Are you a busy person who loves to eat delicious meals? If yes, then this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe is a must-try for you. This recipe is perfect for days when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a flavorful dish that’s bursting with tastes. With only three ingredients, you can whip up a quick and budget-friendly meal that your whole family is sure to love.One of the biggest advantages of this orange chicken recipe is that it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. This means you can have a hot and tasty meal on the table in no time. Plus, since you only need three ingredients, it’s an easy dish to make when you’re short on groceries or just don’t have the time to run to the store.
This chicken recipe is ideal for those who are looking for something delicious without breaking the bank. The recipe calls for boneless and skinless chicken thighs, which are very affordable and easy to find at any grocery store. Additionally, the two other ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples that you may already have on hand – orange marmalade and soy sauce. Together, these ingredients create a flavor explosion that’s both sweet and savory, making this dish a perfect balance of flavors.To make this dish even more flavorful, you can experiment with different types of preserves or jams besides orange marmalade. For example, you can try using apricot, mango, or peach preserves for a tangy and sweet twist. You can pick any preserve or jam of your choice to match your taste preferences. These fruits are versatile and could give a unique taste to the dish. In addition, you can add some thinly sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets to add some color and nutrition to the dish.
Ingredients
When it comes to the ingredients, you’ll want to make sure you choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs are a great choice because they are flavorful and remain juicy and tender when cooked. Additionally, they cook faster than chicken breasts, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal. As for the orange marmalade, you can use any brand you like or even make your own if you prefer. Just be sure to choose a marmalade that is not overly sweet, as the soy sauce will help balance out the flavors. Finally, for the soy sauce, I recommend using a low sodium version to cut down on the saltiness of the dish.
It’s also worth mentioning that while there are only three main ingredients in this recipe, you can certainly add some optional garnishes to take your dish to the next level. For example, you could sprinkle some sesame seeds over the chicken before serving, which will add a delicious nutty flavor and some crunch. Alternatively, you could chop up some green onions and scatter them over the top for some extra color and flavor. Of course, these garnishes are completely optional, and the chicken is delicious on its own, but they do add a little something extra to the dish.
Cooking Instructions
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients handy, as this recipe comes together quickly. You’ll also want to preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) so that it’s ready when you are. Once you’ve mixed the orange marmalade and soy sauce, you can pour it over the chicken and pop it in the oven, leaving you with plenty of time to prepare any sides you’d like to serve with the dish. The chicken will bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be sure to test the temperature with a thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and flavorful. Once the chicken has rested, you can garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and some crunch, while the green onions add a pop of color and some freshness. However, if you don’t have these garnishes on hand or simply prefer to leave them out, the chicken will still taste delicious on its own.If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to this dish, consider adding some veggies. Broccoli is a great option, as it pairs well with the orange flavor and adds some crunch and color to the dish. Simply chop some broccoli into small florets and toss them in the baking dish with the chicken and sauce before putting it in the oven. Bell peppers are another great option and add some sweetness and acidity to the dish. You can dice peppers into small pieces and add them to the mix before baking. Adding some veggies is an easy way to make this dish even more nutritious and delicious.
Tips and Variations
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). While the oven is preheating, combine the orange marmalade and soy sauce in a small bowl and stir until well mixed.Continue stirring the mixture until it forms a smooth, even sauce. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside until you’re ready to use it later in the recipe. While you’re waiting for the oven to preheat, prepare the chicken thighs by removing any excess fat or gristle.Next, arrange the chicken in a single layer in a baking dish, making sure that the pieces do not overlap. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Once the chicken is arranged in the baking dish, pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure that each piece is coated evenly.
Now that the chicken is coated in the orange and soy sauce mixture, place the baking dish in the oven and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re not sure if the chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to test it. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to ensure that the chicken is juicy and tender. Once the chicken has rested, you can garnish it with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired, to add some extra flavor and texture. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Conclusion
Note that if you’re short on time, you can use chicken tenderloins instead of whole chicken thighs to cut down on preparation time. Alternatively, you can even use pre-cooked, store-bought rotisserie chicken and simply toss it in the orange and soy sauce mixture for a quick and easy meal. This recipe is also versatile, so feel free to experiment with different garnishes or add some colorful veggies to the baking dish to make it a complete one-pan meal. The possibilities are endless! With such a simple and easy-to-follow recipe, this 3 ingredient orange chicken is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
Finally, this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe is a great way to impress your family or guests with a delicious and flavorful dish that didn’t require too much effort – or money! The combination of the sweet and citrusy orange marmalade with the salty soy sauce gives the chicken an amazing depth of flavor that is hard to resist. And with just three ingredients, you’re sure to have this recipe memorized in no time. So why not give it a try and see how easy and tasty it is for yourself?To take this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe to the next level, try serving it with some steamed veggies, rice, or even quinoa. You can also use this recipe as a base for other flavorful chicken dishes by experimenting with different sauces and spices. With just a few simple modifications, you can turn this recipe into a new family favorite. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe is sure to be a hit every time.Enjoy this simple, yet delicious 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe any day of the week. From the sweet and tangy sauce to the juicy chicken, this dish is loaded with flavor. With minimal prep time and just three ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy meal. Give it a try and impress your loved ones with your cooking skills.
