A quick and easy dinner idea your entire family will love!
Looking for a simple, satisfying meal when you’re tired and short on time? This sticky orange chicken recipe is a lifesaver. It’s fast, uses only a few pantry staples, and even picky eaters ask for seconds.
I didn’t plan to share this at first, but it’s so straightforward and delicious I couldn’t keep it to myself. With frozen popcorn chicken, orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and rice you can recreate a restaurant-style orange chicken at home in under 30 minutes. Add these items to your shopping list and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner in no time.

Ingredients For The Best Orange Chicken
- 1 bag frozen popcorn chicken (about 24 oz)
- 1 jar orange marmalade (about 17 oz)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (any brand)
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

How To Make Orange Chicken At Home
Step 1Cook the frozen popcorn chicken according to package directions. I baked Tyson Any’tizer Popcorn Chicken at 400°F for about 15 minutes. While the chicken cooks, prepare your rice and any vegetables you want to serve alongside.

Step 2In a medium saucepan, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the marmalade melts and the sauce is smooth. Keep an eye on it and stir so it doesn’t scorch.

Step 3Transfer the cooked popcorn chicken to a large bowl and pour the hot orange sauce over it. Use all the sauce and toss gently so each piece is evenly coated.

Serve the sticky orange chicken over a bed of rice and drizzle any extra sauce on top. Add sautéed or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. This quick combination of sweet marmalade, tangy BBQ, and savory soy creates a flavor that kids and adults both enjoy.
Side Dish Ideas
- White, brown, or fried rice—orange chicken and rice are a classic pairing.
- Chow mein is a tasty alternative if you prefer noodles.
- Sautéed broccoli and red bell peppers are great, or try zucchini, carrots, cabbage, onions, or mushrooms.
- An Asian-inspired salad or a prepackaged salad kit adds freshness to the plate.
- For a lighter option, swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- To stretch the meal for a crowd, serve spring rolls or fried wontons on the side.


Print Recipe
Easy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 (24oz) bag frozen popcorn chicken
- 1 (17oz) jar orange marmalade
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (any brand will work)
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- cooked white or brown rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the popcorn chicken and rice according to package instructions.
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While the chicken cooks, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the marmalade melts and the sauce is smooth.
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Place the cooked popcorn chicken in a large bowl and pour the hot sauce over it. Toss gently until all pieces are well coated.
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Serve over rice and enjoy.
Notes
- Any brand of frozen popcorn chicken, chicken nuggets, or even grilled chicken works well.
- Smucker’s Natural Orange Marmalade is a good choice for balanced citrus flavor, but use whatever you have.
- To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for adults.
- Double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group.
The combination of marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce delivers the right hint of orange that coats the popcorn chicken perfectly.



