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This fast orange chicken recipe turns frozen chicken nuggets into a crispy, saucy dish with a sweet marmalade BBQ flavor that tastes better than takeout. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but simple.
I first tried this when I was craving orange chicken but didn’t have fresh chicken or time to make a complicated sauce. Now it’s a go-to for dinner because my whole family asks for it whenever nuggets are on hand.
Ingredients
- Frozen precooked chicken nuggets: the base for crispy, ready protein look for quality nuggets with minimal fillers for best texture
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce: adds tangy, smoky depth an easy shortcut to complex flavor without extra effort
- Sweet orange marmalade: delivers bright citrus sweetness to balance savory and smoky elements check that your marmalade is smooth and fresh
- Soy sauce: brings umami and saltiness to brighten the sauce low-sodium varieties work well if you prefer less salt
- Sesame oil: provides a subtle nutty aroma and richness that lifts the sauce use toasted sesame oil for best flavor
Instructions
- Sizzle the Chicken Nuggets:
- Bake or air-fry precooked chicken nuggets according to the package instructions until they are hot and crispy This step ensures the nuggets stay crunchy and do not get soggy once tossed in sauce
- Warm and Mix the Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe bowl combine the BBQ sauce orange marmalade soy sauce and sesame oil Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and microwave for about 45 seconds This gently heats and blends the sauce so flavors meld perfectly
- Coat the Nuggets:
- Immediately toss the hot chicken nuggets with the warmed orange sauce in the bowl Mix thoroughly so each nugget is evenly coated with the tangy sweet sauce for maximum flavor in every bite
This recipe reminds me of college days when I wanted restaurant flavors without the wait or cost. The orange marmalade is my favorite ingredient because it adds both fruitiness and a little sticky glaze that clings to the crispy nuggets like magic.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days To maintain crispiness reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave This prevents sogginess and keeps the nuggets crunchy
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have frozen nuggets precooked chicken tenders or even freshly cooked bite-sized chicken pieces work well Honey or apricot preserves can replace orange marmalade for a slightly different but still sweet citrus effect Tamari offers a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add texture and freshness For a fun twist use this sauce as a dip for spring rolls or dumplings
Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness. This quick orange chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Pre-cooked frozen chicken nuggets are ideal for convenience and consistent crispiness when baked or air-fried.
- → Can I prepare the sauce without a microwave?
Yes, gently warm the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat until well combined.
- → How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before tossing it with the chicken for extra heat.
- → Is sesame oil essential in the sauce?
Sesame oil adds a nutty depth to the sauce but can be omitted or substituted if necessary.
- → What sides pair well with this orange chicken?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or simple greens complement the dish's sweet and tangy flavors nicely.