Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Orange Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that captures the flavors of your favorite takeout right in your kitchen. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With its vibrant colors and zesty orange sauce, it’s not only appealing to the eyes but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-pan dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of orange sauce and spices elevates the taste, turning simple ingredients into a gourmet meal.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to meal prep for the week ahead.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from mixed vegetables, this dish is both healthy and satisfying.
• Kid-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavor profile, it’s a hit with children and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Orange Chicken Fried Rice smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make cooking easier.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet or wok: Ideal for cooking everything evenly while providing ample space for frying the rice.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for preparing chicken seasoning and egg mixtures without a mess.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients thoroughly to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

This is an easy one pan version of my family’s favorite takeout!

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast
• Salt (pepper, garlic powder)

For the Coating

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp each of salt (pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder)

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp butter
• Sesame oil (or any oil)
• 4 strips of turkey turkey turkey bacon

For the Rice Base

• 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
• 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables

For Flavoring

• Low Sodium Soy sauce
• 4 eggs
• Chopped green onions
• Orange Sauce (Store Bought)

How to Make Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook 2 cups of uncooked rice according to package directions. Once cooked, transfer it to a container and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Cut 1 pound of chicken into small cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Toss the seasoned chicken in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the coated chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet.

Step 6: Cook Turkey Turkey turkey bacon

Add chopped turkey turkey turkey bacon to the same skillet. Stir until cooked through.

Step 7: Add Rice and Vegetables

Stir in cooked rice and frozen mixed vegetables into the skillet with turkey turkey turkey bacon. If needed, drizzle additional oil over rice—typically around 2-3 more tablespoons should suffice.

Step 8: Season Everything

Mix well and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and soy sauce (starting with about 2 tablespoons).

Step 9: Add Eggs

Create a well in the center of rice; pour in whisked eggs. Stir until eggs are fully cooked before mixing them into the rice mixture.

Step 10: Finalize Cooking

Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until rice reaches your desired texture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 11: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Toss cooked chicken in orange sauce before placing it atop your fried rice.

Step 12: Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot!

This Orange Chicken Fried Rice will surely become a staple in your home! Enjoy this delicious meal anytime you crave that takeout taste without leaving home!

How to Serve Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Serving Orange Chicken Fried Rice can elevate your dining experience, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some great suggestions to complement this dish.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Crispy Asian Slaw: A mix of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds crunch and freshness.
• Cucumber Salad: Lightly seasoned cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the warm fried rice.

Garnish with Vegetables

• Sliced Bell Peppers: Brightly colored bell peppers on the side enhance the visual appeal and add sweetness.
• Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and vibrant side that pairs well with the flavors of the fried rice.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the orange chicken.
• Soy Sauce: A classic choice for an extra umami punch that brings out the dish’s flavors.

How to Perfect Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Perfecting Orange Chicken Fried Rice is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips for a delightful dish.

• Bold seasoning: Ensure you season each layer of the dish—chicken, rice, and vegetables—for maximum flavor.
• Use day-old rice: If possible, using leftover rice helps achieve a better texture by reducing moisture content.
• High heat cooking: Cooking on high heat helps develop that crispy texture characteristic of fried rice.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly: Ensure every grain of rice is coated in sauce and seasonings for uniform flavor.
• Add fresh elements last: Stir in green onions just before serving to maintain their crunch and bright color.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Pairing sides with your Orange Chicken Fried Rice can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp offer a nice crunch alongside your fried rice.
2. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that complements the heartiness of the fried rice without overpowering it.
3. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a nutritious snack or side.
4. Fried Wontons: These crispy treats are perfect for dipping and add more texture to your meal.
5. Miso Soup: A comforting broth that balances out the flavors of the fried rice nicely.
6. Roasted Cauliflower: This healthy side can be seasoned to match the flavors of your main dish while providing a tasty contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Orange Chicken Fried Rice, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping Rice Preparation: Always cook your rice ahead of time and let it cool. Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried.
• Overcrowding the Skillet: Avoid adding too many ingredients at once. This can lead to steaming rather than frying, preventing that desired crispy texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning! Taste and adjust as you go, adding salt or soy sauce gradually to enhance flavors.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients, like vegetables and chicken, makes a big difference. Poor-quality items can detract from the overall taste.
• Forgetting to Mix Properly: Ensure you mix all components thoroughly. This helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the rice.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Keep an eye on cooking times for each ingredient. Overcooked chicken or eggs can ruin the dish’s texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before sealing it in the fridge.

Freezing Orange Chicken Fried Rice

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Orange Chicken Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Orange Chicken Fried Rice?

Yes! You can add various vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or broccoli based on your preference.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Simply replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and omit any meat products.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber but may require longer cooking time.

How is Orange Chicken Fried Rice different from regular fried rice?

The addition of orange sauce gives this dish a unique sweet and savory flavor that sets it apart from traditional fried rice recipes.

What side dishes pair well with Orange Chicken Fried Rice?

Pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Orange Chicken Fried Rice is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful blend of flavors that your family will love. With options for customization, you can adjust this recipe to suit your preferences while enjoying its versatility as a weeknight dinner solution. Try making this dish today!

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