Looking for a quick and easy dinner? This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is the answer! With just chicken thighs, orange marmalade, and soy sauce, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time. I’ll show you simple steps to create this dish, plus tips for spice lovers and those interested in healthier options. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients Needed
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
To make my 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken, you need just three main items. First, grab a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I like thighs because they stay juicy and tender. Next, you will need one cup of orange marmalade. This sweet and tangy treat gives the dish its flavor. Finally, two tablespoons of soy sauce add a savory touch. The mix of sweet and salty is perfect.
Optional Garnishes
– Chopped green onions
– Sesame seeds
To make your dish pop, consider using some optional garnishes. Chopped green onions add color and a mild onion flavor. Sesame seeds sprinkle a nice crunch and nutty taste. You can use these garnishes to make your meal look great and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
To make the sauce, mix the orange marmalade and soy sauce in a medium bowl. Use a whisk or fork to blend them well. This step ensures a smooth consistency. The sweet and savory blend will give your chicken great flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and make sure it is cooked through. Stir often to cook evenly. Check the chicken’s doneness by cutting a piece to ensure there’s no pink inside.
Combining Sauce and Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece of chicken. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and become sticky. Stir occasionally to keep the chicken from sticking to the pan. When the sauce reaches your desired thickness, you can remove the skillet from heat. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps.
Tips & Tricks
Making It Even Easier
If you want to save time, use pre-cooked chicken. You can find it in stores. Just heat it up and add the sauce. This cuts cooking time in half. You can also use store-bought orange sauce. Many brands offer tasty options. Just mix it with your chicken, and you’re all set.
Enhancing Flavor
To make the dish pop, add spices. A pinch of garlic powder or ginger can boost flavor. You can also try red pepper flakes for heat. If you want more texture, toss in some bell peppers or snap peas. They add crunch and color.
For side dishes, serve the orange chicken with fluffy rice or steamed broccoli. Both add balance to the meal. You can also try a simple salad. The fresh greens will contrast nicely with the sticky chicken. For a special touch, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. It makes your plate look great!
Variations
Spicy Orange Chicken
You can easily add heat to your orange chicken. Just mix in chili flakes or hot sauce. Start with a pinch of chili flakes for a mild kick. If you like it hot, add more! Hot sauce works well too. Try different sauces to find your perfect level of spice. This small change makes a big difference in flavor.
Healthier Alternatives
For a healthier dish, swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and lower in fat. This keeps the meal light but still tasty. You can also use low-sugar or homemade marmalade. Store-bought marmalade often has added sugar. Making it at home can help you control the ingredients. Both changes keep your orange chicken delicious and healthy.
For the Full Recipe, be sure to check out the main article.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken fresh, follow these tips:
– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
– Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat without losing flavor:
– Best Methods: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through.
– Safe Reheating Guidelines: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This keeps your meal safe to eat.
FAQs
Can I make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the orange chicken and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes meal prep easy and saves time.
What can I serve with orange chicken?
I love to serve orange chicken with fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the sweet sauce nicely. You can also add steamed broccoli or green beans for some color and crunch. These sides balance the dish and make it even more filling.
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast if you prefer. It will still taste great. You can also try beef or tofu. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the chicken. Cook them the same way until they are done. This recipe is very flexible!
This blog post covered how to make a delicious orange chicken dish. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs, orange marmalade, and soy sauce. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and handy tips to make it easier. You can even explore fun variations, from spicy options to healthier choices. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them tasty. Whether you serve it with rice or veggies, this meal will impress. Enjoy making your orange chicken and feel confident in your cooking skills!
