Irresistible Sweet & Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering orange glazed chicken with just four ingredients sounds like a culinary magic trick.

Kitchen experiments often lead to surprising delights that simplify cooking.

Succulent chicken pieces transform when coated in a bright, tangy glaze.

Citrus notes dance across tender meat, creating a dish that feels both elegant and effortless.

Four pantry staples come together in a symphony of flavor that will impress anyone sitting at your table.

Quick preparation meets spectacular results in this simple yet stunning recipe.

Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken With Four Ingredients

• Minimize Kitchen Hassle: Conquer this recipe with just four ingredients, making it a breeze for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile dish allows serving over rice or noodles, letting you personalize the meal to match your family's taste preferences and pantry options.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet orange marmalade with tangy BBQ and soy sauce to create a mouthwatering glaze that transforms simple chicken nuggets into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
• Kid and Adult Approved: The vibrant, sweet-savory sauce appeals to both picky eaters and sophisticated palates, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken Dish

• Chicken Nuggets: Crispy and tender bite-sized pieces that form the base of this flavorful dish.

• Orange Marmalade: A sweet and tangy spread that provides a rich citrus flavor and glossy glaze.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy undertone to complement the orange marmalade.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami depth and helps balance the sweetness of the glaze.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion that adds a pop of color and light, crisp flavor to the finished dish.

How to Cook Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken Right

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken

Preheat your oven and cook the chicken nuggets exactly as the package recommends. Let the nuggets cool down for a few moments after cooking.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Glaze

• Orange marmalade
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce

Step 3: Heat and Blend Sauce

Crank up the stove to medium-high heat. Warm the sauce mixture, stirring gently every minute or so.

Continue heating for 5-7 minutes until the ingredients blend beautifully and develop a rich, glossy texture.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Completely

Pour the zesty orange glaze directly over the cooked chicken nuggets.

Use a spatula or spoon to toss and roll the nuggets, ensuring every piece gets a generous, even coating of the tangy sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the saucy chicken nuggets onto a bed of fluffy rice or twirled noodles.

For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top. Your meal is ready to delight taste buds!

Tips to Get Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken Perfect

• Let the sauce simmer longer to intensify the sweet and tangy notes, allowing the marmalade and BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly.
• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to chicken nuggets.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick without overwhelming the orange marmalade's sweetness.
• Select a premium orange marmalade with real fruit chunks for more robust citrus flavor and a more authentic texture.
• Prep extra sauce and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making future meals faster and more convenient.

Variations to Try With Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the orange sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Replace BBQ sauce with hoisin sauce and add a splash of rice vinegar for an authentic Asian profile.
• Honey Orange Fusion: Swap part of the marmalade with honey to create a smoother, less bitter glaze with deeper sweetness.
• Tropical Fusion: Mix in some pineapple juice or crushed pineapple to give the sauce a Hawaiian-style brightness and complexity.

Pairings That Go Well With Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the sweet and tangy glaze, balancing the chicken's rich flavors with a refreshing acidic touch.
• Complement with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a light side salad with orange segments, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette to echo the orange marmalade's bright notes.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Steamed jasmine rice provides a neutral, fragrant base that soaks up the delicious orange-BBQ sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Serve with Sparkling Ginger Ale: The bubbly, slightly spicy beverage complements the sweet and savory glaze, adding a fun, effervescent dimension to the dish.

Proper Storage For Sweet and Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken

• Store leftover orange glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Carefully place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken nuggets with chicken tenders, breaded chicken pieces, or even grilled chicken chunks.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for children, and the simple ingredients make it an easy meal that kids will love.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Choose baked or air-fried chicken nuggets instead of deep-fried, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.

• What if I don't have orange marmalade?

You can replace it with apricot jam, peach preserves, or orange preserves for a similar citrusy sweetness.

Sweet & Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken (4 Ingredients Only!) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Orange-infused chicken drizzled with a tangy glaze offers pure culinary magic in mere minutes. Home cooks can savor this simple yet sophisticated dish that brings Mediterranean flavors right to their dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 bag frozen chicken nuggets

Sauces and Glazes:

• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Garnish:

• 2 green onions (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to the temperature specified on the chicken nuggets package and prepare according to instructions, letting them rest momentarily after cooking.
2. Select a medium saucepan and combine orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, whisking to create a smooth, integrated glaze.
3. Position the pan over medium-high heat, allowing the sauce mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors, stirring intermittently for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken nuggets into the pan with the zesty sauce, gently rotating to ensure complete and uniform coating.
5. Plate the glazed chicken over a bed of steamed rice or tender noodles, optionally adorning with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Swap out chicken nuggets for grilled chicken breast or tofu to create a healthier protein alternative.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and selecting a BBQ sauce with less salt content.
• Balance sweetness by adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a subtle spicy kick that complements the zesty orange glaze.
• Enhance meal prep by making extra sauce and storing in an airtight container for quick future meals or as a versatile marinade for other proteins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg