![To make this tasty orange chicken, you need just four simple ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orange marmalade - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this makes a slurry to thicken the sauce) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. For the best results, I recommend specific brands. For orange marmalade, try Smucker's or Bonne Maman. They have a rich flavor that shines in the dish. For soy sauce, Kikkoman is a great choice. It adds depth to the sauce. Use a pure cornstarch brand like Argo for the best thickening results. These brands make a noticeable difference in taste. While the orange chicken tastes great on its own, you can add fun garnishes. Consider topping your dish with: - Sesame seeds for crunch - Chopped green onions for freshness - Fresh cilantro for an herbaceous kick These garnishes not only enhance the look but also the flavor of your meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Make sure to stir them often. This step ensures all sides get nice and cooked. In a separate bowl, mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir them together until they blend well. This mixture brings a sweet and savory taste to the dish. It is also the key to making your chicken flavorful. Set the sauce aside for now; you will add it to the chicken soon. Once the chicken is golden and cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir it well to coat all the pieces. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Now, add the cornstarch slurry slowly. Stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will make the sauce thick and glossy. After it thickens, remove it from the heat. Let it sit for a minute before serving. You can find the full recipe [here]. I prefer using a skillet for this dish. A skillet cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. You get a nice, golden brown color. The high heat helps the sauce stick well to the chicken. If you use an oven, the chicken may not get as crispy. A baking dish is better for slow-cooked meals. For orange chicken, stick to the skillet for the best taste. To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the chicken’s color. Cook it until it turns golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you cook it too long, it will become dry. Remember, it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook. One common mistake is not cutting the chicken evenly. If the pieces are different sizes, some will cook faster. Always cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to keep cooking times the same. Another mistake is adding the cornstarch slurry too fast. If you pour it in all at once, the sauce may clump. Stir it in gradually for a smooth texture. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your orange chicken for more taste and nutrition. Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli work well. Cut them into small pieces, so they cook fast. Add them to the skillet when the chicken is almost done. Stir them in and cook for about three minutes. This adds color and crunch to your dish. If you want a change, try using tofu or shrimp. Both options absorb the orange sauce well. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm types. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. For shrimp, use large, peeled shrimp. Cook them until they are pink and tender. Both options make the meal quick and easy. You can make your orange chicken spicy if you like heat. Add red pepper flakes to the orange sauce mix. Start with a small amount, like a pinch. Taste it before adding more. You can also use sriracha or chili paste for extra flavor. Adjust it to your taste, and your meal will be just right! Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing it. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. For the best taste, reheat the chicken gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. You can freeze orange chicken for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This keeps the chicken tasty and safe to eat. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can make Four Ingredient Orange Chicken ahead of time. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. To prepare, cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Then, let it cool before storing in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This helps save time on busy days. You can serve Orange Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fluffy white rice - Fried rice with veggies - Crispy stir-fried vegetables - A fresh green salad These sides balance the sweet and zesty flavor of the chicken. They also add color and nutrition to your meal. Yes, you can make Orange Chicken gluten-free. Simply swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This keeps the dish flavorful without gluten. Always check the labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Orange chicken can be simple and fun to make. We explored the key ingredients, like the four main ones, and discussed the best brands for great flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and key tips to avoid mistakes. Variations let you add your touch, like swapping proteins or adding veggies. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can make a tasty feast that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2e93a74b-7799-45a8-a78d-db35c6990d52-768x768.webp)
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? My Four Ingredient Orange Chicken will impress you and your family! With just four simple items, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time. This easy recipe saves you from complicated cooking. Plus, I’ll share essential tips and tricks to make it perfect every time. Let’s get cooking and satisfy those cravings for something sweet and savory!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Four Ingredient Orange Chicken
To make this tasty orange chicken, you need just four simple ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this makes a slurry to thicken the sauce)
These ingredients work together to create a sweet and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Suggested Brands for Best Results
For the best results, I recommend specific brands. For orange marmalade, try Smucker’s or Bonne Maman. They have a rich flavor that shines in the dish. For soy sauce, Kikkoman is a great choice. It adds depth to the sauce. Use a pure cornstarch brand like Argo for the best thickening results. These brands make a noticeable difference in taste.
Optional Garnishes
While the orange chicken tastes great on its own, you can add fun garnishes. Consider topping your dish with:
- Sesame seeds for crunch
- Chopped green onions for freshness
- Fresh cilantro for an herbaceous kick
These garnishes not only enhance the look but also the flavor of your meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Make sure to stir them often. This step ensures all sides get nice and cooked.
Making the Orange Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir them together until they blend well. This mixture brings a sweet and savory taste to the dish. It is also the key to making your chicken flavorful. Set the sauce aside for now; you will add it to the chicken soon.
Cooking Process
Once the chicken is golden and cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir it well to coat all the pieces. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Now, add the cornstarch slurry slowly. Stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will make the sauce thick and glossy. After it thickens, remove it from the heat. Let it sit for a minute before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Best Cooking Methods (Skillet vs. Oven)
I prefer using a skillet for this dish. A skillet cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. You get a nice, golden brown color. The high heat helps the sauce stick well to the chicken. If you use an oven, the chicken may not get as crispy. A baking dish is better for slow-cooked meals. For orange chicken, stick to the skillet for the best taste.
