Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice
If you’re in the mood for something zesty and satisfying, you’re going to love this dish: Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice. It brings that delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors straight to your dining table. Plus, it’s as simple as tossing together some ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal that the whole family can enjoy. These flavors are reminiscent of your favorite takeout, but you can whip it up right in your kitchen, making it both delicious and budget-friendly. Picture a juicy chicken coated in a sticky orange glaze, served over fluffy rice. Doesn’t that sound amazing? As you explore this recipe, you’ll find cooking is a joy, not a chore. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s bring this delightful dish to life together!
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Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Having your ingredients ready makes everything easier and more enjoyable.
- For the Orange Chicken:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest from one orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- 2 cups of cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine work great)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Cooking the Chicken
Let’s get cooking! First, in a bowl, mix the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This mix will give your chicken that amazing flavor. Whisk it until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thick; it’ll work perfectly when heated.
Next, add some salt and pepper to the chicken pieces. This step is crucial. It not only enhances flavor but sets the stage for your orange sauce to shine. In a large skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. This prevents overcrowding, allowing them to brown nicely.
Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Orange Sauce
Now for the fun part: thickening up that delicious orange sauce!
In the same skillet, pour in the mixture you prepared earlier. Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens! The cornstarch will start to thicken the sauce, making it sticky and shiny.
Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. As it bubbles away, the aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’ll make your mouth water. Once you are happy with the texture, carefully add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so each piece of chicken is well coated in that incredible sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have your Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice ready, it’s time to put everything together. Fluff up the rice in another bowl. You can use any rice you enjoy, but jasmine rice really complements the flavors because of its aromatic quality. Spread the rice on plates or in bowls, and then pile the orange chicken over the top.
To elevate the dish, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch. If you want an extra touch, some sesame seeds will add a nice nutty flavor and a bit of elegance.
This meal doesn’t just taste good; it looks beautiful too, with the vibrant orange sauce glistening over the rice. Enjoy this colorful dish with family and friends while sharing laughter and stories.
Tips and Variations
When making Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice, there are a few tips and variations that can really elevate your dish. First, feel free to experiment with different proteins! If you prefer, boneless skinless thighs could work just as well as chicken breast. You could even use shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Also, if you’re craving more veggies, toss some bell peppers or broccoli into the mix when cooking the chicken. They add nutrition and a nice crunch. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own, so adjust the ingredients to what you love.
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delightful dish, you might find some leftovers. No worries! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to eat again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to keep it moist.
You could also enjoy the orange chicken as a salad topping or in a wrap for a fun twist on leftovers.
Final Thoughts
Making Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice is not just about the meal itself. It’s about the experience of creating something delicious while sharing moments with loved ones. This dish checks all the boxes for flavor, presentation, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, it’s sure to impress and satisfy.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet and savory, don’t forget this tasty recipe. With just a bit of effort, you can serve up a dish that’s just as good (if not better) than takeout. Enjoy cooking, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the company of those you share your meal with!
More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken
- Chicken and Asparagus Fettuccine
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Easy, Flavorful, and Authentic
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Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice
This dish combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with juicy chicken and a sticky orange glaze, making it a quick and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest from one orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups of cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine work great)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Mix orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the sauce mixture, simmer and stir constantly until thickened.
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat.
- Fluff rice in a bowl, serve orange chicken on top, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For varied flavors, consider using boneless skinless thighs or shrimp.
Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 75
