There’s something magical about turning a jar of sweet, tangy orange marmalade into a savory, sticky glaze that transforms everyday chicken into a mouthwatering dinner.
What makes this recipe special is how simple yet impressive it is. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, coating the chicken in a luscious layer of flavor.
The marmalade’s natural sweetness is balanced with soy sauce and garlic, creating a savory sauce that clings to the chicken skin, offering crispy, sticky perfection with each bite.
This recipe has been trending lately, especially in the world of quick weeknight dinners that still pack tons of flavor—people love how it turns humble ingredients into something special.
Why I Love This Recipe?
This dish fits perfectly into my busy lifestyle. It’s quick enough for weeknights but feels like you spent all day on it.
I love how this recipe makes dinner feel like a special occasion without the fuss. It’s easy to pull together but always gets rave reviews.
The marmalade glaze gives the chicken such a glossy, caramelized finish that it’s hard to resist.
It’s a versatile recipe—you can swap in thighs or breasts, and it still turns out perfect every time.
Saucy Orange Marmalade Chicken Recipe
Orange marmalade chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken glazed with a flavorful mixture of orange marmalade, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The sweet and tangy flavors create a delightful harmony, making it a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
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Calories: 250kcal
Servings: 5
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken or mixing the sauce ingredients.
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure ingredients.
- 1 Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping garlic, ginger, and any other ingredients.
- 1 Cooking Pot or Saucepan – If you're making a sauce on the stovetop, you'll need a pot or saucepan.
- 1 Baking Dish or Sheet Pan – If you're baking the chicken in the oven, you'll need a baking dish or sheet pan.
- 1 Cooking Utensils – For flipping chicken pieces and stirring the sauce.
- 1 Oven or Stovetop – Depending on your preferred cooking method.
- 1 Grill – If you prefer to grill the chicken, you'll need a grill.
- 1 Aluminum foil – For lining baking dishes or wrapping food during cooking.
- 1 Serving Platter or Plates – For serving the finished dish.
Ingredients
- Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or bone-in pieces depending on your preference.
- Orange marmalade: Choose a good quality orange marmalade for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger grated or minced.
- Soy sauce: Regular or low-sodium soy sauce adds depth of flavor.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and sauce.
- Optional: Sesame seeds green onions, or fresh herbs for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: If you're baking the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the orange marmalade, minced garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Marinate (Optional): If time allows, you can marinate the chicken pieces in the glaze mixture for extra flavor. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: There are a few options for cooking the chicken:
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the pan. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through, basting with the glaze occasionally.
- Oven: Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, basting with the glaze halfway through cooking.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the glaze occasionally, until fully cooked through and grill marks appear.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Here are some recipe notes to consider when making orange marmalade chicken:
1. Chicken Cut: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks for this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the cut you choose.
2. Marinating: Marinating the chicken in the orange marmalade mixture for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and simply brush the glaze onto the chicken before cooking.
3. Glazing: Baste the chicken with the glaze occasionally while cooking to ensure it’s evenly coated and to build up the flavor.
4. Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the remaining glaze in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces and thickens slightly before serving.
5. Garnishes: Garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
Serving: 6Ounces | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g
Time for Tips!
- Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the drumsticks in. This ensures even cooking throughout.
- Season Thoroughly: Don’t hold back on seasoning your drumsticks with salt and pepper. It lays the groundwork for flavor.
- Even Coating is Key: When applying the orange glaze, aim for consistency on all sides of the drumsticks. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken, aiming for 165°F (74°C) to confirm it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Keep Them Moist: Basting the drumsticks with the leftover glaze during the final stages of cooking helps maintain moisture and enhances flavor.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Keep a close eye on the drumsticks under the broiler to prevent burning, as they can darken quickly.
- Allow Them to Rest: Give the drumsticks a few minutes to rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
- Garnish for Appeal: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs or sesame seeds on the finished dish for added visual appeal and flavor.
What To Serve With Orange Marmalade Chicken?
So good!
Mouthwatering!
Yummy!
Amazing
Amazing taste!