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Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice: A Quick Weeknight Dinner!
Craving takeout but short on time? This Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice recipe is here to save the day! Using simple ingredients like popcorn chicken, orange marmalade, and pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious, flavorful meal in no time. It’s sweet, tangy, and totally satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something quick and tasty. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Faster than ordering takeout!
- Minimal Effort: Uses pre-cooked popcorn chicken and simple ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: Much cheaper than restaurant orange chicken.
- Customizable: Adjust the sauce to your taste—sweeter, tangier, or spicier!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy dish:
- 1 bag popcorn chicken (about 16-20 oz, cooked according to package directions)
- 2 cups rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 3 cups water (for cooking the rice)
- 1 jar orange marmalade (about 10-12 oz)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Cook the Popcorn Chicken
3. Make the Orange Sauce
- In a large bowl, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked popcorn chicken to the sauce and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Scoop the cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with the saucy orange chicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Use Air Fryer Chicken: For extra crispiness, cook the popcorn chicken in the air fryer.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like it sweeter, add more marmalade. For a tangier flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice.
- Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce.
Serving Ideas
- With Veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- As a Bowl: Add a fried egg, avocado slices, or shredded carrots for a fun twist.
- With Noodles: Swap the rice for lo mein or udon noodles for a different texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh chicken instead of popcorn chicken?
Yes! Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces, coat them in cornstarch, and pan-fry until crispy. Toss with the sauce as directed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the rice and chicken, and prepare the sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet, then serve over warm rice.
Can I freeze this dish?
The sauce and chicken can be frozen together in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave. Cook the rice fresh when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have orange marmalade?
You can substitute with apricot preserves or peach jam, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
This Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen (or a fortune on takeout) to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable—making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or
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Happy cooking
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Orange Chicken Over Rice
Description
Craving takeout but short on time? This Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice recipe is here to save the day! Using simple ingredients like popcorn chicken, orange marmalade, and pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious, flavorful meal in no time. It’s sweet, tangy, and totally satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something quick and tasty. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
1 bag popcorn chicken (about 16-20 oz, cooked according to package directions)
2 cups rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
3 cups water (for cooking the rice)
1 jar orange marmalade (about 10-12 oz)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
6 tablespoons soy sauce
Optional Garnishes:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Cook the Popcorn Chicken
Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package directions (usually in the oven or air fryer).
3. Make the Orange Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add the cooked popcorn chicken to the sauce and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Assemble & Serve
Scoop the cooked rice into bowls.
Top with the saucy orange chicken.
Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Craving takeout but short on time? This Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice recipe is here to save the day! Using simple ingredients like popcorn chicken, orange marmalade, and pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious, flavorful meal in no time. It’s sweet, tangy, and totally satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something quick and tasty. Let’s get cooking!
