Craving a quick, comforting meal? This orange chicken and rice recipe blends crispy chicken, savory fried rice, and a tangy orange sauce into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a flavorful favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Hey there, friend! If you’re anything like me, there are days when all you want is a big comforting plate of something that’s both sweet, savory, and a little bit special. That’s exactly where this orange chicken and rice recipe steps in to save the day!
There’s something magical about the crispy bite of chicken coated in that sticky orange goodness, paired with fluffy, flavorful fried rice. It’s the kind of meal that’ll make the whole family gather ‘round the table faster than you can say “Dinner’s ready!” Plus, making it yourself means it’s fresher, cheaper, and way more satisfying than takeout.
If you’re a fan of hearty chicken and rice dishes, you might also love my comforting Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe!
Today, I’m going to walk you through every little step, just like I would if we were cooking together in my Florida kitchen. Grab your apron — let’s do this!
Main Ingredients
Before we dive into the magic of this easy orange chicken and rice recipe, let’s get familiar with our main cast of characters:
- Chopped green onions: The fresh, zesty finishing touch.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Lean, juicy, and perfect for getting that crispy outside.
- Flour & Cornstarch (½ cup each): This dynamic duo creates that irresistible crunchy coating.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder for bold flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the frying process.
- Sesame oil: Brings that authentic, nutty aroma (you can use any oil if you prefer).
- Bacon (4 strips): Because a little smoky, crispy bacon makes everything better!
- Long grain white rice (2 cups uncooked): A neutral base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (12 oz): Color, crunch, and nutrients all in one bag.
- Soy sauce: A splash of umami to tie the fried rice together.
- Eggs (4 large): For that classic touch in the rice.
- Store-bought orange sauce: No need to stress — the bottled stuff works wonderfully!
If you’re a rice lover like me, definitely check out this tasty Japanese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe too.
Additional Ingredients
Now, if you feel like putting your own spin on this orange chicken and rice recipe, here are some fantastic additions and swaps:
- Boneless, skinless thighs:
Prefer darker meat? Chicken thighs stay extra juicy. - Fresh orange zest and juice:
Amp up that citrusy flavor even more if you’re skipping the store-bought sauce. - Brown rice or jasmine rice:
Healthier or more aromatic options for your base. - Broccoli or snap peas:
Toss in fresh veggies if you want more greens on your plate. - Sriracha or crushed red pepper:
Spice lovers, don’t hold back! - Honey or brown sugar:
Sweeten the orange sauce a little extra, if that’s your jam.
A little creativity goes a long way. It’s your kitchen, after all!
Expert Tips
Alright, friend, here’s where I share all the little secrets that’ll take your orange chicken and rice recipe from good to downright spectacular:
- Dry your chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! - Double dredge for extra crunch:
Dip the chicken pieces in the flour-cornstarch mixture, then give them a second dip for an even crispier bite. - Don’t overcrowd the pan:
Fry the chicken in batches. If you pile too much in at once, you’ll end up steaming instead of frying — and nobody wants soggy chicken. - Use day-old rice:
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky. Day-old rice fries up beautifully because it’s a little drier. - Adjust the sauce amount:
Some like it drenched, others like just a light coat. Start small — you can always add more sauce later! - Low and slow for eggs:
When scrambling the eggs for your rice, cook ‘em gently so they stay tender, not rubbery. - Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil:
Just a few drops at the end boost the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cooking is like dancing — once you find your rhythm, it’s pure joy!
Recommended Techniques
To make this orange chicken and rice recipe shine, here’s a simple checklist of techniques to keep handy:
- Marinate lightly: Season the chicken just 10-15 minutes before frying.
- Shallow fry: You don’t need a deep fryer! A heavy-bottomed skillet with a half-inch of oil does the trick.
- Rice first, chicken second: Cook your rice before frying your chicken to keep everything hot and ready.
- Layer flavors: Build your fried rice flavors by adding ingredients one at a time.
- Warm the sauce separately: Gently heat your orange sauce before tossing it with the chicken for better coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready? Let’s bring this delicious orange chicken and rice recipe to life:
- Cook the rice
Prepare your long grain rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and set aside. - Prep the chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. - Coat the chicken
Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Toss the chicken pieces until fully coated. - Fry the chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. - Cook the bacon
In the same pan, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Set aside. - Sauté the vegetables
Add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry frozen veggies until hot. - Scramble the eggs
Push veggies to the side. Crack eggs into the pan, scramble, and combine. - Make fried rice
Add cooked rice and a splash of soy sauce. Stir until everything’s evenly mixed. - Assemble the dish
Return the crispy chicken and bacon to the pan. Pour over the warmed orange sauce and gently toss. - Garnish and serve
Top with green onions and enjoy immediately!
Additional Guide: Fun Variations
One of the best parts of making your own orange chicken and rice recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a squirt of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
- Extra Veggie-Packed: Toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell pepper strips for a garden-fresh twist.
- Pineapple Pop: Stir in pineapple chunks for a tropical, tangy surprise!
- Low Carb Swap: Serve the orange chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter version.
Looking for more easy weeknight ideas? You might love my no-fuss Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe too.
Let your creativity shine — the kitchen is your playground!
FAQs About Orange Chicken and Rice Recipe
Traditionally, orange chicken sauce is made with orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. Store-bought versions often add extra spices and sweeteners to make it even more irresistible!
Great question! Orange chicken uses regular oranges, which give a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Tangerine chicken, on the other hand, uses tangerines, which are a little sweeter and have a lighter, almost floral citrus taste. Both are delicious — just a little different vibe!
Honestly, it depends! When made at home (like with this recipe), you can control the ingredients, oil, and portion sizes, making it way healthier than takeout versions. Adding more veggies and using grilled chicken or brown rice can make it even better for you.
Both are super popular Chinese-American dishes, but General Tso’s chicken is usually spicier and less sweet than orange chicken. Orange chicken focuses more on that bright, citrusy flavor, while General Tso leans into savory, tangy, and spicy notes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friend — a homemade, comforting, easy orange chicken and rice recipe that’s bursting with flavor, color, and love. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a family gathering.
I always say the best meals are the ones that bring people together. So next time you’re craving a cozy, delicious dinner that’ll put smiles on everyone’s faces, give this recipe a try. Don’t forget to make a little extra — leftovers are pure magic the next day!
For a delicious twist, you could also try this flavor-packed Rice Recipe with Korean Chicken — it’s another family favorite around here!
Thanks for hanging out with me in the kitchen today. If you give this recipe a whirl, let me know how it turned out — I’d love to hear from you!
Easy Orange Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup Flour
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Chili Powder for seasoning
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Sesame oil
- 4 strips Bacon chopped
- 2 cups Long grain white rice uncooked
- 12 oz Frozen mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
- 4 large Eggs
- Store-bought orange sauce
Optional Additions
- Fresh orange zest and juice optional
- Broccoli, snap peas optional vegetables
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, then fluff and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat the chicken in a flour and cornstarch mixture seasoned with paprika and chili powder.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet and fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet until crisp, then set aside.
- Stir-fry frozen mixed vegetables in the skillet.
- Push veggies to one side, scramble eggs on the other side, then combine.
- Add cooked rice and a splash of soy sauce, stir everything together.
- Return chicken and bacon to the pan, add warmed orange sauce, and gently toss.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
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