Unlock the culinary secrets: ultimate orange chicken recipe with steamed rice

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of this delectable orange chicken recipe and rice, a culinary masterpiece that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more. This harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, coupled with the fluffy texture of perfectly cooked rice, creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients for the Orange Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Ingredients for the Rice

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

Instructions for Cooking the Chicken

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Instructions for Making the Orange Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
2. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until smooth. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened further, about 1 minute.

Instructions for Cooking the Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Assembling the Orange Chicken and Rice

1. Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
4. Serve the orange chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken and Rice

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture before frying.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve the orange chicken and rice with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls.

Variations on the Orange Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweeter and more savory flavor.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for an extra nutty crunch.

Perfect Pairing with Orange Chicken and Rice

• White Wine: A crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the orange chicken.
• Beer: A light and refreshing lager or pilsner will help balance the richness of the dish.
• Tea: A hot or iced green tea will cleanse your palate and enhance the flavors.

What You Need to Know

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

Q: What can I do if I don’t have a wok?
A: You can use a large skillet or Dutch oven instead.

Q: How long can I store the orange chicken and rice?
A: The orange chicken and rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I make the orange chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the orange chicken up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.

Q: What are some healthy side dishes to serve with orange chicken and rice?
A: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a side salad are all healthy and delicious side dishes to serve with orange chicken and rice.