Take a major shortcut and have these semi homemade orange chicken tenders ready to eat in just 20 minutes.

Semi Homemade Orange Chicken Tenders

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

Recipes like semi homemade orange chicken tenders save my life during the week.

I’m usually busy rushing around with the kids and loaded with housework.

On days like that I need something fast and easy to put together for dinner.

That’s where these orange chicken tenders come in.

The best part about them is that they’re semi homemade.

Meaning some of it is made from scratch and some of it isn’t.

Using frozen chicken tenders as a short cut here is a huge time saver!

Once those are cooked all that’s left is the sauce which is super quick to make.

This recipe is a family favorite of ours.

The kids love these orange chicken tenders and I do too!

This sauce really goes perfectly on the crispy chicken.

I hope you give this one a try. I think you’ll love it if you do.

Oh and if you’re looking for a great recipe to serve along side these orange chicken tenders, my Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes would go perfectly.

Other weekday dinner ideas:

If you’re looking for some other delicious, fast and easy weekday dinners, here are some great recipes:

• Cheeseburger Casserole
• NO ROUX Shells and Cheese
• Chicken Noodle Casserole
• Dorito’s Taco Pizza
• Chopped Cheese Sandwich
• Easy Cottage Pie
• Canned Tuna Cakes with Tartar Sauce

Do I have to use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Absolutely not.

While I encourage the time saving of using the frozen chicken, you can use your own chicken tender recipe too!

If you’re in need of a great breaded chicken cutlet recipe I have a fantastic one HERE.

Can I make this orange chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, this recipe can be made in the air fryer.

Just make the chicken tenders according to the air frying directions on the package.

If there are no instructions for that, I’d say 375° for 10-12 minutes should do it.

Once that’s done, follow the rest of recipe instructions to make the sauce and toss it together.

Can I use something besides chicken tenders?

You sure can.

There are options besides frozen tenders that can easily be used.

Here are a few great options:

• chicken nuggets
• pop corn chicken
• chicken strips
• Homemade chicken tenders/ cutlets
• Grilled chicken
• Grilled Shrimp
• popcorn shrimp
• breaded shrimp

Can I make these semi homemade orange chicken tenders spicy?

Yes, and it’s super easy.

If you like some heat to your food adding a little spice to this recipe is easy!

Try adding a little bit of sriracha to the sauce.

Taste it and add more if you’d like.

Hot pepper flakes always work too!

And they do make spicy bbq sauces. Keep an eye out for that.

Another great option is finding frozen spicy chicken tenders at your grocery store.

Or try using spicy breadcrumbs on your chicken if you’re making it homemade.

Can the orange marmalade be substituted?

Yes, and no. So kinda.

The only really suitable option to substitute the orange marmalade for would be apricot marmalade.

The flavors are comparable and would absolutely work here.

What sides should I serve with orange chicken?

Whatever you’d like! It’s completely up to you.

Here are a few ideas in case you need some inspiration:

• Rice (I served mine with white rice this time)
• Mixed vegetables
• Side salad
• Noodles

Semi homemade orange chicken tenders recipe video:

Semi homemade orange chicken tenders ingredients:

• Frozen chicken tenders
• Orange marmalade
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

First, cook the chicken tenders according to the directions on the package.

Meanwhile in a small saucepan, combine the bbq sauce,

marmalade,

Soy sauce,

and sesame oil.

Now whisk it over medium high heat until everything is evenly combined.

Keep the sauce warm until the chicken tenders are ready to come out of the oven.

Then toss the tenders in the sauce.

Finally sprinkle the orange chicken tenders with some sesame seeds and you’re done! Serve them warm.