**Delicious Orange Chicken Over Rice**
Internet, meet your new favorite dish: Easy and simple orange chicken over rice. This dish is a vibrant and comforting combination of flavors, ideal for a cozy meal at home or a quick and tasty lunch.
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**Ready in: 40 Min (Prep: 15 Min, Cook: 25 Min)**
**Serving: 4 People**
**Why Make This Recipe**
For those who enjoy Asian-style food, orange chicken over rice is a great addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s a delicious dish that offers a blend of tangy and sweet, sure to please everyone at the dinner table. And the best part? You can whip it up in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.
**How to Make Delicious Orange Chicken Over Rice**
## Ingredients
**For the Chicken**
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp oil for cooking
**For the Orange Sauce**
1/2 cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening
**For Serving**
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 green onion, chopped (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
## Directions
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Next, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set it aside.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:** In the same skillet, add orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, for about 2 minutes.
4. **Combine the Chicken and Sauce:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat with the orange sauce.
5. **Serve the Dish:** Serve this lovely orange chicken over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
**How To Serve Delicious Orange Chicken Over Rice**
This dish is best served hot, over fluffy and warm rice. You can garnish it with some sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions for added color and flavor.
**How To Store Delicious Orange Chicken Over Rice**
If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 days.
**Tips To Make Delicious Orange Chicken Over Rice**
– Use fresh orange juice for the best results as it gives a refreshing and tangy flavor.
– Before combining the sauce and chicken, make sure the sauce is thick enough for your liking, if not, you can cook a bit longer.
**Variation**
You can replace chicken with tofu for a vegan twist or use shrimp for a seafood version.
**FAQs**
– **Can I use orange zest instead of orange juice in the sauce?**
Yes, but it will change the flavor a bit. The zest gives a more robust flavor than the juice.
– **Can I use a different type of rice?**
Absolutely! You can use Basmati, Jasmine, or even brown rice.
– **How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?**
The chicken is fully cooked when there’s no pink in the middle. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165° Fahrenheit.
In just 40 minutes, you have a delicious and comforting dish right at your fingertips. The delightful mix of orange and chicken over rice is the perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess that is sure to impress anyone and everyone at the table. Enjoy!