Tangy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken with Marmalade BBQ (Print Version)
Tangy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is ridiculously easy and packed with flavor. Whip up this simple marmalade BBQ chicken for a weeknight win!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American-inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free adaptable (use tamari)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
02 -
Orange marmalade (1 cup)
03 -
Your favorite BBQ sauce (1 cup)
→ Flavor Boosters (Optional, but I always add)
04 -
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
05 -
Soy sauce or tamari (1 tbsp)
06 -
Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
07 -
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
08 -
Green onions (scallions, sliced, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, pat those chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This is where I always forget to do it thoroughly, and then I wonder why they're not getting that lovely caramelized crust. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, or honestly, just let the sauce do the heavy lifting for this 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken. Place them in your baking dish; don't overcrowd!
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce. If you're adding them, stir in the garlic powder, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes here too. This is where the magic happens for our 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken! Just whisk it good, no lumps, please. I once used a fork and it was a lumpy mess, not ideal.
03 -
Pour that glorious sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Give it a little massage with your hands, honestly, it helps! Spread those chicken pieces out in a single layer in your baking dish. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of roast, and we want that lovely caramelization, right? Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
04 -
After about 15 minutes, pull the dish out of the oven. Carefully flip each piece of chicken and baste it generously with the sauce from the bottom of the pan. This ensures every inch of your 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken gets coated in that sticky, glorious marmalade BBQ goodness. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
05 -
If your sauce is a bit thin after baking, don't fret! Just scoop all the sauce from the baking dish into a small saucepan. Let it bubble gently over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking. I used to panic about thin sauces, but now I know this trick always works, makes the 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken extra saucy!
06 -
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes—this helps keep it juicy, trust me. Pile that glorious 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken onto plates! Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and those fresh, vibrant green onions. Honestly, it smells incredible right now, doesn't it? Enjoy your easy, delicious dinner!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip patting the chicken dry; it really helps with browning!
02 -
Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, not microwave.
03 -
Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: apricot preserves instead of orange marmalade.
04 -
Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: serve over fluffy white rice with a sprinkle of fresh green onions.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
whisk
03 -
small saucepan (optional)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g