The Juiciest Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice Recipe Ever

Whipping up a quick and easy orange chicken over rice can turn an ordinary weeknight into a delightful culinary adventure.

Families crave something simple yet bursting with flavor that doesn’t demand complicated techniques.

Juicy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant citrus glaze promise a meal everyone will devour.

Fresh orange zest and tangy sauce create a perfect balance between sweet and savory notes.

Home cooks appreciate how rapidly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Professional chefs might recognize the classic Chinese-American inspiration behind this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into this comforting meal that brings restaurant-quality goodness straight to your dinner table without stress or extensive preparation.

Reasons Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice Is Worth Making

Whip Up Effortless Deliciousness: Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Simplify Meal Prep: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and uses pre-made popcorn chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust the sauce's spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized dining experience.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the sweet and tangy orange sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to different palates without complicated ingredients.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this meal comes together in just a few minutes, offering a delicious solution for hectic schedules without sacrificing taste or quality.

Orange Chicken with Rice Ingredients

• Rice: Fluffy white rice as the base for the dish.
• Popcorn Chicken: Crispy bite-sized chicken pieces.
• Orange Marmalade: Sweet and tangy citrus preserve for the sauce.

• BBQ Sauce, Soy Sauce: Complementary sauces to create a rich flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes: Optional toppings for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Orange Chicken Over Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Wash the rice under cold running water until the liquid becomes crystal clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy, separated grains.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Pour water into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil. Gently add rice, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight lid, and let simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is completely absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Popcorn Chicken

Follow package instructions to cook popcorn chicken. You can use an oven, air fryer, or preferred cooking method. Aim for a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Step 4: Create Zesty Orange Sauce

• Orange marmalade
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce

Whisk ingredients until they blend into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Add cooked popcorn chicken into the orange sauce. Gently toss until each piece is generously covered with the tangy, sweet coating.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes

Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors!

How to Make Orange Chicken with the Easiest Rice Combo

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Clear water ensures fluffy, clean-tasting rice without excess starch.
• Sauce Consistency Check: Warm the marmalade slightly to create a smoother, more even sauce coating for the chicken.
• Quick Coating Technique: Gently toss chicken in sauce just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain crispy edges.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of fresh orange juice or a pinch of ginger to enhance the citrus notes in the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free BBQ sauce to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Best Way to Store Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice

• Transfer leftover chicken and rice to airtight containers, separating them to prevent sogginess. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled chicken and rice in separate freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place rice and chicken in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few drops of water over rice to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium heat, adding splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Simultaneously reheat rice in separate pan, stirring gently to maintain texture.

Side Ideas for Orange Chicken Over Rice

• Zesty Citrus Cocktail Companion: Craft a refreshing orange vodka spritzer that mirrors the tangy orange sauce, blending fresh orange juice, vodka, and a splash of sparkling water.
• Crisp Wine Pairing: Select a light, slightly sweet Riesling that complements the sweet and savory notes of the orange chicken, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Crunchy Asian-Inspired Side: Whip up a quick cucumber and radish slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.
• Cooling Beverage Balance: Brew a cold green tea with a hint of honey to refresh the palate and balance the bold flavors of the orange chicken, offering a clean, subtle counterpoint.

Orange Chicken Rice Combos

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free popcorn chicken, tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to orange sauce for those who enjoy extra heat, creating a zesty flavor profile.
• Plant-Based Alternative: Swap popcorn chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken nuggets, maintaining the same cooking method and sauce technique.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

You can substitute popcorn chicken with regular chicken tenders, boneless chicken pieces, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before mixing with the sauce.

• How can I make the orange sauce less sweet?

Adjust the sweetness by reducing the orange marmalade and adding a bit more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to balance the flavors. Taste and modify according to your preference.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy orange sauce combined with crispy chicken makes this dish appealing to children. The option to add mild or spicy garnishes allows customization for different taste preferences.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the rice and chicken separately beforehand. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat just before mixing with the sauce to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.

Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Orange Chicken elevates classic Chinese-American comfort with tangy, caramelized sauce draping tender chicken pieces. Crispy golden bites glazed in zesty citrus promise a flavor adventure you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 bag popcorn chicken (16–20 ounces / 454–567 grams)

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 3 cups water (for cooking rice)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 jar orange marmalade (10–12 ounces / 283–340 grams)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice by rinsing thoroughly under cold water until liquid runs clear, ensuring no excess starch remains.
2. Transfer rice to a medium pot and add water, bringing to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and allow rice to simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and fluff rice gently with a fork, then set aside to rest.
5. Preheat oven or air fryer according to popcorn chicken package instructions for optimal crispiness.
6. Cook popcorn chicken until golden brown and heated through, following recommended cooking time and temperature.
7. While chicken cooks, create vibrant orange sauce by whisking orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a large mixing bowl.
8. Ensure sauce is smooth and ingredients are fully integrated, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.
9. Once chicken is cooked, transfer directly into sauce, gently tossing to coat every piece evenly.
10. Divide warm rice among serving bowls, creating a fluffy base for the chicken.
11. Spoon saucy orange chicken over rice, allowing sauce to drip and blend with rice.
12. Enhance presentation by garnishing with thinly sliced green onions, sprinkle of sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes for added zest.
13. Serve immediately while chicken remains crisp and sauce is warm.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
• Experiment with homemade or store-bought popcorn chicken for varied flavor profiles and textures.
• Mix sauces at room temperature to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a consistent glaze.
• Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or adjusting BBQ sauce intensity for personalized spice preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg