3Ingredient Orange Chicken Takeout Fakeout
Skip the takeaway This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is ridiculously easy tastes just like your favourite Chinese Ready in 25 mins Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy Recipes
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for Chinese takeout? But can't be arsed to order? You know? I have the perfect answer.
This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe is about to blow your mind. It is crazy simple and tastes amazing.
Quick Hook
This isn't just any easy Chinese chicken recipe . Honestly, it's ridiculously easy. It brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
This is a takeout fakeout recipe so good. You'll ditch the delivery apps for good.
Brief Overview
Orange Chicken is a Chinese-American classic. This simple orange chicken recipe slashes the complexity. We're talking seriously simple. It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner recipe .
It makes about 4 servings. It's great served over rice.
Main Benefits
The beauty of this recipe? It's quick, easy, and tastes incredible. It also uses just three ingredients. Plus, it's lower in sugar than most takeout versions.
It also makes it a slightly healthier option. This orange chicken recipe easy skillet is perfect for busy weeknights. Or when you just fancy some comfort food, pronto.
Are you looking for a great health benefit? It is much lower in sodium than takeout. Perfect for keeping your blood pressure happy.
Honestly? I discovered this recipe by accident. I was rummaging through the cupboard. I found marmalade and barbeque sauce. I needed a quick dinner.
Boom! This 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe was born. I've not looked back since. Now, let's get to those ingredients.
We're going to have some cracking chicken thigh orange chicken .
3Ingredient Orange Chicken Takeout Fakeout Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Bangin' 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Fancy a Quick Orange Chicken Dinner that tastes like your favorite takeaway but needs, like, zero effort? Honestly, this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe is a game changer.
It is like magic how such few ingredients can deliver a perfect takeout fakeout recipe . Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need.
I remember the first time I tried this, I was proper gobsmacked. How could something so simple be so good? I thought to myself: This can't be just 3 ingredients?
Main Ingredients Sorted
Right, here’s what you need to conjure up this Simple orange chicken . Get your pen and paper ready love!
- Orange Marmalade: 1 (12-ounce) bottle/340g . Go for a decent one, not that watery cheap stuff. I find that marmalade with chunky bits of peel adds a lovely texture.
- Barbecue Sauce: 1 (8-ounce) bottle/227g . Sweet Baby Ray's works a treat, but any sweet and smoky BBQ sauce will do. I once tried it with a hickory-smoked one. It was alright, but stick to the sweet stuff for the best Orange Chicken Sauce .
- Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds/900g boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch/2.5cm cubes. Chicken Thigh Orange Chicken is the way to go. Trust me, they stay lovely and juicy. Breast can get a bit dry.
Seasoning Notes - Keep It Simple, Silly!
This recipe is all about ease. No need to faff about with loads of spices. However... Want to give it a kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes will sort you right out.
For a twist, try a dash of soy sauce for extra umami. Plum Sauce instead of BBQ sauce is a great way to change it up and add extra tangy.
Also, a bit of ginger or garlic powder never hurt anyone.
Equipment Needed - Less is More
You seriously don't need much for this Easy Chinese chicken recipe .
- A good non-stick skillet or wok. Stops everything from sticking and burning, which is crucial with all that sugar.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, innit?
- A knife and cutting board. For chopping the chicken, duh!
- Spatula or wooden spoon. To stir that gorgeous sauce.
If you haven't got a wok, don't panic, a frying pan will do just fine. Honestly, this recipe is so forgiving.
It's perfect for fast weeknight dinner recipes . Get your ingredients ready. It is time to create a cracking Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Skillet dish!
Cooking Method: 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken – Takeout Fakeout!
Right, let's dive into making this crazy easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken . Honestly, if you can stir a pot, you can nail this takeout fakeout recipe .
I used to think that delicious Easy Chinese chicken recipe needs too many ingredients, but this recipe is the proof it doesn't.
It's a proper lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when you just can't be bothered. I've even made it when I've had mates round unexpectedly and they were seriously impressed.
Prep Steps – Dead Easy!
Essential mise en place: Get your chicken thighs (about 900g) cubed into inch-sized bits. This boneless, skinless chicken thigh orange chicken is so juicy and full of flavour.
Open your jars of orange marmalade (340g) and your barbeque sauce (227g). Seriously, that's it!
Time-saving organisation tips: Pre-cubing the chicken saves time when you're making a Quick Orange Chicken Dinner . You know, sometimes, I even do it the night before and keep it in the fridge.
Boom! That's what I call winning.
Safety reminders: Chicken must reach 165° F ( 74° C) , remember to use a meat thermometer.
Step-by-Step Process – Simple as Pie!
