Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice: A Quick and Flavorful Meal

Do you want to eat sweet and tangy orange chicken over steamed rice? There is no need to look any further! This recipe is a quick and easy way to make Orange Chicken Over Rice in the comfort of your own home. This classic Chinese-American dish comes together quickly with few ingredients and simple steps.

Ingredients:

For the Orange Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain rice works well)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  • Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.

2. Brown the Chicken:

  • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add the orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and orange zest (if using).
  • Stir the sauce ingredients together and let them simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce.
  • Stir the chicken in the sauce, coating each piece thoroughly.
  • Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.

5. Serve Over Rice:

  • Serve your Orange Chicken over a bed of cooked white rice.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

  • If desired, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

This Orange Chicken Over Rice recipe is a quick and tasty way to satisfy your craving for this classic Chinese-American dish. With its sweet and tangy orange sauce coating tender pieces of chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners.