There’s something undeniably addictive about orange chicken. The crispy golden chicken, the sticky-sweet and tangy orange glaze, and the comforting pairing with fluffy rice make it a beloved favorite at American Chinese restaurants everywhere. But what if we told you that you could enjoy this iconic dish at home in just 30 minutes—with minimal prep, easy cleanup, and no deep-frying? Yes, it’s possible, and it’s every bit as satisfying!
This Homemade Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade recipe is the ultimate time-saver without compromising flavor. By using orange marmalade as the base for the sauce, you skip the mess of juicing and zesting fresh oranges, while still capturing that bold citrus punch. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, prepping for a weeknight dinner, or just craving takeout-style comfort food, this dish delivers flavor fast—and it’s better than takeout.
Why Orange Marmalade Is the Secret Ingredient You Need
Orange chicken typically requires a sweet and zesty sauce made from orange juice, zest, sugar, and a blend of other ingredients. While the traditional method is delicious, it can be time-consuming. Enter: orange marmalade—a pantry-friendly ingredient that already contains sweet citrus notes, real orange peel, and a perfect jelly-like consistency that creates an instant glaze.
Marmalade not only saves time, but it also offers a more complex, slightly bitter orange flavor that enhances the overall dish. Combined with soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and optional heat from chili flakes, the result is a sticky, glossy, and irresistible sauce that clings to crispy chicken pieces beautifully. It’s a brilliant shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice the quality or taste of the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple, Fresh & Flavorful)
You only need a few basic ingredients to make this restaurant-style dish at home. Most of them are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s the full list:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or use flour for a lighter coating)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for added aroma and flavor)
Optional Toppings & Sides:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions or scallions
- Steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles
- Roasted broccoli or sautéed snow peas on the side
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions – Dinner in 30 Minutes or Less
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimum fuss. Follow these simple steps and dinner will be ready before your next TV episode starts.
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps create a light crust that gets golden and crispy when pan-fried.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed), and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add a small splash of oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the luscious orange glaze. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce clings tightly to the chicken and caramelizes slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra color and flavor. Don’t forget your side of veggies for a well-balanced meal!
Tips, Variations, and Make-Ahead Ideas
Here are a few pro tips and tasty variations to make this dish your own:
- Make it extra crispy: Toss the chicken in a mix of cornstarch and flour, and cook it in a hot cast-iron skillet or air fryer for maximum crunch.
- Go spicy: Love heat? Add a splash of sriracha or a teaspoon of chili garlic paste to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Add veggies: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets when you return the chicken to the sauce for a one-pan meal.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce for best texture.
- Low-carb version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and use a sugar-free marmalade to cut carbs without losing flavor.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly crave-worthy. With a smart shortcut and a handful of simple pantry items, you can bring the magic of takeout-style orange chicken to your table in just 30 minutes. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
So grab your skillet, crack open that jar of marmalade, and get cooking—you’re about to fall in love with orange chicken all over again.
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