🍊 Easy 5-Ingredient Orange Chicken – Sticky, Sweet & Takeout-Worthy in 20 Minutes

by

I. Recipe Card

✨ Recipe Name & Tagline
Easy 5-Ingredient Orange Chicken – A no-fuss, sweet-and-savory chicken dinner with bold flavor and just five pantry staples. No takeout required!

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: High-Protein | W-W Friendly | Quick Dinner | Family Favorite

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

  • 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • ½ cup orange marmalade (or apricot preserves)

  • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky)

  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions

  • Sesame seeds

  • Red pepper flakes

🔪 Quick Instructions

  1. Cook chicken: Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 mins).

  2. Whisk sauce: Combine marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch (if using).

  3. Coat & simmer: Pour sauce into skillet, stir to coat, and simmer until thickened.

  4. Serve & garnish: Over rice, noodles, or veggies. Top with green onions and sesame seeds!

Notes:

  • W-W friendly with sugar-free marmalade, low-sodium soy sauce, and grilled chicken

  • Ready in under 20 minutes!

II. Brief Introduction

Some weeknights just scream for something fast, flavorful, and kid-approved—and that’s exactly where this Easy 5-Ingredient Orange Chicken comes in. It’s sweet, tangy, a little smoky, and ridiculously sticky (in the best way). It tastes like your favorite takeout dish but comes together in minutes. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and a total W-W win with the right swaps. 🍊💛

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a large skillet over medium.

  • Add bite-sized chicken pieces (seasoned lightly with salt and pepper if desired).

  • Cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

  • Drain excess liquid for a better sauce consistency.

2. Mix the Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together:

    • ½ cup orange marmalade

    • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce

    • 2 Tbsp soy sauce

    • 1 Tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
      Tip: If using sweet BBQ, go for a tart marmalade. If smoky BBQ, try apricot for balance!

3. Coat and Simmer

  • Pour sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.

  • Toss to coat evenly.

  • Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick, sticky, and glossy.

4. Serve & Garnish

  • Spoon over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

  • Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for heat.

IV. Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

  • Chicken: Thighs = juicier, breasts = leaner.

  • Marmalade: Use sugar-free or fruit-sweetened for fewer W-W points.

  • BBQ Sauce: Choose a low-sugar or smoky variety.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it heart-healthy.

  • Cornstarch: Optional, but great for that glossy takeout texture.

W-W Smart Tips:

  • Use grilled chicken breast

  • Sugar-free orange marmalade

  • G Hughes sugar-free BBQ sauce

  • Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli

V. Flavor Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Boosters:

  • Spicy Orange Chicken: Add chili garlic sauce or Sriracha

  • Ginger Twist: Grate in 1 tsp fresh ginger

  • Hawaiian: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce

Perfect Pairings:

  • Steamed broccoli or snow peas

  • Cauliflower rice or brown rice

  • Cucumber salad with rice vinegar

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge:

  • Store in an airtight container up to 4 days

  • Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed

Freezer:

  • Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months

  • Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat until bubbly

Meal Prep Tip:

  • Cook chicken and sauce separately—combine when reheating for best texture!

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
350 30g 20g 14g

Light Version Estimates (W-W Swaps):

  • 290 kcal | 30g protein | 8g carbs | 9g fat

  • ~3–5 W-W Points depending on brands used

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Firm tofu works great pan-fried. Shrimp only needs 2–3 minutes to cook.

Q: Can I skip the cornstarch?
A: Yes! Your sauce will be slightly thinner, but still delicious. Simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on marmalade/BBQ sauce.

Q: Can I make it in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry the chicken first, then toss with sauce in a skillet to finish.

IX. Kristy’s Note

I came up with this recipe on a crazy weeknight when I needed dinner fast and had three things in my fridge. The magic combo of BBQ sauce and marmalade blew my mind—and now it’s a weekly go-to. With the right swaps, it’s light enough for W-W and bold enough to please the pickiest eaters (a win in my house!). 🍽️💛

X. More Fast & Flavorful W-W Dinners

  • 🍍 W-W Sweet & Sour Chicken

  • 🥡 Skinny Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

  • 🧄 Honey Garlic Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • 🥦 Teriyaki Tofu Bowls (5 Ingredients or Less)

XI. Call to Action

Made this Easy Orange Chicken? I want to see your sticky skillet! 🍊 Tag me @KristyCookRecipes, rate it below, or share your swaps in the comments. Let’s make “fast food” a little healthier—and a whole lot more fun!

Leave a Comment