- Sauce Up: In your skillet, mix together the orange marmalade and barbeque sauce over medium heat. Orange Chicken Sauce is about to happen.
- Simmer Time: Let that sauce get all bubbly and happy, stirring now and then so it doesn't stick. Turn the heat down low.
- Chicken In: Bung the chicken into the sauce and make sure it's all coated nicely.
- Low and Slow: Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken's cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy. This takes about 15- 20 minutes .
- Serve It Up: Chuck it all over some rice, and Bob's your uncle! You got yourself an Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice situation.
Pro Tips – You'll Sound Like A Pro
Don't let the sauce burn! Keep an eye on it. All that sugar in the marmalade can go rogue quickly.
Give it a stir every few minutes. Trust me on this. I've been there. Burnt sugar is NOT a good look.
If the sauce isn't thickening up? Take the chicken out and crank up the heat a tad. Let the sauce bubble away until it gets to the right consistency.
Just watch it like a hawk. Honestly, simple orange chicken is all about timing.
Want to make it ahead? Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool it down and keep it in the fridge.
When you're ready, just reheat it. It's even better the next day, in my opinion. The flavours mingle nicely. You can have Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Skillet ready to go in a flash.
And that's it! You've just made your own 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe ! Perfect for when you need some Fast Weeknight Dinner Recipes !.
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Alright, so you’re about to dive into making this ridiculously easy 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe . Honestly, you won't believe how simple it is.
But before you get started, a few little pointers to make sure you nail it. I've made this a ton and learned a few things along the way.
Serving Like a Pro
Fancy schmancy, eh? Seriously though, presentation matters. Pile your Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice in a nice bowl. Sprinkle with some chopped green onions.
Sesame seeds? Absolutely. For sides, think stir-fried veggies. Broccoli and bell peppers are always a winner. Or, if you're feeling extra, egg rolls or spring rolls.
Make it a proper Takeout Fakeout Recipe night! For a drink, ice cold beer. Or maybe a little orange sparkling water.
Keeping it Fresh (or Not!)
Leftovers? Yeah, if there are any! Keep your Quick Orange Chicken Dinner in the fridge. Airtight container, definitely. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
Reheating is a breeze. Microwave is fine, but a quick pan-fry brings back that lovely glaze. Don't even think about freezing it.
The sauce might get a bit weird. But trust me, you'll probably eat it all anyway.
Remixing Your 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken
Fancy a little twist on your 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe ? Go for it! Want it spicy? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Or a dash of Sriracha. Boom! For my Keto or low carb buddies, you can replace the Orange Chicken Sauce ingredients by sugar free marmalade, sugar free barbecue sauce, and a bit of sweetener to bring the flavors up to what they would be normally.
Nutrition: The Basics
Let's be real, this isn’t exactly health food. But it's chicken, so protein, right? A portion will give you a good protein boost.
The sugars are mainly from the marmalade and barbecue sauce. Portion control is your friend here. But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Making the Simple Orange Chicken recipe is the same as making the recipe with full ingredient. All is on the ingredients you choose! The Chicken Thigh Orange Chicken is an amazing Easy Chinese Chicken Recipe .
Now go forth and create this Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Skillet ! You got this! And remember, cooking is about having fun. Don't stress too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe really that easy? I'm no Gordon Ramsay!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for even the most novice cooks. The beauty of this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is in its simplicity – just combine the ingredients and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. If you can stir a pan, you can nail this recipe!
Can I substitute the chicken thighs in this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe? What about chicken breasts?
You can indeed! Chicken breasts work well, but be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Cut the chicken breast into smaller, even-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly. Also, remember chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay more moist when cooked.
My 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken sauce isn't thickening up! What am I doing wrong?
Don't panic! If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken from the pan and simmer the sauce on slightly higher heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency. The sugar in the marmalade and BBQ sauce needs a little encouragement to caramelize and thicken up. But keep an eye on it, sugar burns easy!.
How should I store leftover 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken? Can I freeze it?
Leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Store the cooled orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Make sure it's completely cooled, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It'll keep for about 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly in a pan or microwave.
Can I make this 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Sriracha or a chilli oil) added to the sauce will give it a lovely kick. You could even add some finely chopped fresh chilli, like a bird's eye chilli, for an extra punch. Remember to taste as you go and adjust to your spice preference!
Is 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken healthy?
While delicious, this recipe is higher in sugar due to the marmalade and BBQ sauce. You can make it healthier by using sugar-free marmalade and a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Serve it with plenty of vegetables like stir-fried broccoli and bell peppers for a balanced meal. Remember, it's all about moderation - a little bit of what you fancy does you good!
