20-Minute Orange-Glazed Chicken Skillet
This quick one-pan chicken dinner features tender chicken breast tenders coated in a glossy orange marmalade glaze, paired with crisp-tender sugar snap peas and baby carrots. The sweet and tangy orange flavor complements the savory chicken perfectly, while the colorful vegetables add freshness and crunch. Ready in under 20 minutes, this family-friendly meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something both nutritious and satisfying without much cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderschicken thighs1:1protein
boneless thighs work well
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups frozen sugar snap peas, from 1-lb bag
- 1 cup ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots, cut in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- 1
Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat
- 2
Add chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- 3
Cook turning once until brown
- 4
Remove chicken from skillet and place on plate
- 5
Cover chicken loosely with foil to keep warm
- 6
Add sugar snap peas, carrots and water to same skillet
- 7
Increase heat to medium-high and cover
- 8
Cook until crisp-tender
- 9
Mix marmalade and cornstarch in small bowl until well blended
- 10
Return chicken to skillet and add marmalade mixture
- 11
Cook stirring occasionally until chicken is no longer pink in center and sauce has thickened
Tips
Cut carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking with the snap peas.
Don't overcook the vegetables - they should retain some crunch for best texture.
Mix the cornstarch completely with marmalade to prevent lumps in the glaze.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container.
Can prep vegetables and mix glaze up to 4 hours ahead.
Serve immediately while chicken is hot and vegetables are crisp-tender.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip covering chicken with foil or it will dry out while vegetables cook.
Avoid overcooking vegetables to prevent mushy texture.
Substitutions
cut into similar sized pieces
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh sugar snap peas work great. You may need to cook them 1-2 minutes longer than frozen.
What if I don't have orange marmalade?
Apricot preserves or even orange juice concentrate mixed with honey make good substitutes for similar sweet-tangy flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the vegetables.