Name: Orange Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ sauce; 18 ounces orange marmalade; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1 ½ inch pieces; 3 tablespoons olive oil

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There’s something so delightfully irresistible about Orange Chicken Bites: crispy, juicy morsels of chicken glazed in a tangy-sweet orange sauce that’s equal parts zesty and comforting. This is the kind of dish that’s made for sharing—perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a little pop of flavor. With just a handful of pantry favorites, you can whip up a restaurant-style treat that dazzles in both taste and presentation. Let’s dive in and create these Orange Chicken Bites you’ll want to make over and over again!

Orange Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Orange Chicken Bites is the straightforward ingredient list—each item brings unique magic to the table, whether it’s a punch of citrus, the deep savoriness of BBQ, or the golden sizzle from olive oil. The real secret? Letting these simple, everyday ingredients do all the heavy lifting for you!

Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast and dice into even, bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking and tender results.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ sauce: This classic BBQ sauce adds a bold, smoky-sweet backbone to the glaze, balancing the citrus perfectly.
Orange marmalade: The star ingredient—orange marmalade delivers a bright, tangy zing with bits of real orange peel for fantastic texture in the sauce.
Olive oil: Just a few tablespoons is all you need to give the chicken a beautiful, caramelized crust and keep every bite juicy.

How to Make Orange Chicken Bites

Step 1: Mix Up the Orange Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and zesty orange marmalade until completely smooth. You’ll notice the sauce turn glossy and vibrant—the perfect sweet-and-citrusy base for your Orange Chicken Bites. Set this aside so it’s ready for when your chicken is golden and sizzling.

Step 2: Brown the First Batch of Chicken

Heat a large skillet (go for a 12-inch if you have one) over medium-high heat, adding about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. As soon as the oil starts shimmering, scatter in half of your chicken pieces—being careful not to crowd the pan (this is the key to that golden-brown crust)! Let the chicken cook for 7 to 9 minutes, turning every so often until each piece is deeply colored and cooked through. Scoop the browned chicken onto a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Second Batch

Drizzle your last tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet, then add in the rest of the chicken. Just as before, brown these pieces for another 7 to 9 minutes, making sure they’re beautifully golden and juicy inside. This ensures that every bite of your Orange Chicken Bites has that fantastic crispy edge.

Step 4: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Return all the chicken—along with any juices that have collected on the plate—back into the pan. Pour in your orange sauce mixture, reduce the heat to medium, and stir gently so every piece gets bathed in that sweet and sticky glaze. Let it bubble for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, turning glossy and irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is thick and coats each bite beautifully, take the skillet off the heat. Serve your Orange Chicken Bites right away while they’re piping hot, sticky, and gloriously citrusy. This is dinner-party gold—or the perfect answer to any weeknight craving!

How to Serve Orange Chicken Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro takes Orange Chicken Bites from delicious to downright stunning. For extra crunch, throw on a handful of toasted sesame seeds. If you’re feeling fancy, carve a few thin orange slices or zest to really highlight those bright citrus notes in the glaze.

Side Dishes

These Orange Chicken Bites are a natural match for fluffy steamed white rice, garlic fried rice, or buttery jasmine rice. For a lighter twist, pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or a tangle of sesame noodles. If you want to go all-in, they’re amazing with vegetable stir fry or lightly sautéed snap peas.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, skewer Orange Chicken Bites onto toothpicks for the ultimate party appetizer. Turn them into lettuce wraps for a hand-held lunch, or pile them onto slider buns with a crunchy slaw for a playful, crowd-pleasing mini sandwich. Their bold flavor welcomes creativity—don’t be afraid to let them steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing your Orange Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for about three days, and the flavors only deepen overnight!

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled Orange Chicken Bites into zip-top bags or sealed containers, making sure to press out excess air for best texture. They can chill out in the freezer for up to two months—easy to defrost for future quick lunches or dinners.

Reheating

For the juiciest reheated chicken, warm your bites in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works too, though the stovetop brings back a little more of that original just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make Orange Chicken Bites extra juicy and flavorful. Just follow the same steps, and enjoy a slightly richer taste.

Is there a substitute for orange marmalade?

If you don’t have orange marmalade on hand, try apricot jam with a splash of fresh orange juice and a bit of grated orange zest. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll get a lovely citrus-sweet profile.

Can I make this dish less sweet?

If you prefer a more savory glaze, simply reduce the amount of marmalade and add a tablespoon of soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to balance out the sugar.

How can I make it spicier?

For those who crave a little heat, whisk in a squirt of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into your orange sauce. This brings a zesty, spicy kick that’s unforgettable!

Are Orange Chicken Bites gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check your marmalade, this recipe can be totally gluten-free. Always check your pantry staples to be certain.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re looking to wow your friends and family, whip up a batch of these Orange Chicken Bites. They’re the kind of dish that has people asking for the recipe long after the last bite is gone—bright, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Give them a try, and you just might discover your new go-to crowd-pleaser!

Orange Chicken Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

These Orange Chicken Bites are a sweet and tangy treat that will delight your taste buds. Tender pieces of chicken coated in a delectable orange sauce make for a perfect appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Orange Sauce:

3/4 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ sauce
18 ounces orange marmalade

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1 ½ inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Mix the orange sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and orange marmalade until smooth. Set aside.
Brown the first batch of chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half of the chicken pieces until golden brown, about 7-9 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Finish cooking the second batch: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and cook the remaining chicken pieces until browned, about 7-9 minutes.
Toss chicken in sauce: Return all cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the orange sauce mixture, and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Dish it out: Remove from heat and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American