Easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken BBQ Style

Created on September 1st, 2025 at 07:46 pm

Sticky, sweet, and ready in 15 minutes!

Craving takeout but short on time? This Easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken is your new weeknight hero. With the bold flavor of BBQ sauce, sweet orange marmalade, and your favorite crispy chicken, it comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re using frozen nuggets or homemade popcorn chicken, this shortcut recipe is the ultimate quick orange chicken dinner—no wok, no fuss, no mess. Perfect for busy families, college students, or anyone who loves fast, flavorful meals without sacrificing taste. Serve it over rice, with noodles, or solo as a sweet-and-sticky snack. 🍊🔥

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes (for frozen nuggets)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

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📝 Ingredients List

• 5 cups chicken nuggets, precooked (frozen or homemade)
• 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (we used Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional for extra depth)

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Microwave-safe mixing bowl
• Large spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (for nuggets)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Tongs or serving spoon
• Paper towels (for covering bowl in microwave)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Place your frozen chicken nuggets on a lined baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions until hot and crispy—usually about 12–14 minutes. 🔥
2. Make the Orange BBQ Sauce
   In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using). Cover with a damp paper towel to avoid splatter.
3. Heat the Sauce
   Microwave the sauce for 45 seconds. Stir well until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and slightly thick.
4. Toss and Serve
   Add your hot, crispy chicken nuggets to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce. Use a spatula to gently fold until every piece is covered. 🍗✨

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💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep chicken crispy.
• Make Ahead: Mix the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze for up to 2 months!
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
• Serving Ideas: Serve with white rice, fried rice, or chow mein noodles. Or use it as a party appetizer with toothpicks!

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📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	566	6g	84g	26g	3g	40g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.