orange marmalade chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s rapid, easy, and downright delicious, then you’re in the right place! I absolutely love making Orange Marmalade Chicken—it’s sweet, tangy, and has that perfect sticky glaze that makes your taste buds dance. Weather you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy!
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Orange Marmalade Chicken
Creating a mouthwatering Orange Marmalade Chicken dish starts with gathering simple, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful recipe:
- 6 chicken drumsticks: feel free to use skin-on for extra crispiness or skinless for a healthier option.
- Salt and ground black pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ½ cup orange marmalade: This sweet and tangy spread is the star of our dish, bringing a lovely citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the marmalade.
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce: Choose your favourite brand; this will give the chicken a smoky undertone.
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek: This Indonesian chili paste adds a nice kick but isn’t overpowering; it’s a great way to spice things up.
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce: Provides depth and umami, balancing the sweetness of the marmalade.
These ingredients come together to create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken. Trust me, having these on hand is a game changer for your weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions for orange Marmalade Chicken
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the easy steps to make Orange Marmalade Chicken. Trust me, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that our chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect texture.
- Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really brings out the flavor.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks in an oven-proof dish. You want them to have enough space for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. This step helps to lock in moisture so that the chicken doesn’t dry out.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing the orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, sambal oelek, and soy sauce in a small bowl. This is where the magic happens!
- After 20 minutes, take the dish out of the oven and brush the chicken generously with the marmalade mixture. Make sure to coat it well; this is what makes it sticky and delicious.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Flip the drumsticks, baste again with the remaining glaze, and continue baking until the chicken is cooked through, about another 10 minutes. A meat thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165°F (74°C).
- For a gorgeous finish, broil the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes until the glaze starts to blacken and bubble.
There you go! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly glazed Orange Marmalade Chicken ready to serve. enjoy the lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors!

Serving and Storage Facts for Orange Marmalade Chicken
Once your Orange Marmalade Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about serving and storage to keep your meal fresh and tasty. This recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when hosting friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Plate the Chicken: I love serving the drumsticks on a large platter, drizzled with any remaining glaze for a beautiful presentation.
- side Dishes: Pair the chicken with some fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Fresh steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad also make excellent companions, adding color and nutrition to your meal.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, as they’re so good), let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for Later: To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
when you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.This helps maintain that delightful glaze and avoids drying out the chicken.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the tasty Orange Marmalade chicken anytime!
Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Orange Marmalade Chicken
Every great recipe comes with its set of tips and tricks. Here’s what I’ve learned about making the best Orange Marmalade Chicken and troubleshooting any issues you might face.
Recipe Notes:
- Customize the Spice: If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to adjust the amount of sambal oelek or even substitute it with a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor.
- Glaze Variations: For a different twist, you can substitute the orange marmalade with other fruit preserves like apricot or peach. Each one creates a unique flavor profile!
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Chicken Not Cooking Evenly: If you find that the chicken isn’t cooking evenly, make sure that the drumsticks are of similar size. You can also rotate them halfway through cooking for better heat distribution.
- Too Much Sauce: If your glaze seems too runny after mixing, try adding a little cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken it while cooking. this will give you that perfect sticky texture.
- Burning: If the glaze starts to burn while broiling, move the oven rack lower or reduce the broiling time. You want that caramelized finish without the burnt taste.
These notes and troubleshooting tips will help you create a delicious Orange Marmalade Chicken every time! Don’t be afraid to experiment and enjoy the process as you cook.