3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Quick and Easy Meal

Looking for a quick and easy meal? This 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe is your answer! With just boneless chicken thighs, orange marmalade, and soy sauce, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time. Perfect for busy evenings or a last-minute dinner, this recipe is flavorful and very simple. Let’s dive in and make your next meal a hit!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients Needed

– Boneless Chicken Thighs

– Orange Marmalade

– Soy Sauce

The main ingredients for this quick orange chicken dish are simple yet flavorful. First, you need boneless chicken thighs. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Next, orange marmalade gives a sweet and tangy taste. It adds a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken. Lastly, soy sauce brings a savory note to the dish. Together, these three ingredients create a tasty meal in no time.

Recommended Equipment

– Large Mixing Bowl

– Skillet or Frying Pan

– Meat Thermometer

To make this dish, you will need some basic kitchen tools. A large mixing bowl helps you combine the chicken and sauce easily. A skillet or frying pan is best for cooking the chicken. You want it to get nice and golden. A meat thermometer is important too. It ensures your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C). These tools make the cooking process smooth and fun.

For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Cutting the Chicken Thighs

Start by taking one pound of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to cook and eat. Make sure each piece is uniform in size for even cooking.

Mixing the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine one cup of orange marmalade with two tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. This sauce will bring sweet and salty flavors to the chicken.

Cooking Process

Marinating the Chicken

Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat each piece well. Let it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key. It allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty flavors.

Sizzling & Stir-Frying

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken along with any leftover sauce. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often. This helps the chicken cook through and caramelize a bit. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Final Presentation

Transfer to Serving Dish

After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat. Carefully transfer it to a serving dish.

Garnishing Suggestions

For a beautiful touch, serve the chicken over fluffy white rice. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. This not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Ensuring Proper Cooking Temperature

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat.

Achieving the Right Caramelization

Cooking the chicken until it caramelizes is key. Stir it gently to avoid burning. The sugar in the orange marmalade helps create a nice brown color. This adds flavor and makes the dish look great.

Serving Suggestions

Accompanying Side Dishes

Serve your orange chicken with white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce well. You can also add steamed veggies, like broccoli or snap peas. They add color and nutrients to your meal.

Pairing with Drinks

A light drink pairs well with this dish. Try iced tea or a citrus soda. For adults, a crisp white wine can complement the flavors nicely. Choose drinks that won’t overpower the sweet taste of the chicken.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

Switching chicken for tofu can make this dish vegan-friendly. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Cut it into cubes, just like the chicken. Marinate it in the same orange-marmalade mix for 15-20 minutes. This will help it soak up the zest.

Using other citrus marmalades can add a twist. Try lemon or grapefruit marmalade. Each type brings a unique taste. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. This keeps your meal exciting and fresh.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding garlic or ginger can boost the flavor. Both ingredients add warmth and depth. Mince one clove of garlic or a small piece of ginger. Mix them into the orange-marmalade sauce. This extra step will enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.

Incorporating vegetables makes the meal more colorful and healthy. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry with the chicken. This not only adds nutrition but also brightens the dish.

For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool down first. Place the orange chicken in a shallow dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Recommended Storage Containers

Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Choose a size that fits your portion needs. If you plan to freeze, use freezer-safe bags. This will prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions

Best Methods to Reheat Orange Chicken

To reheat, you have a few options. The microwave is quick and easy. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can also use the stovetop. Heat a skillet on medium heat, adding the chicken. Stir until hot.

Avoiding Dryness

To avoid drying out the chicken, add a splash of water or broth. This creates steam and keeps it moist. For the microwave, you can add a little orange juice for extra flavor. Always check that it’s heated to 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, cut it into bite-sized pieces as usual.

How long can I store leftover orange chicken?

You can store leftover orange chicken for up to three days in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. This will help prevent condensation and sogginess.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors. You can also cook it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve.

What can I substitute for soy sauce for a gluten-free option?

For a gluten-free option, try using tamari sauce. Tamari is similar to soy sauce but made without wheat. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. Both options work well in this orange chicken recipe.

Is there a way to make the sauce spicier?

Yes! To add heat, include red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce mix. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also add fresh ginger for a spicy kick. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!

For the full recipe, check out the zesty 3-ingredient orange chicken recipe.

This blog post covers how to make a tasty orange chicken dish. We discussed key ingredients, the right equipment, and step-by-step instructions. You learned cooking tips, serving ideas, and variations for this recipe. Storing and reheating tips are also shared.

Now you can confidently cook this dish and impress everyone. Enjoy making your orange chicken, and don’t forget to have fun!

