Orange Chicken Recipe With Orange Marmalade

If you’re on the hunt for a tasty and simple chicken recipe that will quickly become a go-to, this easy orange chicken recipe using orange marmalade fits the bill perfectly. It delivers a beautiful blend of sweet and tangy notes that everyone at the dinner table will love.

Orange chicken is a much-loved Chinese-American favorite, known for its juicy, crispy chicken pieces drenched in a luscious, flavorful sauce. Using orange marmalade brings a depth of citrus sweetness that makes this version truly special and homemade.

Today, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious orange chicken from start to finish. You’ll get a clear ingredient list, simple instructions, plus all the tips you need to nail this cozy dish at home.

Ready to bring some big flavor to the table with this orange chicken recipe featuring orange marmalade? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Make a sweet and tangy favorite with this straightforward easy orange chicken recipe.
• Use orange marmalade to add extra citrus punch and complexity.
• Follow simple, step-by-step directions for a homemade crowd-pleaser.
• Enjoy crispy, tender chicken pieces covered in a sticky, flavorful sauce.
• Gain confidence cooking a delicious meal your family will ask for again and again.

If you’re new to orange chicken, it’s a classic known for crispy chicken in a sweet and tangy glaze. Adding orange marmalade here makes it quick, easy, and bursting with bright flavor—all from basic pantry ingredients.

If you love the combo of sweet and tangy and want a dinner that comes together fast with big flavor, this orange chicken with orange marmalade is just what you need. It transforms easy ingredients into crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in a glossy, citrusy sauce—think of it as a homemade twist on your favorite takeout dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear ingredient list, step-by-step instructions to get the perfect crunch and juicy inside, plus a sauce that thickens right on your stovetop in minutes. I’ll also share my favorite tips to get that extra crispiness, ways to switch it up (even wings or a stir-fry), serving ideas that pair beautifully with rice or veggies, and smart storage and reheating tricks. And of course, answers to all your common questions are here too.

Whether it’s a quick dinner fix or a recipe to stash in your favorites folder, this orange chicken recipe will give you consistent, homemade deliciousness every time.

Why You’ll Reach for It Again

This orange chicken with orange marmalade hits all the right notes for an easy weeknight dinner or casual weekend feast. It blends pantry staples with simple cooking steps to create a dish that tastes like it took hours, but really comes together quickly and easily at home.

• The orange marmalade amps up citrus flavor and creates a shiny, sticky sauce with real depth.
• The chicken gets a light coating of cornstarch and flour for a crispy outside and juicy inside.
• It cooks up fast with little marinating time and a sauce that thickens quickly.
• You can tweak the sweetness or spice, or swap in your favorite protein like shrimp, tofu, or pork.
• It’s family-friendly, stays delicious as leftovers, and freezes well for meal prep.
• Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies for a balanced meal.

Ingredients and Pantry Staples

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, chopped

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cut boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces in the dry mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
5. Fry the coated chicken until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. In a saucepan, combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
7. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Return the fried chicken to the skillet and pour the thickened orange sauce over it.

9. Toss the chicken gently to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.

10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions and Technique Tips

Orange chicken with orange marmalade is so adaptable and pairs beautifully with lots of different sides and dishes. Here are some favorite ways I like to serve it to balance flavors and textures for a full meal.

1. Steamed Rice or Noodles

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or chewy noodles. Both options soak up the sticky, sweet sauce beautifully, making each bite balanced and satisfying.

2. Stir-Fried Vegetables

Add a pop of color and crunch by tossing up some stir-fried veggies on the side. Think bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and snow peas—that crisp freshness is a perfect counterpoint to the tender chicken.

3. Asian-Inspired Slaw

For something light and crunchy, whip up a quick Asian slaw. Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers with a tangy dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. It’s refreshing and adds a nice zing.

4. Orange Glazed Roasted Vegetables

Boost that citrus theme by roasting your veggies with a glaze made of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts roasted this way are finger-licking good served right alongside the chicken.

5. Fresh Citrus Salad

Brighten things up with a fresh citrus salad. Toss together orange and grapefruit segments with mixed greens, thin red onions, and a zesty vinaigrette—it’s a crunchy, juicy contrast that makes the meal feel extra special.

6. Pineapple Salsa

Give your meal a tropical twist by serving it with pineapple salsa. Combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper for a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy topping that complements the orange sauce beautifully.

7. Cucumber Mint Raita

For a cooling contrast, serve the chicken with cucumber mint raita. Grate cucumbers, mix with yogurt, fresh mint, garlic, salt, and cumin powder. The creamy tang mellows the sweet and sticky chicken sauce perfectly.

