Description
This Orange Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and sticky orange glaze served over savory homemade fried rice loaded with vegetables and eggs. Better than takeout and ready in under an hour.
Orange Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice
If you’re craving takeout but want something fresher and more affordable, this Orange Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice is the perfect solution. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a glossy orange sauce made with marmalade, honey, soy sauce, and ginger, creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors.
Paired with fluffy fried rice loaded with vegetables, eggs, and savory seasonings, this meal delivers everything you love about your favorite takeout order right from your own kitchen.
Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Nutrition Information
Per Serving
Calories: 470
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Net Carbs: 45g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout
- Sweet and sticky orange glaze
- Family-friendly meal
- High in protein
- Great for meal prep
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Ready in under an hour
- Complete meal in one plate
Ingredients
For the Orange Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup orange marmalade or orange sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ginger, minced or grated
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Veggie Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice, chilled
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredient Notes
Chilled Rice
Day-old rice works best because it fries without becoming mushy.
Orange Marmalade
Provides sweetness and bright citrus flavor while helping create a glossy sauce.
Cornstarch
Creates a light coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
Mixed Vegetables
Add color, texture, and extra nutrition to the fried rice.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
Toss with cornstarch until lightly coated.
Set aside.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok.
Add the beaten eggs.
Cook until just set.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Fried Rice
In the same skillet add:
- Onion
- Mixed vegetables
Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add the chilled rice and soy sauce.
Stir-fry for several minutes until heated through.
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Cook until lightly golden.
Set aside and keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in another skillet.
Add the coated chicken.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Add:
- Garlic
- Ginger
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Make the Orange Sauce
Add:
- Orange marmalade
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Black pepper
- Water
Stir well.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick, glossy, and coating the chicken.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the veggie fried rice onto serving plates.
Top with the orange chicken.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Use chilled rice for authentic fried rice texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken.
- Fresh ginger provides the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or brown sugar.
- Stir the sauce constantly while thickening.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Meal Prep
Portion rice and chicken into individual containers.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
Spicy Orange Chicken
Add chili flakes or sriracha.
Shrimp Fried Rice Version
Replace chicken with shrimp.
Extra Vegetable Version
Add broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
Why should rice be chilled?
Cold rice fries better and stays fluffy.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It reheats very well.
Is orange marmalade necessary?
It provides the best flavor, but orange sauce can also be used.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice delivers everything you love about classic takeout—sweet citrus glaze, tender chicken, fluffy fried rice, and colorful vegetables—all in one satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
