Name: Easy Orange Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (24oz) bag frozen popcorn chicken; 1 (17oz) jar orange marmalade; 1 cup BBQ sauce (any brand); 6 tbsp soy sauce; Cooked white or brown rice for serving (optional)

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This Easy Orange Chicken is the perfect mix of sticky sweet and salty, with zero drama and maximum comfort. It uses frozen popcorn chicken so you can skip the deep fry sweat and still get that crunchy, saucy goodness.

If you like noodly, saucy, cheat day meals you might also enjoy my take on butter chicken pasta for nights when you want creamy over citrus. Trust me, this orange chicken plays well with rice, salads, or just a fork and a napkin.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it solves a universal problem: you want restaurant vibes without the phone call to every delivery place within a five mile radius. It is quick, forgiving, and uses stuff you probably already have or can grab on the way home while pretending you were always planning dinner.

It does two smart things. First, it uses frozen popcorn chicken for instant crunch and zero breading trauma. Second, it mixes store bought marmalade with BBQ and soy sauce for a surprisingly complex sauce that only took your microwave a decade ago to dream about. It is idiot proof, even I did not mess it up.

Want a similar vibe with different textures? Try a riff using a chicken katsu bento box style meal for a crispier, breadcrumb forward version. That said, this recipe wins on the convenience scale.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (24oz) bag frozen popcorn chicken
1 (17oz) jar orange marmalade
1 cup bbq sauce ((any brand will work))
6 tbsp soy sauce
cooked white or brown rice for serving ((optional))

Yes that is literally it. Simple pantry heroes plus frozen chicken equals dinner in under 30 minutes. If you want to sprinkle green onions or sesame seeds, go for it. They look fancy and take zero effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the popcorn chicken and rice according the package instructions. Keep an eye on the chicken so it gets golden and crisp. Do not let it sit and get soggy while you do other chores.
While the popcorn chicken is cooking, combine the orange marmalade, bbq sauce, and soy sauce in a medium size sauce pan. Warm on medium low for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the marmalade has melted and everything is combined. Heat slowly so the sugars do not scorch.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked popcorn chicken with the hot orange sauce. Toss the chicken gently until it is completely coated with the sauce. Work quickly so the sauce sticks while the chicken is still hot.
Serve over a bed of rice and enjoy! Scoop generous portions and prepare for sticky fingers and compliments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven or air fryer. Rookie mistake. Cold oven equals sad limp chicken.
Overcooking the sauce on high. The sugars in marmalade burn fast. Keep it on medium low and stir. Burnt sauce ruins vibes.
Tossing cold chicken into hot sauce. The sauce will congeal and not coat evenly. Heat the chicken or the sauce so they meet in harmony.
Using too much soy sauce like it is water. You want balance. Start with the listed amount and adjust after tasting.
Skipping the rice because you are "watching carbs." Rice makes this a full meal, so at least try a small scoop. You will thank me later.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No popcorn chicken? Use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken. Cut into bite sized pieces and toss in hot sauce. Works great.
Want more orange zing? Add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice or a splash of rice vinegar. Brightens everything up.
Need gluten free? Swap the soy sauce for tamari and check the popcorn chicken label for gluten free options. Easy swap.
Hate bbq sauce? Substitute with hoisin for a more Asian sweet umami feel. I like the hoisin twist for a slightly thicker, richer finish. IMO it is a fun swap.
Vegetarian version? Try crispy tofu cubes or cauliflower florets roasted until golden, then toss in the sauce. Surprisingly satisfying.

If you liked the speed and ease of this recipe, you might want to try something equally addictive like these crack chicken tenders for another speedy go to.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Why not? Make the sauce, cool it, and store in the fridge for a few days. Reheat gently before tossing with chicken. The flavor mellows, so taste and adjust before serving.
Can I use fresh orange instead of marmalade?
Sure. But marmalade brings texture and concentrated orange peel flavor that blends nicely with bbq and soy. Fresh orange juice needs a little sugar and maybe some zest to match the same punch.
Is this healthy?
Maybe. It is convenient and satisfying but also saucy and sweet. Add steamed veg or a big side salad and you can call it balanced. Small changes like baking chicken instead of frying reduce calories.
My sauce is too thin. Help?
Simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken. You can also whisk in a tiny cornstarch slurry one teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired cling factor.
Can I use this sauce on other proteins?
Absolutely. It rocks on shrimp, pork chops, tofu, and even roasted veggies. It makes everything feel special with almost zero effort.
How long does leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container it lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the chicken from going rubbery.
Can I make this less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the marmalade slightly and add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes for balance.

Final Thoughts

This recipe wins when you want something quick, tasty, and a little playful. It rewards you with sticky, sweet, slightly smoky bites that pair beautifully with plain rice or a crunchy slaw. Keep the sauce warm and the chicken crispy for best results. FYI, you will probably want seconds.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skill. You have earned it.

Conclusion

For another take on orange chicken that dives deeper into sauce technique and flavor layering check out Easy Orange Chicken Recipe (with Sauce) – Cooking with Mima.