetop: 15–20 minutes
• Oven: 25–30 minutes

Total Time

20–35 minutes

Expert Tips

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is done without drying out.
• Extra glaze: Double the sauce if you like a thicker, more generous coating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

What if I don’t have orange marmalade?
Apricot preserves or peach jam can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, top with the marmalade-BBQ mixture, and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Substitutions & Variations

• Protein swap: Try pork chops, meatballs, or shrimp for a different twist.
• Sugar-free: Use sugar-free marmalade and BBQ sauce for a lower-carb option.
• Tangier flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for extra brightness.

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken (Orange Marmalade BBQ)

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken combines tangy orange marmalade, smoky BBQ sauce, and tender chicken into an irresistibly sweet and savory dish.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• - 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• - 3/4 cup orange marmalade
• - 3/4 cup BBQ sauce

Equipment

• - Skillet or large pan (for stovetop method) or baking dish (for oven)
• - Mixing bowl
• - Spoon or whisk

Method

 

1. #### Stovetop Method
2. **Mix the sauce**: In a bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce until well blended.
3. **Sear the chicken**: Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper (optional). In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
4. **Add the sauce**: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the marmalade-BBQ mixture over the chicken, turning each piece to coat it well. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
5. **Serve**: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Enjoy with rice, noodles, or veggies.
6. #### Oven Method
7. **Preheat oven**: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
8. **Arrange chicken**: Place the chicken in the baking dish in a single layer.
9. **Pour sauce**: Whisk together the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce, then pour it evenly over the chicken. Flip each piece to coat thoroughly.
10. **Bake**: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C). Baste with the sauce halfway for maximum flavor.
11. **Serve**: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving with extra sauce on top.