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