Easy Orange Chicken

Are you looking for Easy Orange Chicken recipes that are quick, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week? This dish stands out with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this orange chicken is sure to impress. Plus, with just five ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll find this recipe fits seamlessly into your schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and tangy sauce appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or alongside steamed veggies to create a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only five simple components, you can whip this up without a long grocery list.
• Easily Scalable: Adjust the quantities easily to feed more people or save leftovers for another day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Cooking pot for rice
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing the popcorn chicken with sauce, ensuring even coating.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for warming the orange marmalade sauce quickly and evenly.
• Cooking pot for rice: A must-have to prepare a fluffy bed of rice to serve with your chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Dish

• 1 (24oz) bag frozen popcorn chicken
• 1 (17oz) jar orange marmalade
• 1 cup bbq sauce (any brand will work)
• 6 tbsp soy sauce

For Serving (Optional)

• Cooked white or brown rice

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Popcorn Chicken

1. Start by cooking the frozen popcorn chicken according to package instructions. This will typically involve baking or frying until golden brown and crispy.
2. If using rice, prepare it simultaneously according to package directions.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Sauce

1. While the popcorn chicken cooks, combine the orange marmalade, bbq sauce, and soy sauce in a medium saucepan.
2. Warm on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the marmalade melts and blends with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked popcorn chicken once it’s ready.
2. Pour in the hot orange sauce over the chicken.
3. Gently toss until all pieces are well-coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve your Easy Orange Chicken over a bed of cooked rice if desired.
2. Enjoy your meal while it’s warm!

This easy recipe is not only quick but also packs a flavorful punch that everyone will love!

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• White or Brown Rice: Serve the orange chicken over fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli or Snow Peas: Bright green veggies add color and nutrition to your plate, balancing the sweetness of the orange sauce.

Topped with Green Onions

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Accompanied by Spring Rolls

• Vegetable Spring Rolls: Pair with crispy spring rolls for an extra crunch and a delightful appetizer.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy dressing can complement the richness of the chicken.

How to Perfect Easy Orange Chicken

For an even better Easy Orange Chicken experience, follow these simple tips.

• Bold Marinade: Marinate chicken in soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.
• Crispy Texture: Ensure popcorn chicken is cooked until golden brown for that perfect crunch.
• Adjust Sweetness: Add more orange marmalade if you prefer a sweeter dish, or reduce it for less sweetness.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled juice for a vibrant flavor boost.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Orange Chicken

When serving Easy Orange Chicken, consider these side dishes to create a complete meal.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful blend of rice, vegetables, and soy sauce makes for a hearty pairing.
2. Quinoa Salad: Nutritious quinoa tossed with vegetables adds texture and protein.
3. Garlic Noodles: Savory garlic noodles provide an aromatic complement to the sweet chicken.
4. Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a crunchy, refreshing element to your meal.
5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad with vinegar dressing offers contrast to the warm dish.
6. Miso Soup: A small bowl of miso soup can cleanse the palate and provide warmth on cooler nights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Easy Orange Chicken a success, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Using the wrong chicken: Always choose high-quality frozen popcorn chicken for the best texture and flavor. Check the packaging to ensure it fits your needs.
• Skipping the sauce mixing step: Don’t skip warming the sauce ingredients together. This step ensures the flavors meld properly, creating a delicious coating for your chicken.
• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the popcorn chicken. Follow package instructions closely, as this can make it dry and less enjoyable.
• Ignoring serving suggestions: While rice is optional, serving this dish over cooked white or brown rice enhances the meal. It absorbs the sauce beautifully!
• Not adjusting flavors: Taste your sauce before combining it with the chicken. If you prefer a sweeter or spicier dish, feel free to adjust the orange marmalade or BBQ sauce accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Orange Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Easy Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Orange Chicken.

How can I customize my Easy Orange Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. Feel free to experiment with different sauces as well!

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Just cook fresh chicken pieces until golden brown before adding them to the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Easy Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Just store portions in separate containers for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, consider mixing in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes into your orange sauce. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Can I use homemade orange marmalade?

Yes! Homemade orange marmalade works great in this recipe and can enhance its flavor even further.

Final Thoughts

Easy Orange Chicken is not only quick and simple but also versatile enough to please everyone at your table. With just five ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces to make it uniquely yours!