Tangy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken with Marmalade BBQ (Print Version)
Whip up easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken with Marmalade BBQ. This quick, sticky, sweet-savory dish brings weeknight joy with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Chicken
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
1 cup orange marmalade
03 -
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
→ Flavor Foundation
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
05 -
Salt, to taste
06 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Finishes
07 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
08 -
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, get those chicken thighs ready. Pat them super dry with paper towels; this is a critical step for getting a good sear, honestly. Then, give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. I usually do this right on the cutting board, making a bit of a mess, but it's worth it for the flavor. You want them seasoned, but not overly salty since the sauce has plenty of flavor. This sets the stage for our delicious 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, hon; if you do, they'll steam instead of sear, and we want that beautiful golden-brown crust! Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned. I always flip them with tongs, trying to avoid splashing hot oil, which I'm not always successful at, oops!
03 -
While the chicken is searing, grab a small bowl and combine your orange marmalade and BBQ sauce. Stir them together until they're really well blended. You want a smooth, glossy consistency. This is where the magic really starts to happen for this 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken! The sweet, tangy smell is already starting to build, making my kitchen smell amazing.
04 -
Once your chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour that glorious marmalade BBQ sauce all over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated! Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and is super sticky and glossy. This is where the flavors meld, and the chicken finishes cooking through. I usually sneak a little taste of the sauce here, just to make sure it's perfect.
05 -
To be real, I always use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C). Nobody wants undercooked chicken, right? If it needs a little more time, just let it simmer in that wonderful sauce until it's done. The sauce should be clinging to the chicken, looking absolutely irresistible. This step is crucial for perfect 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken.
06 -
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle with some fresh parsley or chopped green onions. The vibrant green against the sticky, dark orange chicken just looks so inviting. Serve it up hot, and watch it disappear! The aroma, the stickiness, it’s all just so good.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan, honestly. My first batch was more steamed than seared, and it just wasn't the same crispy magic.
02 -
Leftovers? Pop 'em in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheating gently in a pan keeps the sauce from separating, a mistake I learned the hard way with a sad, watery sauce.
03 -
No marmalade? Apricot preserves work in a pinch for this 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken, though the citrus zestiness will be a little different.
04 -
Serve this sticky 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, maybe with some steamed broccoli for a pop of green.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
tongs
03 -
measuring cups
04 -
small mixing bowl
05 -
whisk
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g