The Secret To Making The Best Orange Chicken With White Rice – You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is!

Introduction:

Craving a tantalizing Asian feast? Look no further than this comprehensive guide on how to make orange chicken with white rice. This classic dish combines the vibrant flavors of sweet and tangy orange sauce with crispy, juicy chicken and fluffy, aromatic rice. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

For the Orange Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes (optional)

For the White Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then roll them in the cornstarch mixture again.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Making the Orange Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Cooking the White Rice:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce and stir to coat.
2. Serve the orange chicken over the fluffy white rice.
3. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the pieces in the cornstarch mixture.
• If the orange sauce is too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out.
• If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet with high sides.
• Serve the orange chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations:

• Add vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Use a different type of citrus juice, such as lemon or grapefruit, for a slightly different flavor.
• Make a spicy orange chicken by adding more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve the orange chicken with other sides, such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or wontons.

Healthier Options:

• Use leaner chicken breasts or thighs.
• Bake the chicken instead of frying it.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the orange sauce.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice.

The Bottom Line:

Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of making orange chicken with white rice. This delectable dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Experiment with different variations and healthier options to create a meal that perfectly suits your taste buds. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration!

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have cornstarch?
A: You can substitute flour for cornstarch. However, the chicken may not be as crispy.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
A: The chicken is done cooking when it is golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can check by cutting into a piece.