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.