introduction

This recipe makes a fast, tasty dinner with only three things. You cook chicken with sweet orange and smoky BBQ. Many people love this mix for busy nights and family meals. For another simple orange chicken idea, see a quick 3-ingredient orange chicken that uses the same sweet and zesty idea.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe when you want food that feels special but stays easy. You need little time and few things. The flavors work well: sweet orange and smoky BBQ make the chicken bright and rich. If you like fast bakes and big taste, try this easy orange chicken for more ideas.

how to make Easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken with BBQ Bliss

This plan keeps steps small and clear. You can bake or cook on the stove. Below is a simple bake method that keeps the chicken soft and juicy.

Start:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Put the chicken in a shallow dish or baking pan.

Mix sauce:

In a small bowl, stir the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce until smooth.

Coat chicken:

Pour half the sauce over the chicken and turn each piece to coat it well.
If you want more sauce on top, save some for later.

Bake:

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover the pan, brush on the rest of the sauce, and bake 10 more minutes.
Check the chicken with a fork or a meat thermometer; it reads 165°F (74°C) when done.

Finish:

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so juices set.
Slice or pull the chicken and spoon any pan sauce on top.

For a fast stove method, sear the chicken in a pan 4–5 minutes per side, then add sauce and cook 5–7 more minutes until done. For a creamy spin, try the bang-bang bake link for an easy bake idea: a bang-bang chicken bake.

Ingredients :

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (juicy and tender during baking)
1 cup orange marmalade (sweet and zesty flavor)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky richness)

Directions :

Cooking Steps

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a baking dish.
Mix marmalade and BBQ sauce in a bowl until smooth.
Pour half the sauce over chicken and turn to coat.
Cover dish with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Remove foil, brush on remaining sauce, bake 10 more minutes.
Check the meat reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes.
Serve with extra sauce from the pan.

how to serve Easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken with BBQ Bliss

Serve this chicken hot with plain rice or a green salad. Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken for more taste. You can also pull the chicken and make tacos, bowls, or sandwiches. For a warm soup side or rice bowl idea, see this chicken and wild rice soup note: a chicken and wild rice soup.

how to store Easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken with BBQ Bliss

Cool the cooked chicken to room temp for no more than two hours. Put in a tight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, or warm in a pan on low heat. You can freeze cooked pieces in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Easy 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken with BBQ Bliss

Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks the same.
Use low-sodium BBQ sauce if you want less salt.
Save some sauce to brush on near the end for a glaze.
If you like crisp edges, broil 1–2 minutes after baking but watch so it does not burn.
For a kid-friendly version, try a milder BBQ and extra marmalade. For another easy chicken idea with crowd-pleasing flavor, try crack chicken tenders.

variation (if any)

Stir in a little soy sauce for a salty depth.
Add chili flakes to the sauce for heat.
Use boneless skinless thighs for more fat and softer meat.
Mix in a splash of vinegar for more tang.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs work well and stay very tender. Cook time may change by a few minutes.

Q: Can I make this on the stove?
A: Yes. Sear the chicken 4–5 minutes per side, add the sauce, and cook until done about 5–7 more minutes.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix marmalade and BBQ sauce and store in the fridge up to 3 days.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. The sauce is sweet and mild, but you can lower spice by picking mild BBQ sauce.

Q: What sides go best with this?
A: Rice, steamed veg, green salad, or a simple slaw all pair well.