Serving SuggestionDescriptionSteamed Rice or NoodlesPair orange chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.Stir-Fried VegetablesAdd a healthy touch with a side of crunchy, stir-fried vegetables.Asian-Inspired SlawRefresh your palate with a zesty and crunchy Asian-inspired slaw.Orange Glazed Roasted VegetablesInfuse more orange flavor with roasted vegetables glazed with an orange sauce.Fresh Citrus SaladAdd a burst of freshness with a citrus salad alongside the orange chicken.Pineapple SalsaCreate a tropical twist by serving orange chicken with a refreshing pineapple salsa.Cucumber Mint RaitaCool down your taste buds with a creamy cucumber mint raita.

Play around with these ideas to mix and match what you love. These serving ideas truly take this orange chicken with orange marmalade up a notch, turning a great meal into a memorable one!

Flavor Swaps and Add‑Ins

Want to switch things up or make this orange chicken recipe your own? Here are some tasty variations and substitutions to try. Whether you’re craving crunch, authenticity, or something a little different, these ideas have you covered.

1. Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

If crispy chicken is your favorite part, coat your chicken pieces in either cornstarch or flour before frying until golden. That extra crunch adds such a satisfying texture against the sticky orange glaze.

2. Authentic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

For a more traditional Chinese spin, try these tips:

• Marinate your chicken in soy sauce, rice wine, and fresh ginger for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor.
• Use Szechuan peppercorns or black pepper for a subtle spicy note.
• Add dried red chilies or chili sauce if you like a touch of heat.

3. Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken

Add a splash of vinegar to your orange sauce to balance sweetness with a pleasant tang, creating a classic sweet-and-sour flavor profile that’s super tasty.

4. Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

Add some veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots into the mix by turning this orange chicken into a vibrant stir-fry. It adds color, crunch, and a fresh burst of flavor to every bite.

5. Orange Glazed Chicken Wings

Make a fun appetizer by tossing baked or fried chicken wings in your orange marmalade sauce, then baking them until sticky and caramelized. These wings disappear fast at parties!

VariationDescriptionCrispy Orange Chicken RecipeCoat chicken pieces with a light batter for a satisfying crunch.Authentic Chinese Orange Chicken RecipeAdd traditional Chinese ingredients for an authentic flavor.Sweet and Sour Orange ChickenBalance the sweetness with a splash of vinegar.Orange Chicken Stir-FryIncorporate vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.Orange Glazed Chicken WingsTransform the recipe into irresistible glazed wings.

Storing and Reheating Advice

After you enjoy your tasty orange chicken with orange marmalade, it’s handy to know how best to keep and reheat leftovers so they stay delicious. Here are my top tips for storing and warming up this dish without losing any flavor or texture.

Tips for Storing Orange Chicken:

1. Cool and refrigerate quickly: Once dinner’s done, get your leftovers into an airtight container and into the fridge quickly to keep things safe and fresh.
2. Keep sauce separate: For best texture, store leftover orange sauce apart from the chicken so the crust stays crisp instead of getting soggy.
3. Label with date: Putting a date on your container helps you track freshness and know when to eat up those leftovers.
4. Fridge life: Orange chicken keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. After that, flavor and texture can start to dip.

Tips for Reheating Orange Chicken:

1. Oven method: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread the chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
2. Stovetop method: Warm a little oil or butter in a pan over medium heat, add the chicken, and stir until heated through. This is great for reheating small portions fast.
3. Microwave method: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot all the way through.

Make sure your chicken’s reheated to at least 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Following these tips keeps your leftover orange chicken just as tasty as day one. Now, let’s compare this recipe with a classic orange chicken to show how it stacks up.

Classic Orange Chicken RecipeOrange Chicken with Orange Marmalade RecipeUses orange juice and zestUses orange marmalade for a more intense orange flavorRequires a longer marination timeMarinates in less time, making it a quicker optionCoating made with cornstarchCoating includes a mixture of cornstarch and flour for added crispinessUses traditional Chinese seasonings like soy sauce and gingerIncludes the traditional seasonings as well as the sweet and tangy flavor of orange marmalade

Common Questions About the Recipe

Can I use any brand of orange marmalade for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any orange marmalade you like. Just look for one that balances sweetness with a little tang so it enhances the orange chicken flavor beautifully.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or pork all work great here. Just adjust your cooking time to make sure your protein is cooked through perfectly.

How do I make the orange chicken crispy?

To get that amazing crisp feel, dredge your chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying. It creates the perfect crunchy coating to pair with the saucy orange glaze.

Can I make the orange chicken less sweet?

Sure! You can cut back on sugar or honey if you want less sweetness, or balance it with extra soy sauce or a splash more vinegar to add tang.

Can I make the orange chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare your chicken a few hours or even a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, then reheat just before serving using one of the methods above.

Can I freeze the orange chicken?

You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw overnight before reheating either in a skillet or oven.

Notes

This dish is wonderful served with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying, full meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg