Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of popcorn chicken (about 24 ounces)
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cups of rice (long-grain white rice or jasmine rice work well)
- 1 jar of orange marmalade (approximately 12 ounces)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
- 6 tablespoons of soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
Instructions:
- Cook the Popcorn Chicken:
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the popcorn chicken (usually around 400°F or 200°C).
- Arrange the popcorn chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked. Turn the chicken pieces halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse 2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from being too sticky.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 jar of orange marmalade, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 6 tablespoons of soy sauce.
- Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the popcorn chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven.
- Add the hot popcorn chicken to the bowl with the sauce.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Spoon a generous portion of rice into individual serving bowls.
- Top the rice with the saucy orange chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips:
- Variation: You can add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for added vegetables and color.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Enjoy your quick and delicious orange chicken over rice! This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something tasty without a lot of hassle.