- Boneless Chicken Thighs - Orange Marmalade - Soy Sauce The main ingredients for this quick orange chicken dish are simple yet flavorful. First, you need boneless chicken thighs. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Next, orange marmalade gives a sweet and tangy taste. It adds a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken. Lastly, soy sauce brings a savory note to the dish. Together, these three ingredients create a tasty meal in no time. - Large Mixing Bowl - Skillet or Frying Pan - Meat Thermometer To make this dish, you will need some basic kitchen tools. A large mixing bowl helps you combine the chicken and sauce easily. A skillet or frying pan is best for cooking the chicken. You want it to get nice and golden. A meat thermometer is important too. It ensures your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C). These tools make the cooking process smooth and fun. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Cutting the Chicken Thighs Start by taking one pound of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to cook and eat. Make sure each piece is uniform in size for even cooking. - Mixing the Sauce In a separate bowl, combine one cup of orange marmalade with two tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. This sauce will bring sweet and salty flavors to the chicken. - Marinating the Chicken Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat each piece well. Let it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key. It allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty flavors. - Sizzling & Stir-Frying Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the marinated chicken along with any leftover sauce. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often. This helps the chicken cook through and caramelize a bit. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). - Transfer to Serving Dish After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat. Carefully transfer it to a serving dish. - Garnishing Suggestions For a beautiful touch, serve the chicken over fluffy white rice. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. This not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. - Ensuring Proper Cooking Temperature Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. - Achieving the Right Caramelization Cooking the chicken until it caramelizes is key. Stir it gently to avoid burning. The sugar in the orange marmalade helps create a nice brown color. This adds flavor and makes the dish look great. - Accompanying Side Dishes Serve your orange chicken with white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce well. You can also add steamed veggies, like broccoli or snap peas. They add color and nutrients to your meal. - Pairing with Drinks A light drink pairs well with this dish. Try iced tea or a citrus soda. For adults, a crisp white wine can complement the flavors nicely. Choose drinks that won’t overpower the sweet taste of the chicken. {{image_4}} Switching chicken for tofu can make this dish vegan-friendly. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Cut it into cubes, just like the chicken. Marinate it in the same orange-marmalade mix for 15-20 minutes. This will help it soak up the zest. Using other citrus marmalades can add a twist. Try lemon or grapefruit marmalade. Each type brings a unique taste. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. This keeps your meal exciting and fresh. Adding garlic or ginger can boost the flavor. Both ingredients add warmth and depth. Mince one clove of garlic or a small piece of ginger. Mix them into the orange-marmalade sauce. This extra step will enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Incorporating vegetables makes the meal more colorful and healthy. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry with the chicken. This not only adds nutrition but also brightens the dish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking adventure! How to Store Leftovers After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool down first. Place the orange chicken in a shallow dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Recommended Storage Containers Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Choose a size that fits your portion needs. If you plan to freeze, use freezer-safe bags. This will prevent freezer burn. Best Methods to Reheat Orange Chicken To reheat, you have a few options. The microwave is quick and easy. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can also use the stovetop. Heat a skillet on medium heat, adding the chicken. Stir until hot. Avoiding Dryness To avoid drying out the chicken, add a splash of water or broth. This creates steam and keeps it moist. For the microwave, you can add a little orange juice for extra flavor. Always check that it’s heated to 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, cut it into bite-sized pieces as usual. You can store leftover orange chicken for up to three days in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. This will help prevent condensation and sogginess. Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors. You can also cook it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve. For a gluten-free option, try using tamari sauce. Tamari is similar to soy sauce but made without wheat. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. Both options work well in this orange chicken recipe. Yes! To add heat, include red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce mix. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also add fresh ginger for a spicy kick. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! For the full recipe, check out the zesty 3-ingredient orange chicken recipe. This blog post covers how to make a tasty orange chicken dish. We discussed key ingredients, the right equipment, and step-by-step instructions. You learned cooking tips, serving ideas, and variations for this recipe. Storing and reheating tips are also shared. Now you can confidently cook this dish and impress everyone. Enjoy making your orange chicken, and don't forget to have fun!

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Craving a quick and easy meal? Try this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe that combines juicy boneless chicken thighs, sweet orange marmalade, and savory soy sauce for a delicious dinner in minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this savory dish is not only simple but also bursting with flavor. Ready to impress your family? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking your new favorite meal today!

Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orange marmalade

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, place the bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken thighs to ensure even marination.

    Mix the Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade with the soy sauce. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a smooth and cohesive glaze.

      Marinate: Pour the orange-marmalade mixture over the pieces of chicken in the mixing bowl. Toss the chicken gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15-20 minutes, giving it ample time to absorb the delicious flavors.

        Cook the Chicken: Preheat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade to the skillet.

          Sizzle & Stir-Fry: Cook the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the chicken pieces to cook through and develop a slight caramelization on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

            Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from heat. Transfer the zesty orange chicken to a serving dish, ready to impress your guests or family.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the vibrant orange chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed white rice. For a pop of color and fresh flavor, garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to create an appealing visual contrast.

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