![To make this easy orange chicken, you need just three main items: - 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orange marmalade - 2 tablespoons soy sauce These ingredients work together to create a tasty dish. The chicken thighs give a tender bite, while the orange marmalade adds sweetness. Soy sauce brings a nice saltiness to balance the flavors. To make your dish look even better, consider adding these garnishes: - Thinly sliced green onions - Sesame seeds These garnishes add color and a fresh taste. You can sprinkle them on right before serving. You will need a few tools to make this dish: - Large mixing bowl - Separate bowl for the sauce - Large skillet or pan - Cooking spoon With these tools, you’ll find it easy to prepare and cook the orange chicken. Enjoy making this simple yet delicious meal! First, gather your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Place the chicken in a large bowl. You want enough space to mix well. In a different bowl, combine one cup of orange marmalade with two tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir until smooth. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. It will coat the chicken nicely. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken pieces. Mix well to cover each piece. Let the chicken marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key for great flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and all of the sauce to the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once it’s done, remove it from the heat. Serve your orange chicken over steamed white rice. Add thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the best flavor in your orange chicken, focus on the marinade. The orange marmalade gives a sweet and tangy taste. Soy sauce adds a nice salty touch. Mix these two well before adding chicken. Let the chicken sit in this mix for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. If you can, marinate longer for a stronger taste. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat. This helps it brown nicely. Stir the chicken often. This ensures even cooking. You want the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer to check. This keeps the chicken juicy and safe to eat. If you want a bit of crunch, let it sizzle a little longer in the pan. Look for a bright plate to serve your orange chicken. Place a bed of steamed white rice on the plate. This adds color and makes the meal more filling. Top the chicken with thinly sliced green onions. Add sesame seeds for a nice touch. This makes your dish pop and look gourmet. Serve it hot for the best experience. If you want more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. If you want, try using shrimp or tofu. Both options cook quickly and soak up the orange flavor well. For shrimp, use large, peeled shrimp. Make sure to cook them for just a few minutes until they turn pink. If you choose tofu, press it first to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and cook until golden brown. Want to add more zest? Try adding fresh ginger or garlic to the sauce. Just a little bit can boost the flavor. You can also swap orange marmalade for apricot or peach jam. This change will give you a new twist on the taste. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. It brings a nice kick to the dish. Serving styles can change your meal’s look and feel. Serve your orange chicken over steamed rice for a classic touch. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. If you want to make it a full meal, add steamed vegetables on the side. Broccoli or snap peas work great. For a fun twist, try making lettuce wraps. Just spoon the chicken into large lettuce leaves and roll them up. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! To keep your leftover orange chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. This helps avoid steam build-up, which can make the chicken soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the chicken in a safe bowl. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If using a skillet, add a little water to it. Heat over medium until hot. Stir often to prevent burning. If you want to freeze the orange chicken, use a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. For the full recipe, check out the previous sections. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing allows the chicken to cook evenly. You can thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. After thawing, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces as usual. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors better. If you do not have orange marmalade, use a different fruit jam. Apricot or peach jam works well. You can also mix orange juice with sugar. This blend gives a similar sweet and tangy flavor. For a more complex taste, try adding a splash of vinegar. This adds brightness to the dish. To spice up this recipe, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also use spicy sauce, like Sriracha or chili paste. Mix this into the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Another option is to add fresh ginger or garlic for a kick. These ingredients enhance the flavor and heat. This blog post showed you how to make easy, tasty orange chicken. You learned about the main ingredients and kitchen tools you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and serving. I also included helpful tips for flavor and presentation. You discovered variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Enjoy making this dish your own!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/88bd4900-b477-4a4b-bfc7-0268e2bfe666.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Prep the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the orange marmalade and soy sauce, stirring well to create a smooth glaze.
Marinate: Pour the orange-marmalade mixture over the chicken pieces. Mix until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and the remaining marinade to the pan.
Sizzle & Stir-Fry: Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
- Presentation Tips: Serve the orange chicken over a bed of steamed white rice and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a vibrant look.