Sweet & Tangy Orange Chicken Bites

If there’s one thing I love more than a quick weeknight dinner, it’s one that tastes like it came from a takeout box — without the delivery fee or the wait. This Sweet & Tangy Orange Chicken Bites recipe checks all the boxes: it’s fast, full of flavor, and made with ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your kitchen.

I stumbled on this combo one chaotic Tuesday evening when I was staring into my freezer, wondering what I could whip up that wouldn’t take forever. That’s when the frozen popcorn chicken caught my eye. A few pantry staples later — orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and a splash of soy sauce — and this zesty, sticky, saucy masterpiece was born.

Whether you serve it over rice, toss it in a bowl with some stir-fried veggies, or stick a toothpick in each one for the ultimate party snack, these little orange-glazed bites are going to disappear fast. And bonus: no deep fryer or complicated batter required.

Let’s dive right into this weeknight win.

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound frozen popcorn chicken (or crispy chicken bites)

• 1/2 cup orange marmalade

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Tip: Go for your favorite style of BBQ sauce. Sweeter ones bring out the orange flavor, while smoky ones add depth.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Cook the Popcorn Chicken

Start by preheating your oven and baking the frozen popcorn chicken according to the package directions. Every brand is a little different, but you’ll typically bake it at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the bites are golden and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, even better — just cook until they’re hot and crunchy on the outside.

I’ve found that getting the chicken extra crispy helps the sauce stick better and gives the final dish that irresistible restaurant-style texture.

Step 2: Make the Orange Glaze

While the chicken is doing its thing in the oven, let’s build the sauce. Grab a medium saucepan and add:

• 1/2 cup orange marmalade

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Set the pan over medium heat and give it a good stir. As the mixture heats up, the marmalade will melt down, and everything will start to come together into a sticky, fragrant glaze.

Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens slightly and turns glossy. That’s your cue to move on.

If you like a little kick, this is the perfect time to toss in some red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha.

Why This Recipe Works

There’s something magical about the combo of sweet orange marmalade and smoky barbecue sauce. The marmalade brings brightness and that signature orange chicken vibe, while the BBQ sauce adds depth and body. The soy sauce balances it all out with a hit of umami.

This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for when you want a satisfying dinner but don’t feel like chopping, measuring, or babysitting a stove for an hour. And the best part? You can easily double the sauce if you like things extra saucy (which I always do).

Step 3: Toss Chicken in the Orange Sauce

Once your sauce is glossy and slightly thickened and the chicken is golden and crispy, it’s time to bring them together.

Add the cooked popcorn chicken straight into the saucepan with the orange glaze. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss the chicken until each piece is fully coated in the sauce.

You want that sticky glaze to cling to every bite—don’t be afraid to stir a bit to make sure it’s all evenly covered.

If your saucepan isn’t big enough to toss everything comfortably, you can also transfer the chicken and sauce into a large mixing bowl and toss it there.

Step 4: Serve It Up Hot

Serve your orange chicken bites immediately while they’re still hot and the glaze is perfectly sticky.

Here are a few easy serving ideas:

• Over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice for a fast, filling dinner.

• Alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried veggies for a balanced meal.

• As an appetizer or party snack, served on a platter with toothpicks.

Pro Tip: If you’re hosting, make a double batch. These go fast!

Tips & Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. Once you’ve got the base down, you can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

Make it Spicy

Love a little heat? Add any of the following to the sauce while it simmers:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes

• A dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce

• A bit of chili garlic paste for a deeper kick

Start small and taste as you go—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

Use Fresh or Homemade Chicken

If you’ve got a little more time or just prefer using fresh ingredients, this recipe works great with homemade fried or baked chicken bites.

Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and nice and crispy before tossing it in the sauce. You want that crunchy texture to stand up to the glaze.

Try It With Different Sauces

Not a fan of orange marmalade? No worries—here are a few simple swaps:

• Apricot preserves: Slightly milder, but still fruity and sweet.

• Pineapple jam: Brings a tropical twist.

• Honey: Use it for a lighter, more natural sweetness (you’ll lose the orange flavor but gain a lovely golden glaze).

You can also play with the BBQ sauce choice. Smoky, sweet, spicy—each one will change the flavor of the final dish slightly.

Make It a Meal Prep Staple

These chicken bites reheat well, which makes them perfect for meal prepping. Just store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer to get a bit of that crisp back, or microwave for a quick lunch on the go. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, a splash of water or soy sauce can loosen it up nicely.