Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe is a dish that combines crispy, tangy chicken with flavorful, savoury fried rice – a perfect pairing for any occasion. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a household favourite! What makes homemade orange chicken with fried rice even better than takeout is the ability to customize flavours to your liking and the satisfaction of making it fresh in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep and cook. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients for Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe

For the Orange Chicken:

• Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• Cornstarch and flour for coating
• Eggs (for batter)
• Oil (for frying)

Orange Sauce:

• Fresh orange juice and zest
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic and ginger (minced)
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Cornstarch slurry (for thickening)

Fried Rice:

• Cooked and cooled rice (preferably a day old)
• Eggs
• Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
• Soy sauce and sesame oil
• Green onions and garlic

Preparing the Chicken for Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe

The key to a crispy and flavorful orange chicken with fried rice starts with properly preparing the chicken. By cutting it into bite-sized pieces, coating it for extra crunch, and frying it to golden perfection, you’ll achieve that satisfying texture and taste that makes this dish irresistible. Let’s break down the steps for the perfect chicken!

Cutting the Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces

To prepare the chicken for orange chicken with fried rice, start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Try to make them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. Aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.

Coating the Chicken in Egg and Cornstarch Mixture for a Crispy Texture

Next, you’ll need to coat the chicken to give it that crispy texture. In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. You’ll need enough to coat all the chicken pieces. In another bowl, beat a couple of eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, ensuring it’s fully covered, and then roll it in the cornstarch flour mixture. Coat the chicken well on all sides. The coating should be thick enough to form a crispy crust once fried.

Frying the Chicken Until Golden Brown and Crispy

Now, it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat oil in a pan, enough to submerge the chicken pieces. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Once the chicken is fried, please remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Read Also: Uncle Ben’s Chicken and Rice Recipe

Making the Orange Sauce for Orange Chicken

A rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce makes orange chicken with fried rice delicious. This sauce coats the crispy chicken, giving it a bold citrus flavour with a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Mixing the right ingredients, cooking it to the ideal consistency, and evenly coating the chicken, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. Let’s go step by step to create the perfect orange sauce!

Mixing All Sauce Ingredients in a Bowl

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to create the perfect sauce for orange chicken with fried rice. Fresh orange juice gives the sauce a natural sweetness, while orange zest adds a bold citrus flavour. Add soy sauce for a savoury touch and brown sugar or honey for a hint of sweetness. Stir in rice vinegar to balance the flavours. Minced garlic and ginger enhance the aroma and give the sauce a rich taste. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. Finally, mix a little cornstarch with water to make a slurry and set it aside for thickening later.

Cooking the Sauce Over Medium Heat Until It Thickens

Pour the mixed ingredients into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. As it heats up, the flavours will blend, and the sauce will begin to bubble. Once it starts simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and stir well. The sauce will thicken within a few minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to adjust the consistency. Cook until it reaches a smooth, glossy texture.

Tossing the Crispy Chicken in the Sauce for Even Coating

Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken to the pan. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly with the thick, flavorful sauce. Make sure every bite of chicken is covered for the best taste. Let the chicken simmer for a minute to absorb the sauce. After coating, remove the pan from the heat. Your orange chicken with fried rice is now ready to be served with freshly cooked fried rice.
Read Also: Demos Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Cooking the Fried Rice for Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe

A perfect plate of orange chicken with fried rice isn’t complete without flavorful, well-cooked fried rice. Using simple ingredients like eggs, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil, you can create a delicious and aromatic side dish that pairs beautifully with crispy orange chicken. Follow these steps to make the best-fried rice at home.

Scrambling Eggs in a Pan

Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat and add oil. Crack the eggs directly into the pan and scramble them using a spatula. Stir constantly until the eggs are fully cooked but still soft. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside. This prevents overcooking and keeps the eggs fluffy when added back later.

Sautéing Vegetables with Garlic for Flavor

Add more oil to the same pan and toss in minced garlic. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they are slightly softened but still have some crunch. Cooking them with garlic enhances their natural flavours, making the fried rice more delicious.

Adding Rice and Soy Sauce, Stirring to Combine

Now, add the cooked and cooled rice to the pan. Day-old rice works best because it has a firmer texture and won’t become mushy. Break up any clumps and stir the rice into the vegetables. Pour in soy sauce and mix well to ensure every grain of rice is coated with flavour. Stir continuously to distribute the sauce, and heat the rice thoroughly evenly.

Mixing Everything and Finishing with Sesame Oil

Add the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix them with the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together for a minute to blend the flavours. Finally, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma. Stir once more and turn off the heat. Your fried rice is ready to serve alongside crispy, saucy orange chicken with fried rice for a complete meal.

