Homemade Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea that will satisfy your takeout cravings right at home? Look no further than this flavorful Orange Chicken Fried Rice recipe. This dish is a game-changer, perfect for using up leftover rice and creating a homemade meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot.

I stumbled upon this Orange Chicken Fried Rice recipe on a busy weeknight, and it has since become a regular in our meal rotation. The combination of crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and a tangy orange sauce is simply irresistible. Even my picky eaters couldn’t resist asking for seconds!

The secret to perfecting this dish lies in using chilled, day-old rice for that classic fried rice texture. Once you nail that step, you’ll be on your way to creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of Orange Chicken Fried Rice that will have your family asking for more!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy to make using simple ingredients
• Customizable with different meats and vegetables
• A complete meal in itself, no need for additional sides
• Stores well for a few days, great for leftovers

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Recipe

• Homemade Takeout: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite orange chicken takeout dish right at home, saving you time and money that you would spend on ordering in.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish – proven by the four-year-old who asked for seconds! It’s a great way to get your family to enjoy a homemade meal together.
• Easy to Make: The recipe might seem daunting at first, but when broken down into simple steps, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip up this delicious meal. It’s a great way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this dish to your liking by swapping out the protein or adding extra vegetables. It gives you the flexibility to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option for lunch or dinner. Just reheat it in a skillet for that fresh, crispy texture.
• Complete Meal: With a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies, this dish is a complete meal on its own. You won’t need any sides, but feel free to serve some soy sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
• Friday Night Tradition: Make this orange chicken fried rice your go-to Friday night meal to create a special tradition with your family. It’s a fun and tasty way to end the week without the hassle of going out.

Ingredients for Homemade Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Orange Chicken

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Store-bought orange sauce
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Fried Rice

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, cooked and chilled
• 2-4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons additional oil for rice
• 4 large eggs, whisked
• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables

Garnish

• Chopped green onions for serving

How to Make Homemade Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Rice Ahead

Prepare 2 cups of uncooked rice following package instructions. Cool completely, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight before using in fried rice.

Step 2: Prep and Season Chicken

Dice chicken breast into small, even pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Make Coating Mixture

In a large container, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. Coat chicken in the mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, for about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Cook Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in the hot skillet until crispy, stirring often.

Step 6: Add Rice and Vegetables

Combine the cold cooked rice and frozen mixed vegetables with the bacon in the skillet. Add 2-3 additional tablespoons of oil if necessary. Mix thoroughly and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 7: Add Soy Sauce

Begin by stirring in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Taste and adjust as necessary to achieve the desired flavor.

Step 8: Scramble Eggs

Make a well in the center of the rice mixture and pour in whisked eggs. Scramble the eggs in the well and then incorporate them into the rice.

Step 9: Finish Fried Rice

Continue cooking and stirring rice until heated through and slightly crispy. Divide between two skillets for better crisping if necessary. Season to taste.

Step 10: Combine and Serve

Coat the cooked chicken with orange sauce. Serve over fried rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious orange chicken fried rice, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. However, please note that the chicken coating may become slightly soft over time. If you enjoy leftovers, you might find that the flavors meld together even more, and some people even enjoy it cold. When reheating, it’s recommended to use a skillet with a little oil to help maintain the desired texture and prevent sogginess, as opposed to using the microwave.

For serving and storing, it’s convenient to keep the dish in the skillet if you have leftovers, as it helps retain heat and looks casual for easy reheating. If you’d like to customize the dish, you can offer additional soy sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more seasoning. Feel free to experiment by incorporating different meats like shrimp or pork, or adding extra vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas to change up the flavors. Additionally, you can switch up the sauce by using teriyaki or sweet and sour depending on your family’s preferences. This versatile dish allows for various adaptations to suit different tastes and ingredient availability.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu cut into cubes. Tofu can easily soak up the flavors and provide a similar texture to the dish. You can marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a touch of sesame oil for added depth of flavor.

To make this dish gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch alternative. This will ensure the chicken or tofu coating remains crispy and flavorful without the gluten. Additionally, ensure the store-bought orange sauce you choose is gluten-free as well. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining that umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the orange chicken fried rice in individual fried rice bowls topped with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. You can also garnish each bowl with a drizzle of extra orange sauce for a burst of flavor. Another fun idea is to serve the fried rice inside hollowed-out orange halves for a unique presentation that adds a touch of citrus flair to the dish.

To elevate the dish further, consider serving the orange chicken fried rice alongside a refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance out the richness of the fried rice. The cool and crunchy salad will provide a nice contrast in textures and flavors, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

FAQs for Homemade Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Can I use fresh rice instead of chilled rice?

It’s best to use chilled, day-old rice for fried rice as it holds up better during cooking and prevents a mushy texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a sticky, clumpy dish.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu to customize the dish to your liking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

How long can I store the leftovers in the fridge?

This dish can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but keep in mind that the chicken coating may lose its crispiness over time. To reheat, use a skillet with a little oil for better results compared to using a microwave.

Can I customize the sauce used in the recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different sauces based on your preference. Teriyaki sauce or sweet and sour sauce are great alternatives to orange sauce. Feel free to adjust the sauce to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your Orange Chicken Fried Rice culinary adventure, remember that cooking is all about the journey – from the first chop to the final garnish. Embrace the process, make it your own, and savor each bite of your homemade creation. Your perseverance and dedication in perfecting this dish will surely pay off in the delicious flavors and joyful moments shared around the table.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just beginning your cooking escapades, this Orange Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire. So, don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and dive into the world of culinary delight. Let the aromas of sizzling chicken and zesty orange sauce fill your kitchen, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own home. Here’s to many more flavorful meals and heartwarming memories with your loved ones around the table, courtesy of your newfound favorite – Orange Chicken Fried Rice.