Let me tell you, this *3 ingredient orange chicken recipe* is an absolute game changer! Seriously, who knew you could whip up such a delicious dish with just three simple ingredients? I stumbled upon this recipe on one of those busy weeknights when I wanted something tasty but didn’t have the energy for a complicated meal. The bright, tangy flavor of the orange juice combined with the savory soy sauce makes every bite a burst of sunshine! Plus, the chicken cooks to juicy perfection in just about 15 minutes. It’s super easy and perfect for those nights when you want to impress without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your weeknight rotation for sure!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
How to Prepare the 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s dive into how to bring this delicious dish to life! It’s super straightforward, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your *3 ingredient orange chicken* in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and pour in that vibrant cup of orange juice. Then, add in the 1/2 cup of soy sauce. Here’s a little tip: I like to whisk them together until they’re fully combined. This way, you’ll get that perfect balance of sweet and savory right from the start. It smells heavenly, trust me!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to add your cubed chicken breast. Toss those pieces into the bowl and make sure they’re all coated well. I usually let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to soak up all that zesty goodness! If you have time, longer is even better, but 30 minutes will still give you plenty of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now, heat up a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the marinated chicken (make sure to reserve the marinade for later!). Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to be perfectly browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. I always check that it’s no longer pink in the middle because nobody wants undercooked chicken!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken is sizzling and golden, it’s time to serve! I love pairing this orange chicken with a bed of fluffy rice or some steamed veggies to soak up all that delicious sauce. You’ll be in for a treat with every bite—so enjoy this delightful meal with your family or friends. I promise they’ll be asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this fabulous *3 ingredient orange chicken recipe*. Remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also brings a great protein punch thanks to the chicken! It’s a wonderful option for a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Enjoy your cooking and the deliciousness that follows!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only three simple ingredients make it incredibly easy to whip up!
- Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Big flavor without the fuss—sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile dish—pair it with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please picky eaters!
- Gluten-free option available by using gluten-free soy sauce.
- Customizable; you can easily switch up the protein or add veggies!
- Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Tips for Success
Want to take your *3 ingredient orange chicken recipe* to the next level? I’ve got some handy tips that’ll help you nail it every time!
- Marinate Longer: If you can, let your chicken marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight! This allows those flavors to really penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious.
- Keep the Heat Moderate: When cooking, make sure your skillet is at medium heat. If it’s too high, the chicken might brown too quickly and not cook through properly. We want juicy, tender chicken, not dry bites!
- Don’t Waste the Marinade: After cooking, you can simmer the reserved marinade in the skillet for a few minutes to thicken it up. Drizzle it over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor!
- Add a Twist: Feel free to throw in some veggies like bell peppers or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll soak up that tasty sauce and add a nice crunch!
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). No one wants to deal with undercooked chicken, right?
- Garnish for Color: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving not only looks great but also adds a nice touch of flavor!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making this delightful orange chicken in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to play around with this *3 ingredient orange chicken recipe*! Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try:
- Tofu Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with cubed tofu. Just make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before marinating. Tofu absorbs flavors beautifully, making for a delicious meat-free meal!
- Veggie Boost: Add in some colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll soak up that saucy goodness and add a nice crunch to your dish!
- Different Proteins: Feel free to experiment with other proteins! Shrimp or pork can be fantastic substitutes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Shrimp cooks quickly, while pork may need a bit more time to brown.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. It’ll give your orange chicken an exciting spicy twist that pairs perfectly with the sweet orange flavor!
- Citrus Medley: Mix up the citrus by using a combination of orange juice with lime or lemon juice for a zesty flavor explosion! You can also zest the fruit for an added aromatic touch.
- Sweet Additions: For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade. It’ll caramelize beautifully while cooking, giving you a sticky, sweet sauce!
These variations are not only a great way to keep things interesting but also let you customize the dish to your taste. Get creative and have fun with it—you can’t go wrong with this easy, flavorful recipe!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious *3 ingredient orange chicken* and have some leftovers? No worries! Proper storage will keep that yummy flavor intact for your next meal. Here’s how to do it right:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the orange chicken to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers as they keep the flavors fresh and are microwave-safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save it for a later date, you can freeze the orange chicken! Just pack it into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Now, for reheating:
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is your friend! Just place the desired amount of chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep it from drying out), and heat in short intervals of about 1 minute until warmed through.
- Skillet: For the best texture, I recommend reheating in a skillet. Just add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce to the pan, toss in the chicken, and heat over medium until it’s heated through and sizzling. This way, it’ll stay juicy and delicious!
- Oven: If you’ve got a bit more time, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your *3 ingredient orange chicken* just as much the next day (or week) as you did when it was freshly cooked. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken properly before marinating. It’s best to let it sit in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time! Just let it sit in the marinade in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious when you cook it!
What should I serve with the orange chicken?
I love serving this *3 ingredient orange chicken* with fluffy rice or steamed vegetables. You could also toss it over some noodles for a quick and satisfying meal!
Can I make this dish spicy?
For sure! If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade. It’ll give your orange chicken a nice kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re all set for a gluten-free dinner that’s packed with flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the orange chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment; just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use other citrus juices?
Definitely! If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute some of the orange juice with lime or lemon juice for a different flavor twist. Just keep the proportions similar!
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
For the juiciest results, I recommend reheating in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce. This keeps the chicken from drying out and maintains that delicious flavor!
3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe That’ll Brighten Your Day
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and quick recipe for orange chicken using just three ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix orange juice and soy sauce.
- Add cubed chicken to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the marinade to taste.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: 3 ingredient orange chicken recipe, easy orange chicken, quick chicken recipe