Assembling and Serving Orange Chicken with Fried Rice

A delicious plate of orange chicken with fried rice is all about presentation and balance. Carefully plating the fried rice, adding the crispy orange chicken, and garnishing with fresh toppings will make your dish look and taste even better. Follow these steps to serve it perfectly.

Plating the Fried Rice as a Base

Start by spooning the freshly cooked fried rice onto a plate or bowl. Spread it evenly to create a solid base for the dish. If you’re serving multiple portions, divide the rice equally. A bowl to shape the rice into a neat mound can make the dish look more visually appealing. This step ensures every bite includes the rich, flavorful rice.

Adding the Saucy Orange Chicken on Top or the Side

Next, carefully place the crispy, sauce-coated orange chicken on the fried rice. Spreading it across the top allows the sauce to soak slightly into the rice, adding extra flavour. If you prefer, you can serve the chicken on the side to keep the crispiness intact. Either way, ensure the chicken is well-coated with the thick, tangy orange sauce.

Garnishing with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions

For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken to enhance the texture and flavour. Thinly sliced green onions add a fresh, mild crunch that balances the dish. If you like extra heat, add a few red pepper flakes. These simple garnishes bring colour, flavour, and a professional touch to your orange chicken with fried rice, making it look as good as it tastes.

Tips for the Best Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe

Making orange chicken with fried rice at home is easy, but simple tricks can take it to the next level. You can achieve the perfect balance of crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and restaurant-quality fried rice by using fresh ingredients and the proper cooking methods. Follow these tips to make your dish even better.

Use Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice for Authentic Flavor

Fresh orange juice gives the sauce a bright, natural citrus flavour. Store-bought orange juice often contains added sugar and preservatives that can alter the taste. For the best results, squeeze fresh oranges and add a bit of zest for extra aroma. Combining fresh juice and zest makes the sauce taste more vibrant and refreshing.

Double-fry, the Chicken for Extra Crispiness

For the crispiest chicken, fry it twice. The first fry cooks the chicken, while the second fry gives it a crunchier texture. After frying the chicken once, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, fry it again at a slightly higher temperature until golden brown. This method removes excess moisture and keeps the chicken crispy after being coated in sauce.

Use Leftover Rice for a Better Fried Rice Texture

Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it is drier and less sticky. Freshly cooked rice can become too soft and mushy when stir-fried. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the rice grains stay separate and gives the fried rice a perfect texture.

Adjust Sweetness and Spice Levels to Taste

Everyone has different taste preferences, so adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and make minor adjustments until it reaches the perfect sweet, tangy, and spicy balance.

Additional Ideas for Orange Chicken with Fried Rice Recipe

There are many ways to customize orange chicken with fried rice to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Adding unique ingredients or making small changes can create a fresh twist on this classic dish. Here are some ideas to make it even more exciting.

Adding Pineapple Chunks for a Tropical Twist

Add pineapple chunks to the dish for a sweet and tangy flavour. Fresh or canned pineapple works well—the natural sweetness of pineapple balances the savoury soy sauce and the zesty orange glaze. Add the pineapple when tossing the chicken in the sauce. This allows it to absorb the flavours and blend perfectly with the crispy chicken.

Making a Healthier Version with Baked or Air-Fried Chicken

Instead of deep frying, bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version of orange chicken with fried rice. Coat the chicken as usual and place it on a lined baking sheet to bake. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. This method reduces oil while keeping the chicken crispy.

Using Cauliflower Rice for a Low-Carb Option

For a low-carb alternative, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice. Use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice and cook it like regular fried rice. Sauté it with vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil for flavour. Since cauliflower rice cooks faster than regular rice, stir-fry it for a few minutes to avoid making it too soft.

Pairing with a Side of Steamed Broccoli or Egg Rolls

Enhance the meal by serving orange chicken with fried rice alongside delicious sides. Steamed broccoli adds a healthy, crunchy texture that pairs well with the rich sauce. To make it, steam fresh broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Another excellent side option is crispy egg rolls. They add extra crunch and can be filled with vegetables or meat. Serve them with soy sauce or sweet chilli sauce for dipping.

FAQ

Conclusion

Making orange chicken with fried rice recipe at home is a delicious and rewarding experience. With crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce and paired with perfectly seasoned fried rice, this dish is better than takeout. You can customize it by adding pineapple, using baked or air-fried chicken, or swapping rice for a low-carb option. Simple sides like steamed broccoli or egg rolls make it even more satisfying. By following these easy steps and tips, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your kitchen. Enjoy the fresh, homemade flavours of orange chicken with a fried rice recipe anytime!