Orange Chicken with Rice

Orange Chicken with Rice is a beloved takeout-style dish that brings together crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, served over fluffy rice. This homemade version captures all the bold flavors of the classic favorite while allowing you to control the ingredients and freshness. The bright citrus notes paired with savory undertones make this dish both comforting and exciting, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. The balance of sweet orange, savory soy sauce, and a hint of garlic creates a sauce that is irresistible. Paired with warm rice, it becomes a complete, satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it combines familiar comfort with vibrant flavor. Orange Chicken with Rice is filling, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make. It is a great option for anyone who loves classic Asian-inspired dishes but wants a fresher, homemade alternative.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Approximate Calories: 520–560 calories per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American / Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Cooking Directions

Coat and fry chicken until golden, prepare a glossy orange sauce, then toss everything together and serve over rice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Dredge chicken in cornstarch and flour, then dip into beaten eggs.
Step 3: Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain.
Step 4: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with green onions.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Orange Chicken with Rice hot, spooning extra sauce over the rice. It pairs well with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when frying chicken.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar.
• Serve immediately to maintain crispness.

Variations

Baked Orange Chicken: Bake coated chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
Spicy Orange Chicken: Add red chili flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
Orange Chicken Stir-Fry: Skip breading and stir-fry chicken directly in the sauce.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch only.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze cooked orange chicken without rice for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or wok
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon

Conclusion

Orange Chicken with Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings bold citrus sweetness and savory richness together in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it is a recipe that transforms a takeout favorite into a homemade classic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special cravings, this dish is sure to become a regular on your menu.