How to Avoid Overcooking Chicken
To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the chicken’s color. Cook it until it turns golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you cook it too long, it will become dry. Remember, it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not cutting the chicken evenly. If the pieces are different sizes, some will cook faster. Always cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to keep cooking times the same. Another mistake is adding the cornstarch slurry too fast. If you pour it in all at once, the sauce may clump. Stir it in gradually for a smooth texture.
Variations
Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor
You can add vegetables to your orange chicken for more taste and nutrition. Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli work well. Cut them into small pieces, so they cook fast. Add them to the skillet when the chicken is almost done. Stir them in and cook for about three minutes. This adds color and crunch to your dish.
Swapping Chicken for Alternative Proteins
If you want a change, try using tofu or shrimp. Both options absorb the orange sauce well. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm types. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. For shrimp, use large, peeled shrimp. Cook them until they are pink and tender. Both options make the meal quick and easy.
Adjusting the Spiciness Level
You can make your orange chicken spicy if you like heat. Add red pepper flakes to the orange sauce mix. Start with a small amount, like a pinch. Taste it before adding more. You can also use sriracha or chili paste for extra flavor. Adjust it to your taste, and your meal will be just right!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Orange Chicken
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing it. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
For the best taste, reheat the chicken gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze orange chicken for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This keeps the chicken tasty and safe to eat.
FAQs
Can I make Four Ingredient Orange Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Four Ingredient Orange Chicken ahead of time. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. To prepare, cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Then, let it cool before storing in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This helps save time on busy days.
What can I serve with Orange Chicken?
You can serve Orange Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fluffy white rice
- Fried rice with veggies
- Crispy stir-fried vegetables
- A fresh green salad
These sides balance the sweet and zesty flavor of the chicken. They also add color and nutrition to your meal.
Is there a gluten-free option available?
Yes, you can make Orange Chicken gluten-free. Simply swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This keeps the dish flavorful without gluten. Always check the labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry!
Orange chicken can be simple and fun to make. We explored the key ingredients, like the four main ones, and discussed the best brands for great flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and key tips to avoid mistakes. Variations let you add your touch, like swapping proteins or adding veggies. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can make a tasty feast that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!
![To make this tasty orange chicken, you need just four simple ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orange marmalade - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this makes a slurry to thicken the sauce) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. For the best results, I recommend specific brands. For orange marmalade, try Smucker's or Bonne Maman. They have a rich flavor that shines in the dish. For soy sauce, Kikkoman is a great choice. It adds depth to the sauce. Use a pure cornstarch brand like Argo for the best thickening results. These brands make a noticeable difference in taste. While the orange chicken tastes great on its own, you can add fun garnishes. Consider topping your dish with: - Sesame seeds for crunch - Chopped green onions for freshness - Fresh cilantro for an herbaceous kick These garnishes not only enhance the look but also the flavor of your meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Make sure to stir them often. This step ensures all sides get nice and cooked. In a separate bowl, mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Stir them together until they blend well. This mixture brings a sweet and savory taste to the dish. It is also the key to making your chicken flavorful. Set the sauce aside for now; you will add it to the chicken soon. Once the chicken is golden and cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir it well to coat all the pieces. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Now, add the cornstarch slurry slowly. Stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will make the sauce thick and glossy. After it thickens, remove it from the heat. Let it sit for a minute before serving. You can find the full recipe [here]. I prefer using a skillet for this dish. A skillet cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. You get a nice, golden brown color. The high heat helps the sauce stick well to the chicken. If you use an oven, the chicken may not get as crispy. A baking dish is better for slow-cooked meals. For orange chicken, stick to the skillet for the best taste. To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the chicken’s color. Cook it until it turns golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you cook it too long, it will become dry. Remember, it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook. One common mistake is not cutting the chicken evenly. If the pieces are different sizes, some will cook faster. Always cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to keep cooking times the same. Another mistake is adding the cornstarch slurry too fast. If you pour it in all at once, the sauce may clump. Stir it in gradually for a smooth texture. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your orange chicken for more taste and nutrition. Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli work well. Cut them into small pieces, so they cook fast. Add them to the skillet when the chicken is almost done. Stir them in and cook for about three minutes. This adds color and crunch to your dish. If you want a change, try using tofu or shrimp. Both options absorb the orange sauce well. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm types. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. For shrimp, use large, peeled shrimp. Cook them until they are pink and tender. Both options make the meal quick and easy. You can make your orange chicken spicy if you like heat. Add red pepper flakes to the orange sauce mix. Start with a small amount, like a pinch. Taste it before adding more. You can also use sriracha or chili paste for extra flavor. Adjust it to your taste, and your meal will be just right! Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing it. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. For the best taste, reheat the chicken gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. You can freeze orange chicken for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This keeps the chicken tasty and safe to eat. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can make Four Ingredient Orange Chicken ahead of time. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. To prepare, cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Then, let it cool before storing in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This helps save time on busy days. You can serve Orange Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fluffy white rice - Fried rice with veggies - Crispy stir-fried vegetables - A fresh green salad These sides balance the sweet and zesty flavor of the chicken. They also add color and nutrition to your meal. Yes, you can make Orange Chicken gluten-free. Simply swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This keeps the dish flavorful without gluten. Always check the labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Orange chicken can be simple and fun to make. We explored the key ingredients, like the four main ones, and discussed the best brands for great flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and key tips to avoid mistakes. Variations let you add your touch, like swapping proteins or adding veggies. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can make a tasty feast that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2e93a74b-7799-45a8-a78d-db35c6990d52-250x250.webp)
