Citrus Delight: Orange Chicken with Sesame Seeds and Rice
Prepare to embark on a flavor odyssey with this mouthwatering orange chicken recipe. Combining the tangy burst of citrus, the nutty crunch of sesame seeds, and the comforting warmth of fluffy rice, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
✨ What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic behind this orange chicken recipe lies in the perfect harmony of its components. The tender chicken is coated in a tangy-sweet orange sauce that caramelizes to create a delightful glaze, while the toasted sesame seeds add a delightful textural contrast. Served over a bed of fluffy, fragrant rice, this dish is a feast for the senses – from the vibrant hues to the mouthwatering aromas.
What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and the ease of preparation. With simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can enjoy the flavors of a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Plus, the option to make-ahead or freeze portions means you can have a delicious, nutritious meal ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 3 cups cooked white rice
The beauty of this orange chicken recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy orange juice, and savory soy sauce creates the Asian-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken dishes perennially popular.
👨🍳 Cooking Instructions
• Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and orange zest. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
• Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds.
• Step 6: Serve the orange chicken immediately over the cooked white rice.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional Chinese-style orange chicken which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this recipe saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 614mg
These orange chicken and rice dishes provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a veggie-packed dish
• Complement the orange chicken with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea
• For a family-style feast, serve the orange chicken on a platter alongside bowls of rice and additional toppings like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chili oil
❗ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip
• Burning the sauce: Keep a close eye on the sauce as it simmers to prevent it from burning or reducing too much, which can make the dish overly sweet or sticky.
• Skipping the cornstarch: The cornstarch is crucial for creating a crispy, caramelized coating on the chicken, so don’t skip this step.
📦 Storage & Leftovers
These orange chicken leftovers retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken through Step 3, let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before continuing with the recipe.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked chicken and rice to cool completely, then portion into individual servings. Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I prepare this orange chicken recipe?
You can prepare the recipe through Step 3 (coating the chicken and making the sauce) up to 2 days in advance. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. When ready to serve, simply heat the skillet and continue with Steps 4-6.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breasts or a mix of both. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes, there are a few ways to make this orange chicken recipe more nutritious:
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
• Substitute brown rice for the white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• Increase the amount of vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content.
• Use a low-calorie sweetener in place of the brown sugar to reduce the added sugar.
What if I can’t find toasted sesame seeds?
If you can’t find pre-toasted sesame seeds, you can easily toast them yourself. Simply place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot or slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you can certainly adapt it for the Instant Pot or slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, cook the chicken and sauce together on the “Saute” function, then switch to “Manual” mode and cook for 5-7 minutes. For the slow cooker, add all the ingredients except the sesame seeds and rice to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
🏁 Conclusion
These orange chicken with sesame seeds and rice represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion feast, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant color, crispy texture, and irresistible blend of sweet and savory.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds singing with delight.
