Orange Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This Orange Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect way to turn takeout flavors into a fast, flavor-packed homemade dinner. It’s got all the sweet, tangy, and savory goodness of classic orange chicken tossed with hearty, crispy fried rice. Best of all? You can whip this up in just about 30 minutes with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food with a citrusy twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Flavorful: Ready in about 30 minutes, this is your go-to for a last-minute dinner that tastes like a treat.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less fuss, and all the flavor in one skillet or wok.
• Better than Takeout: You control the ingredients, meaning fewer preservatives and more real flavor.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this to what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to create this irresistible fried rice:

• Cooked rice: Day-old rice is best. It gives you that perfect, slightly chewy texture that soaks up all the flavor.
• Cooked orange chicken: Use leftovers or frozen orange chicken, baked or air-fried until crispy. Toss it in sauce right before adding to the rice.
• Garlic and ginger: For a fragrant, flavor-rich base. Fresh is best, but you can use paste in a pinch.
• Carrots and peas: Classic fried rice veggies for color, crunch, and sweetness.
• Green onions: Adds freshness and a bit of bite at the end.
• Soy sauce: For umami and seasoning. Low-sodium is a good option here.
• Sesame oil: Just a drizzle gives that signature nutty aroma and depth.
• Eggs: Scrambled into the rice for added richness and protein.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

• No chicken? Use crispy tofu or shrimp for a delicious alternative.
• Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to boost the nutrition.
• Spicy version: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Low-carb option: Sub cauliflower rice for a lighter take.

How to Make Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. This dish cooks quickly!

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Scramble the eggs until just set, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a touch more oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Toss in the carrots and peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Crumble in the cold, cooked rice. Stir-fry, pressing down a bit so the rice gets crispy in spots.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the scrambled eggs back in, followed by the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well.

Step 7: Finish with Orange Chicken

Add the heated orange chicken and its sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the rice and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice will clump and get mushy. Cold, day-old rice gives you that perfect texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If making a big batch, do it in stages so everything fries instead of steaming.
• Toss, don’t stir too much: Let the rice sit and sizzle to get that golden, crispy edge.
• Taste and adjust: Depending on your orange chicken sauce, you may need more or less soy sauce or sesame oil.

How to Serve

This dish is a full meal on its own, but if you want to make it extra special:

Garnishes:

Top with extra green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Side Dish:

Serve with a light cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or an egg drop soup for a complete feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight.

Freezing

Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot skillet for best texture or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen veggies for this recipe?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly and save time. Just toss them straight into the pan; no need to thaw.

Is it okay to use freshly cooked rice?
It’s not ideal, but you can. Spread it out on a tray to cool and dry for 15-20 minutes before using to avoid soggy results.

What kind of orange chicken should I use?
Any kind you like—homemade, store-bought frozen, or leftovers from takeout. Just make sure it’s hot and saucy before mixing it in.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the orange chicken for crispy tofu and use vegetarian orange sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Chicken Fried Rice is a weeknight miracle dish: quick, comforting, and bursting with bold flavor. It brings together the best parts of fried rice and sweet-tangy orange chicken into one glorious skillet meal. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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