Seafood

Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag of popcorn chicken
  • 3 cups of water
  • 2 cups of rice
  • 1 jar of orange marmalade
  • 1 cup of BBQ sauce
  • 6 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or orange zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook Popcorn Chicken:
    • Prepare the popcorn chicken according to the package directions. This usually involves baking or frying until crispy and golden brown.
  2. Cook Rice:
    • In a separate pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
    • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, cover, and reduce heat to low.
    • Simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Prepare Orange Sauce:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
  4. Coat Popcorn Chicken:
    • Once the popcorn chicken is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
    • Pour the prepared orange sauce over the popcorn chicken and toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
  5. Assemble:
    • To serve, divide the cooked rice into individual serving bowls.
    • Top each bowl of rice with a generous portion of the orange sauce-coated popcorn chicken.
  6. Garnish:
    • Garnish the orange chicken with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or orange zest for added flavor and presentation.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
    • Enjoy your quick and easy homemade orange chicken over rice!

This homemade orange chicken over rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend treat.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice even more delightful:

  1. Fresh Orange Zest: Add freshly grated orange zest to the orange sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This will enhance the orange flavor and add brightness to the dish.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the popcorn chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with additional flavor and make it even more delicious.
  3. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the orange sauce before tossing it with the chicken and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more orange marmalade. For a less sweet sauce, add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
  4. Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the orange sauce. This will add depth of flavor and a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
  5. Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, coat the popcorn chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and seasonings before cooking. This will create a crunchy coating that holds up well to the sauce.
  6. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Freshly squeezed orange juice, real orange zest, and high-quality BBQ sauce will elevate the flavors of the dish.
  7. Steam the Rice: For fluffy and perfectly cooked rice, consider using a rice cooker or steamer. This will ensure that the rice is cooked evenly and has the right texture for serving with the orange chicken.
  8. Add Texture: Enhance the texture of the dish by adding crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts to the orange sauce. This will add a contrast to the tender chicken and fluffy rice.
  9. Serve with Sides: Serve the orange chicken over rice alongside steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy, for a complete and balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for added variety.
  10. Fresh Garnishes: Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice over the top can also enhance the flavors of the dish.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll take your Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice to the next level and create a dish that’s even more delightful and flavorful. Enjoy!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Balance the Sauce: Achieve the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in the orange sauce by adjusting the proportions of orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
  2. Cornstarch Coating: For extra crispy chicken, toss the popcorn chicken in cornstarch before frying or baking. This creates a light, crispy coating that helps the chicken stay crunchy even when coated in sauce.
  3. Properly Cooked Rice: Cook the rice until it’s fluffy and tender, but not mushy. Use the correct ratio of water to rice and follow the package instructions carefully. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
  4. Fresh Orange Flavor: For the best orange flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated orange zest in the sauce. This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that elevates the dish.
  5. Searing the Chicken: If you’re using fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked popcorn chicken, sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet before tossing them in the orange sauce. This adds a golden brown crust and extra flavor to the chicken.
  6. Simmering the Sauce: After tossing the chicken in the orange sauce, simmer it gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This helps the sauce adhere to the chicken and rice.
  7. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing it with chopped fresh herbs such as green onions, cilantro, or parsley. This adds a finishing touch and enhances the presentation.
  8. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice immediately after assembling. This ensures that the chicken stays crispy and the rice stays fluffy.
  9. Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the dish to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables, spices, or garnishes to make it your own and add variety to the dish.
  10. Enjoy Mindfully: Take the time to savor each bite and enjoy the flavors of the dish. Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice is best enjoyed when you can appreciate the combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice that’s bursting with flavor and satisfaction.

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice:

  1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of popcorn chicken?
    • Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and cook them before tossing them in the orange sauce.
  2. Can I use another type of meat?
    • While orange chicken is traditionally made with chicken, you can experiment with other proteins such as tofu, shrimp, or pork to create variations of the dish.
  3. What can I substitute for orange marmalade if I don’t have any?
    • If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can use orange juice concentrate or a combination of orange juice and honey as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
  4. How can I make the sauce less sweet?
    • To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of orange marmalade or use a low-sugar or sugar-free version. You can also balance the sweetness with additional soy sauce or vinegar.
  5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch instead of flour to coat the chicken for frying.
  6. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
    • To make the chicken extra crispy, ensure that the oil is hot before frying and fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. You can also double-coat the chicken in cornstarch for an extra crunchy coating.
  7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    • While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make components of the dish ahead of time. Cook the rice and prepare the sauce in advance, then reheat them while you cook the chicken just before serving.
  8. What sides can I serve with Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice?
    • Common side dishes include steamed vegetables such as broccoli or bok choy, egg rolls, or a simple green salad. These sides complement the flavors of the dish and add variety to the meal.
  9. How can I store leftovers?
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
  10. Can I freeze Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice?
    • While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the chicken may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months and reheat thoroughly before serving.

These are some of the common questions related to Homemade Orange Chicken Over Rice, and I hope these answers are helpful!