This recipe is a fast and simple way to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Using frozen popcorn chicken as a shortcut significantly reduces prep time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly. This method eliminates the need for breading and frying chicken, saving you time and effort.
why make this recipe
This recipe is a perfect choice when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. Using frozen popcorn chicken significantly reduces prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Time-saving: The use of frozen popcorn chicken eliminates the need for breading and frying chicken, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
- Simple & Convenient: With minimal steps involved, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce creates a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe is a great option for those who are new to cooking or looking for simple and flavorful dishes.
how to make Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice
Ingredients :
- 1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups rice
- 1 jar of orange marmalade
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions :
- Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package directions.
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Rinse the rice and add it to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- In a bowl, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked rice.
how to serve Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice
Serve the Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice immediately.
Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Classic: Serve the chicken and rice simply on plates, letting the flavors shine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal and a touch of crunch.
- Side Dishes: Pair the dish with steamed broccoli, a simple green salad, or a side of your favorite vegetables.
- Family Style: Serve family-style in a large bowl, allowing everyone to serve themselves.
tips to make Easy Orange Chicken Over Rice
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Boost the Flavor: Include a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a subtle but delicious zing.
- Add Veggies: Stir-fry some broccoli, carrots, or other vegetables and add them to the rice for extra nutrition and a colorful touch.
- Go Whole Grain: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a more nutritious option.
- Sweeten it Up: Add a touch of honey to the sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a vibrant finish.
- Double the Sauce: If you love sauce, double the amount of sauce ingredients for extra flavor.
- Crispy Chicken: For crispier chicken, briefly air fry the frozen popcorn chicken before tossing with the sauce.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Leftover Magic: Leftover chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or as a topping for nachos.
variation
- Honey Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the sauce for a sweeter and more tangy flavor.
- Spicy Orange: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ginger Orange: Add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon Twist: Substitute lemon juice for the orange marmalade in the sauce.
- Teriyaki Twist: Replace the BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Pineapple Infusion: Add a few tablespoons of crushed pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Sesame Seed Crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the chicken before tossing with the sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir-fry some broccoli, carrots, or snap peas and add them to the rice before serving.
- Cauliflower Rice: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice for a lower-carb option.
- Leftover Magic: Use leftover chicken from rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for a quick and easy meal.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh chicken? Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken.
- Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or any other type of rice you prefer.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can cook the rice and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, stir-fry some vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas and add them to the rice for extra nutrition.
- Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Can I use a different type of sauce? Yes, you can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki sauce, honey garlic sauce, or even a sweet and sour sauce.
- What if I don’t have orange marmalade? You can substitute orange marmalade with a combination of orange juice concentrate and honey.
- Can I use a slow cooker? This recipe is best made on the stovetop, but you could potentially slow cook the chicken in the sauce if desired.
- Is this recipe suitable for children? Yes, this recipe is generally kid-friendly, but you may want to adjust the spice level according to your child’s preference.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? You could use vegetarian popcorn chicken or tofu in place of the chicken.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your rice and chicken are gluten-free.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? Use brown rice, add more vegetables, and reduce the amount of sauce.
- Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, you can reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Can I make this recipe in advance? You can cook the rice and chicken in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
- What can I serve with this dish? Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Can I use different types of frozen chicken? Yes, you can use chicken nuggets, tenders, or even frozen chicken breasts.
- Can I add a touch of honey to the sauce? Yes, adding a touch of honey can enhance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or any other type of rice you prefer.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, you can cook the rice and chicken in advance and store them separately for easy and quick meals throughout the week.