Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

If you crave a tangy-sweet chicken dish that delivers big flavor with little fuss, this Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe is about to become your kitchen go-to! It’s bright, sticky, satisfyingly savory, and—best of all—delightfully simple. No deep frying, no complicated sauces—just a quick skillet meal that feels as special as takeout, with wholesome ingredients you’ll feel good about serving up.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be amazed by how few ingredients this Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe needs to deliver such impactful flavor! Each one is handpicked to bring out the best in the others—so don’t skip or skimp if you want that classic glossy, citrus-kissed finish.

• Orange marmalade: The star of the glaze! Choose a good, chunky marmalade like Smucker’s brand for pop of real orange peel and bold citrusy sweetness.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce: This gives the glaze body and a touch of smoky, tangy depth—balancing the sweetness while adding that signature sticky finish.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and quick-cooking, these brown beautifully in a skillet and soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, this not only helps lock in juiciness but also ensures a gorgeous golden crust on every piece.

Variations

One of the best parts about the Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe is just how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to jazz it up with extra veggies, adapt for special diets, or tweak the spice, there’s a simple swap or add-in for every kind of eater.

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a few dashes of chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the orange sauce to bring some delicious heat to the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Double-check your barbecue sauce label (many are gluten-free!) to keep this dish perfectly safe for gluten-free diets.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets along with the chicken for an easy way to sneak in extra color and crunch.
• Chicken Thighs or Tenders: Swap in boneless, skinless thighs or chicken tenders for a slightly richer flavor and even juicier bites.

How to Make Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Orange Sauce

In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the orange marmalade and Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce until smooth and well-blended. This powerful duo is what gives this Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe its signature bright, glossy coating. Set the sauce aside while you get your chicken ready.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Pat your chicken breast pieces dry (this helps them brown, not steam). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add half the chicken, making sure not to crowd the pan. Let the pieces sizzle and brown for 7-9 minutes, turning to get golden edges all around. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the rest of the oil and chicken.

Step 3: Bring it All Together with the Sauce

Return all chicken (and any flavorful juices!) back into the skillet. Pour in your prepared orange barbecue sauce mixture. Reduce the heat to medium and let the chicken bubble gently in that fragrant sauce, stirring now and then. In about 15 minutes, the glaze will have thickened and luxuriously coated every piece.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Once the sauce is glossy and sticky, take your skillet off the heat. This is your moment for the grand reveal! Dish up the Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken over rice or your favorite grains, making sure to spoon extra sauce over the top—every drop counts.

How to Serve Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe like a flurry of fresh garnishes. Try scattering sliced green onions or finely chopped cilantro over the top to add color, crunch, and a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds creates a pretty, restaurant-style finish, while very thin orange slices (or extra zest!) drive home that citrusy aroma.

Side Dishes

This chicken is just begging to be spooned over fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice—anything that soaks up that gorgeous sauce! For extra goodness, serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad on the side. Cauliflower rice is a great lower-carb alternative that pairs perfectly with the bright orange glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, plate the Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken in a shallow bowl, nestled on a bed of rice with plenty of sauce. Or, make it a vibrant party platter—skewer the cooked chicken pieces and drizzle with glaze for finger-friendly bites. You can even serve leftovers chilled and sliced over a green salad for a zippy, picnic-ready twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool, then pack them in an airtight container. This Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal preppers or busy families with staggered dinner times.

Freezing

You’ll be happy to hear that this dish freezes like a dream! Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each burst to evenly heat the sauce. If the glaze seems extra thick, just add a splash of water and stir until silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like whipping up a dish that tastes both exciting and comforting, and this Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe hits both notes effortlessly. Give it a try next time you want something special without a lot of work. I promise, one bite and you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make it again and again!

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