Savory 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Quick and Easy Meal

Looking for a quick and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor? This Savory 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is your answer! With just chicken breast, orange marmalade, and soy sauce, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time. I’ll guide you through the simple steps, tips, and variations to make this recipe your own. Let’s dive in and elevate your weeknight dinner with this tasty treat!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1 cup orange marmalade

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

The main ingredients are simple. Chicken breast gives a juicy base. Orange marmalade adds sweetness and tang. Soy sauce brings in that savory depth. These three ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory flavor that is hard to resist.

Suggested Tools and Equipment

– Mixing bowl

– Baking dish

– Parchment paper

You need a few tools to make this dish. A mixing bowl helps you combine the marmalade and soy sauce. Use a baking dish to cook the chicken. Parchment paper keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

– Green onions

– Sesame seeds

– Rice or vegetables for serving

For extra flavor, add green onions on top. They give a nice crunch and color. Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and look great. Serve the chicken over rice or with veggies for a complete meal. You can find the Full Recipe for more details on making this dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

– In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup orange marmalade and 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

– Use a whisk or spoon to mix until well blended. This creates a tasty glaze for your chicken.

Marinating the Chicken

– Take 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, and coat them in the marinade.

– Make sure all pieces are fully covered. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight in the fridge.

Baking the Chicken

– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken marinates.

– Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

– Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the dish.

– Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check the chicken halfway through and turn them for even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have a nice glaze.

– After baking, let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.

Try serving this dish over rice or with steamed veggies. For a fun touch, drizzle any extra glaze on top! You can find the Full Recipe linked earlier for more details.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To get the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. You can also adjust the sweetness of the dish. If you like it sweeter, add more orange marmalade. For a less sweet taste, use less. This way, you control the flavor just how you want it.

Ensuring Proper Cooking

To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The juice should run clear, and the meat should look white, not pink. To avoid dry chicken, keep an eye on the cooking time. Bake it for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Presentation Tips

For serving, place the orange chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed broccoli. This adds color and texture to your plate. After plating, drizzle any extra glaze from the baking dish on top. For added flair, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. These little touches make your meal look and taste even better.

Variations

Different Protein Options

You can switch the chicken for pork or tofu. For pork, use tenderloin or chops. Cut them into small pieces like the chicken. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cube it. Both options work well with the orange glaze. They soak up the flavor just like chicken.

Flavor Enhancements

Add garlic or ginger to boost the taste. Garlic adds a nice kick, while ginger gives warmth. You can chop or grate them before mixing with the glaze. Another fun twist is adding veggies. Try bell peppers or snap peas. They add color and crunch. Toss them in the baking dish with the chicken for a complete meal.

Alternative Cooking Methods

You can also use a slow cooker. Simply mix the glaze and coat your protein. Pour everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you prefer, an Instant Pot is quick. Add the chicken and glaze, then seal the pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Both methods yield juicy, tasty results. Check the [Full Recipe] for detailed instructions.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your three-ingredient orange chicken fresh, follow these steps. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. This prevents moisture buildup in storage. Next, place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Recommendations

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. To avoid dry chicken, use the oven or stove. For oven reheating, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the moisture in. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth in a pan. Heat on medium-low, stirring gently until warmed through. This method also helps maintain the flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal again with ease!

FAQs

What if I don’t have orange marmalade?

If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can try using other fruit jams. Apricot or peach jam works well. You can also mix orange juice with sugar and cornstarch to make a quick glaze. This will mimic the sweet and tangy flavor of orange marmalade.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Look for gluten-free soy sauce. Brands like Tamari and coconut aminos are great choices. They provide the same salty flavor without gluten. Always check the label to make sure it meets your needs.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, use less marmalade. Cut the sugar by using only half a cup. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. This will boost the nutrients and add color. Consider using chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture.

This article showed you how to make easy orange chicken with just three main ingredients. We covered essential tools and some optional flavors to boost taste. I gave you step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and ideas for variations. Don’t forget how to store leftovers and reheat them right.

Cooking should be fun and simple. Try out new flavors and find what you love. Enjoy your meal and share it with others!

- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orange marmalade - 2 tablespoons soy sauce The main ingredients are simple. Chicken breast gives a juicy base. Orange marmalade adds sweetness and tang. Soy sauce brings in that savory depth. These three ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory flavor that is hard to resist. - Mixing bowl - Baking dish - Parchment paper You need a few tools to make this dish. A mixing bowl helps you combine the marmalade and soy sauce. Use a baking dish to cook the chicken. Parchment paper keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Green onions - Sesame seeds - Rice or vegetables for serving For extra flavor, add green onions on top. They give a nice crunch and color. Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and look great. Serve the chicken over rice or with veggies for a complete meal. You can find the Full Recipe for more details on making this dish. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup orange marmalade and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. - Use a whisk or spoon to mix until well blended. This creates a tasty glaze for your chicken. - Take 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, and coat them in the marinade. - Make sure all pieces are fully covered. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight in the fridge. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken marinates. - Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the dish. - Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check the chicken halfway through and turn them for even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have a nice glaze. - After baking, let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving. Try serving this dish over rice or with steamed veggies. For a fun touch, drizzle any extra glaze on top! You can find the Full Recipe linked earlier for more details. To get the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. You can also adjust the sweetness of the dish. If you like it sweeter, add more orange marmalade. For a less sweet taste, use less. This way, you control the flavor just how you want it. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The juice should run clear, and the meat should look white, not pink. To avoid dry chicken, keep an eye on the cooking time. Bake it for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. For serving, place the orange chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed broccoli. This adds color and texture to your plate. After plating, drizzle any extra glaze from the baking dish on top. For added flair, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. These little touches make your meal look and taste even better. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for pork or tofu. For pork, use tenderloin or chops. Cut them into small pieces like the chicken. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cube it. Both options work well with the orange glaze. They soak up the flavor just like chicken. Add garlic or ginger to boost the taste. Garlic adds a nice kick, while ginger gives warmth. You can chop or grate them before mixing with the glaze. Another fun twist is adding veggies. Try bell peppers or snap peas. They add color and crunch. Toss them in the baking dish with the chicken for a complete meal. You can also use a slow cooker. Simply mix the glaze and coat your protein. Pour everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you prefer, an Instant Pot is quick. Add the chicken and glaze, then seal the pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Both methods yield juicy, tasty results. Check the [Full Recipe] for detailed instructions. To keep your three-ingredient orange chicken fresh, follow these steps. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. This prevents moisture buildup in storage. Next, place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. To avoid dry chicken, use the oven or stove. For oven reheating, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the moisture in. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth in a pan. Heat on medium-low, stirring gently until warmed through. This method also helps maintain the flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal again with ease! If you don't have orange marmalade, you can try using other fruit jams. Apricot or peach jam works well. You can also mix orange juice with sugar and cornstarch to make a quick glaze. This will mimic the sweet and tangy flavor of orange marmalade. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Look for gluten-free soy sauce. Brands like Tamari and coconut aminos are great choices. They provide the same salty flavor without gluten. Always check the label to make sure it meets your needs. To make this recipe healthier, use less marmalade. Cut the sugar by using only half a cup. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. This will boost the nutrients and add color. Consider using chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. This article showed you how to make easy orange chicken with just three main ingredients. We covered essential tools and some optional flavors to boost taste. I gave you step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and ideas for variations. Don't forget how to store leftovers and reheat them right. Cooking should be fun and simple. Try out new flavors and find what you love. Enjoy your meal and share it with others!

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Satisfy your cravings with this Savory 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe! Made with just chicken breast, orange marmalade, and soy sauce, you can create a flavorful meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to customize with optional garlic, veggies, or alternative proteins. Dive into the full recipe for step-by-step instructions and tips that will impress your family. Click now to make dinner deliciously simple!

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orange marmalade

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir until well blended to create a flavorful glaze.

    Add the chicken pieces into the bowl, making sure they are fully coated with the marmalade mixture. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor, or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

        Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.

          Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized glaze, turning halfway through for even cooking.

            Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the orange chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed broccoli. Drizzle any extra glaze from the baking dish over the top, and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

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