As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, delicious meals that my kids will actually eat (without any complaints). If you’re anything like me, then you know how much of a treat Chinese takeout can be. But sometimes, making that delicious, crispy orange chicken at home seems way too complicated, right? Well, I’m here to tell you it’s way easier than you think! This homemade orange chicken recipe is the answer to all your takeout cravings—and it’s ready in no time. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, so no extra grocery store runs required!
The crispy chicken nuggets coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce are just as good as (if not better than) what you’d get from your favorite takeout place. And the best part? My kids devour this meal every single time I make it, and I don’t even need to deal with those dreaded takeout containers!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe:
- Quick & Easy – This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!
- Family-Friendly – Perfect for picky eaters and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
- Affordable – No need to splurge on expensive takeout when you can make this delicious meal at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Minimal Prep – With frozen chicken nuggets and a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly.
Now, let’s dive into this easy, foolproof recipe that will save you from those mid-week takeout temptations!
Ingredients:
- 5 cups frozen chicken nuggets (I use whatever brand is on sale—no judgment here!)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Green onion for garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating the oven and cooking the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package instructions. Let them cool for a few minutes once they’re crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Orange Sauce: While the nuggets are baking, grab a medium-sized pan and combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything together over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up.
- Coat the Nuggets: Once the sauce is ready, pour it over your cooked chicken nuggets. Toss them in the sauce until they’re all coated evenly, making sure each bite is packed with that sweet, tangy goodness.
- Serve and Enjoy: You can serve this crispy orange chicken over rice or noodles—whichever your family prefers. Garnish with green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and voilà! Dinner is served.
Mom Tip: If you’re looking to meal prep, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just heat it up and toss the chicken in. So easy!
This homemade orange chicken is one of those dishes that makes me feel like a rockstar mom, even though it only took me 30 minutes to whip up. The crispy chicken, sweet and savory sauce, and minimal cleanup make this a win in my book. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a fun family dinner, I can promise your kids will love it—and you’ll love how simple it is to make.
So next time you’re craving takeout, skip the delivery fee and try this easy homemade version. Your family will thank you, and you’ll feel like a dinner hero!
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