Easy and Simple Orange Chicken Over Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of popcorn chicken (approximately 24-28 ounces)
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cups of rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain white rice)
- 1 jar (approximately 18 ounces) of orange marmalade
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 6 tablespoons of soy sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the popcorn chicken package, typically around 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the popcorn chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for the time specified on the package, usually 15-20 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
- Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to cook the popcorn chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- While the water is heating, rinse 2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed rice to the saucepan.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire jar of orange marmalade, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 6 tablespoons of soy sauce.
- Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce:
- Once the popcorn chicken is cooked and crispy, transfer it to the bowl with the orange sauce.
- Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl of rice with a generous portion of the orange chicken.
- If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve:
- Serve the orange chicken over rice immediately while hot. Enjoy this quick and easy meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of minced garlic and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the orange sauce mixture.
- Feel free to add steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for added nutrition and color.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the orange sauce mixture.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and delivers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Enjoy!