There’s something magical about a dish that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and Orange Marmalade Chicken does just that. The crispy, golden skin of tender drumsticks, glazed in a luscious blend of citrusy marmalade, smoky barbecue sauce, and a fiery hint of sambal oelek—every bite is an explosion of bold flavors.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s no surprise that this dish has been making waves lately.
People are constantly searching for quick, flavor-packed meals with minimal effort, and this one hits all the right notes. Plus, citrus-based marinades have been shown to help enhance nutrient absorption and keep meals feeling fresh and light.
Pair it with a Chicken Avocado Salad for a refreshing contrast or these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a little Southern-inspired indulgence. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and 30 minutes to turn simple drumsticks into a glossy, restaurant-worthy meal.
Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?
- It’s ridiculously easy: Just mix, glaze, and bake—no complicated steps!
- The flavors are addictive: The perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy keeps you coming back for more.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- It’s budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have.
- Customizable heat: Love spice? Add extra sambal oelek! Prefer it milder? Reduce the heat for a kid-friendly version.
Orange Marmalade Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Parchment paper or foil (optional)
- Basting brush or spoon
- Small whisk or spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons barbeque sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, sambal oelek, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken with half of the glaze and arrange it on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then brush the remaining glaze over the drumsticks.
- Continue baking for another 10 minutes until the chicken is caramelized and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness, if desired.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 408kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 39g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sugar | 36g |
| Sodium | 754mg |
Flavor-Packed Variations You Haven’t Tried Yet!
- Crispy Skin Hack: Want ultra-crispy skin? Pan-sear the drumsticks in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes before baking. This locks in moisture while giving you that golden, crackly texture.
- Deepened Citrus Flavor: Add a splash of fresh orange juice and zest to the glaze for a brighter, fresher citrus kick. The natural acidity also helps tenderize the chicken even more.
- Caramelized Sticky Finish: After baking, toss the cooked drumsticks in a hot skillet with the remaining glaze for 2-3 minutes. This intensifies the caramelization and gives the chicken an even stickier, glossy finish.
- Smoky Depth: A dash of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika will take the glaze to the next level, adding a subtle charred, BBQ-like depth without needing a grill.
- Korean-Inspired Twist: Swap sambal oelek for gochujang (Korean chili paste) and drizzle with toasted sesame oil for a deliciously spicy, umami-packed variation.
- Air Fryer Magic: Craving a faster version? Cook the drumsticks in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The result? Extra crispy, caramelized skin with zero hassle.
- Whole Chicken Option: Love this glaze but want to try it on something else? Brush it over a whole roasted chicken during the last 20 minutes of roasting for a stunning, golden-brown centerpiece.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
