Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

5 from 2 votes

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is sweet, sticky, and full of flavor! It’s made with crispy chicken coated in a shortcut glaze using Japanese BBQ sauce and orange marmalade for the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and sweet. You only need a few ingredients, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes with no fancy techniques.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 320kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Large skillet or deep fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Storage

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons neutral oil for frying like avocado or canola
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate or wire rack to drain.
In another bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss until well coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Best served with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.

Video

Notes

Storage Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Substitutions

Japanese BBQ Sauce: Substitute with regular barbecue or hoisin sauce.
Orange Marmalade: Swap with apricot preserves for a unique flavor.
Peanut Oil: Use any high smoke point oil for frying.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition