Introduction
Orange chicken with rice is a delicious, restaurant-style dish featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce, served over fluffy rice. This dish, inspired by Chinese takeout favorites, combines the perfect balance of savory soy sauce, fresh citrus, and a touch of heat, making it a must-try for home cooks.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best homemade orange chicken with rice, along with step-by-step instructions, variations, and meal prep tips to ensure a perfect dish every time.
What Is Orange Chicken with Rice?
The Origin of Orange Chicken
While orange chicken is commonly associated with American-Chinese cuisine, particularly Panda Express, it was inspired by traditional Chinese sweet and sour dishes. This dish features crispy battered chicken tossed in a sticky, citrusy glaze, creating an irresistible balance of flavors.
Orange chicken is most commonly served over a bed of steamed white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains for an even more flavorful bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful – Lightly fried chicken coated in a rich orange glaze.
- Sweet & Tangy Balance – The perfect combination of fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
- Better Than Takeout – Fresher, healthier, and more customizable.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for quick, reheatable meals.
For a fun and crispy chicken dish, these Buffalo Chicken Fries offer a spicy kick and a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with orange chicken.
Essential Ingredients for Orange Chicken with Rice
For the Crispy Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch – Creates a crispy coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – Adds structure to the batter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps with crispiness
- 1 large egg – Binds the batter
- ¼ cup water – Adjusts consistency
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Orange Sauce
- ½ cup fresh orange juice – The base of the sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange zest – Intensifies the citrus flavor
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Balances sweetness
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar – Creates a sticky glaze
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger – Adds warmth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances depth of flavor
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – Thickens the sauce
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Orange slices for decoration
Step-By-Step to Make The Best Orange Chicken with Rice
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Rice
Best Rice Options for Orange Chicken
The rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs the bold flavors of the orange sauce. Here are some great choices:
| Type of Rice | Texture & Flavor | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine Rice | Light, slightly sticky, aromatic | 12-15 minutes |
| Basmati Rice | Fluffy, separate grains, nutty | 15-20 minutes |
| Brown Rice | Chewy, hearty, fiber-rich | 30-40 minutes |
| Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb Option) | Light, grain-free, quick-cooking | 5 minutes |
Cooking Instructions for Perfect Rice
- Rinse the Rice – Place 2 cups of rice in a bowl and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Cook the Rice – In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water (or follow package instructions). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer & Fluff – Cook for the recommended time based on the rice type. Once done, fluff with a fork and cover to keep warm.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water and add 1 tablespoon of butter for richness.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Chicken
1. Prepare the Batter for Crispy Chicken
For the crispiest texture, we use a batter made with cornstarch and flour to create a light and airy crust.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg with ¼ cup water and mix into the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
2. Coat and Fry the Chicken
- Cut 1 lb of chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss in the batter.
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
- Fry in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining chicken.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chicken, double-fry the pieces—let them rest for 2 minutes after the first fry, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
Ingredients for the Perfect Orange Sauce
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 2-3 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (for extra citrus flavor)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adds umami and balance)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for tangy contrast)
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (creates a sticky glaze)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (adds warmth and depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (essential for richness)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (thickens the sauce)
How to Cook the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
- Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce.
- Gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
- Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Scoop rice into bowls or plates.
- Top with the saucy orange chicken.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Orange Chicken with Rice
How to Keep Chicken Crispy
The secret to restaurant-style orange chicken is ensuring the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in sauce. Here’s how:
- Double-fry the chicken – Let the first fry rest, then fry again for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.
- Toss in sauce just before serving – Coating the chicken too early can make it soggy.
- Serve immediately – The longer it sits, the more the crispy texture softens.
- Use cornstarch in the batter – This creates a lighter, crunchier coating compared to just flour.
For a delicious side dish, pair your orange chicken with this Honey Butter Skillet Corn for a sweet and savory complement.
How to Adjust the Sweetness & Spice
Want a Sweeter Sauce?
- Increase honey or brown sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice for tropical sweetness.
Want a More Tangy Flavor?
- Add ½ tablespoon extra rice vinegar.
- Use mandarin oranges for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Prefer Spicier Orange Chicken?
- Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- Add 1 tablespoon Sriracha or diced red chilies.
The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Orange Chicken
Pairing orange chicken with delicious sides can make your meal even better. Here are some great options:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Broccoli | Light, nutritious, and pairs well with the sauce |
| Fried Rice | A flavorful alternative to plain white rice |
| Egg Rolls | Crispy, crunchy, and complements the sweet sauce |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | Adds color and texture |
| Garlic Green Beans | A fresh and savory contrast to the orange chicken |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Frying Pan – Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken greasy instead of crispy.
- Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry – Without cornstarch, the sauce won’t thicken properly and won’t coat the chicken well.
- Overcooking the Chicken – Chicken should be golden brown and cooked through but not dry.
By following these tips, you’ll create a perfectly crispy, flavorful orange chicken that’s just as good—if not better—than your favorite takeout!
Variations and Customizations
1. Healthy Baked Orange Chicken
- Bake the battered chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Toss with sauce after baking.
2. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace flour with rice flour.
3. Spicy Orange Chicken
- Add 1 tablespoon Sriracha or a diced red chili to the sauce.
4. Orange Chicken with Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb Option)
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
If you enjoy bold and spicy flavors, try this Jalapeño Chicken Recipe for a fiery twist on classic chicken dishes.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Orange chicken with rice is a fantastic meal prep option because it stores well, reheats beautifully, and can be made in advance. Whether you’re planning leftovers for lunch or prepping meals for the week, follow these best storage and reheating methods to maintain the crispy texture and fresh flavors.
Looking for more meal-prep-friendly rice bowls? Try this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for a flavorful and satisfying alternative.
How to Store Leftovers
For the best results, store the chicken, sauce, and rice separately to prevent sogginess.
| Component | Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Chicken | Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep in the fridge. | 3-4 days |
| Orange Sauce | Store in a small, sealed container in the fridge. | 4-5 days |
| Cooked Rice | Keep in an airtight container and refrigerate. | 4-5 days |
Freezing Instructions
Orange chicken is freezer-friendly, making it a great make-ahead meal. However, for the best texture, freeze the components separately.
- Freeze the chicken without sauce – Place cooled, crispy chicken on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze the sauce separately – Pour into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Rice can also be frozen – Portion into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Orange Chicken with Rice
For the Best Crispy Chicken:
- Oven (Best Method)
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Toss with reheated sauce just before serving.
- Air Fryer (Fastest Method)
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Add warmed sauce after reheating.
- Skillet (Quick & Crispy)
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chicken for 3-4 minutes until crispy and hot.
Avoid microwaving the chicken – This makes it soft and soggy instead of crispy.
How to Reheat the Sauce
- Pour sauce into a small saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
- Stir frequently until warm and smooth.
How to Reheat Rice Without Drying It Out
- Microwave Method:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the rice and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop Method:
- Heat rice in a small pan with a splash of water over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until fully warmed.
- Steam Method (Best for Soft, Fluffy Rice):
- Place rice in a bowl and cover with a lid or foil.
- Steam over boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
Meal Prep Instructions
Want to prep orange chicken ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week? Here’s how:
1. Make a Large Batch of Chicken
- Cook and store the crispy chicken separately from the sauce.
- Portion into meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.
2. Prep the Orange Sauce in Advance
- The sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Reheat and toss with the chicken just before serving.
3. Cook Rice in Bulk
- Double the amount of rice and portion it out for meal prep.
- Store individual portions in microwave-safe containers for easy reheating.
How Long Does Orange Chicken Last in the Fridge?
- Chicken (without sauce): 3-4 days
- Orange Sauce: 4-5 days
- Rice: 4-5 days
Do not leave orange chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing & Reheating
- Reheating Chicken in Sauce – Always store chicken separately to keep it crispy.
- Using the Microwave for Chicken – It makes the coating soft instead of crispy.
- Skipping the Water When Reheating Rice – Rice dries out if not steamed or moistened.
- Not Letting the Chicken Cool Before Freezing – Freezing hot chicken traps moisture, making it soggy when reheated.
FAQs About Orange Chicken with Rice
1. Can I make orange chicken without frying?
Yes! Try baking or air-frying for a healthier alternative.
2. What’s the best rice to serve with orange chicken?
Jasmine or basmati rice works best, but brown rice is a healthy option.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Orange chicken with rice is crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it classic, baked, or spicy, this dish is better than takeout and perfect for meal prep. Try it today for a delicious homemade meal!