Can you make 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the popcorn chicken in the air fryer for extra crispiness. After it cooks, toss it in the warm orange marmalade and BBQ sauce mixture. This method keeps the texture light and crunchy, which many people prefer over the oven version.

Can you use fresh chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?

You can use fresh chicken, but you’ll need to cook it first. Cut it into bite-size pieces, season lightly, and pan-sear until golden. Once it’s fully cooked, coat it in the glaze the same way you would with frozen popcorn chicken.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A sweet or hickory-style BBQ sauce usually works best because it balances the tangy marmalade. A thicker BBQ sauce will also help you get that classic sticky orange glaze that coats the chicken evenly.

How do you thicken the sauce for orange chicken?

If your glaze feels thin, simmer it for another minute or two until it naturally thickens. The marmalade gives the sauce a thicker consistency without the need for cornstarch.

Is 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken healthy?

It depends on the ingredients you choose. Using no-sugar-added marmalade, a lighter BBQ sauce, or air-fried chicken can make it a lower-calorie option. Pair it with vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

3 Ingredient Orange Chicken: Stunning Flavor Made Easy

Description

A quick, flavorful homemade version of takeout-style orange chicken made with just three ingredients and cooked in minutes for a sweet, sticky, tangy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound frozen popcorn chicken
1 cup orange marmalade
1 cup BBQ sauce

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Instructions

Cook the frozen popcorn chicken until crispy using an oven or air fryer.
Combine orange marmalade and BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened and glossy.
Toss the cooked chicken in the warm orange glaze until fully coated.

Notes

Use vegan nuggets to create a plant-based version.
Swap in gluten-free chicken and sauce for dietary needs.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy variation.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450
Sugar: 30
Sodium: 900
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 1
Protein: 18
Cholesterol: 40