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Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish features tender cubes of golden chicken, first seasoned and lightly dredged in flour and cornstarch, then crisped to perfection. Smoky bits of bacon add a rich layer to the fluffy long grain rice, which is tossed with colorful mixed vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce for depth. Scrambled eggs are folded in, infusing the rice with a classic fried rice texture. After tossing the chicken in a punchy orange sauce, it crowns the fried rice for a zesty, umami-packed finish. Garnished with fresh green onions, every bite is balanced, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:01:25 GMT
A plate of orange chicken fried rice. Save
A plate of orange chicken fried rice. | lilicooks.com

Orange chicken fried rice is the best comfort meal for when you want takeout flavors but crave something homemade. This recipe combines crispy chicken in sweet orange sauce with savory fried rice layered with smoky bacon and fresh green onions. It is all cooked on the stove which makes cleanup easy and everything is ready in under an hour.

I first made this orange chicken fried rice when I needed a quick weeknight twist on classic takeout after a busy day at work and now the smell of orange sauce and bacon makes everyone come running to the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: use fresh boneless chicken for juicy chunks
  • Eggs: give body to the rice and add protein
  • Flour and cornstarch: provide a crispy coating for the chicken
  • Salt pepper garlic powder paprika chili powder: pantry staples that add seasoning to each layer
  • Butter: lends richness and flavor depth
  • Sesame oil or any neutral oil: infuses the rice and helps fry everything evenly
  • Bacon: brings a smoky edge that makes each bite addictive
  • Long grain white rice: yields the best fried rice that does not clump
  • Frozen mixed vegetables: make the recipe quick and colorful choose a mix with peas carrots corn for variety
  • Low sodium soy sauce: adds umami without making the dish overly salty look for naturally brewed brands
  • Chopped green onions: fresh flavor for topping select crisp bright green stalks
  • Orange sauce: use store bought for ease or homemade if you are feeling ambitious

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:
Cook two cups of uncooked long grain white rice according to package instructions. Move the rice to the refrigerator so it can chill and dry out this gives fried rice the best texture.
Coat and Season the Chicken:
Cut chicken breast into bite size cubes. Season well with salt pepper and garlic powder. Combine flour cornstarch and all the spices in a large container then toss the chicken until every piece is evenly coated. Shake off excess coating and set aside.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat two tablespoons each of oil and butter in a skillet over medium high. Add the coated chicken cubes in a single layer. Fry until crispy and deeply golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan once done.
Cook the Bacon:
Add the chopped bacon to the same skillet. Fry until bacon is crisp and browned which adds flavor to the pan and a smoky note to the rice.
Make the Fried Rice Base:
Add the cooked chilled rice to the skillet with the bacon. Pour in frozen mixed veggies. Drizzle in extra oil if the pan seems dry. Stir everything a few minutes until the veggies start to thaw and the rice breaks apart.
Season the Rice and Add Soy Sauce:
Sprinkle in more salt pepper and garlic powder to taste. Add a few tablespoons of soy sauce for flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings.
Cook the Eggs:
Push the rice mixture to the sides of the skillet to form a well. Pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble just until set then fold into the rice. This step makes the rice extra fluffy.
Crisp the Rice Optional:
If you prefer crispy fried rice spread the mixture in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed a few minutes before stirring or split between two skillets for extra crispiness.
Finish with Orange Chicken and Green Onions:
Toss the cooked chicken pieces with orange sauce until coated evenly. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the hot fried rice. Top the whole dish with fresh chopped green onions right before serving.
A plate of orange chicken fried rice. Save
A plate of orange chicken fried rice. | lilicooks.com

The smoky bacon is my favorite part and always a hit with kids. I remember doubling the bacon once for a family dinner and now my brother requests bacon in every fried rice I make. The crispy green onions on top make the whole dish taste fresh and balanced.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture. Fried rice also freezes well just omit the green onions until serving and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for extra juiciness. If you are out of bacon try chopped ham or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version swap chicken for extra firm tofu and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands alone but pairs well with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for crunch. Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil if you like heat or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and bite.

A plate of food with orange chicken and rice. Save
A plate of food with orange chicken and rice. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Notes

Orange chicken fried rice is an American invention inspired by Chinese restaurant favorites. The combination of sweet orange sauce with rice became a trend in the US because it brings together crowd pleasing comfort with punchy citrus. Cooking it at home means you control the flavors and ingredients which is why it has become a weeknight staple for us.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best rice to use for this dish?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate when fried, soaking up the flavors beautifully.

→ Can I substitute the orange sauce?

Yes, you can use teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile if orange sauce isn’t available.

→ What vegetables work best?

Frozen mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn blend well, but fresh bell peppers or snap peas can be added for extra crunch.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, prep the rice and chicken ahead. Reheat everything in a skillet, adding the orange sauce fresh before serving.

→ How do I achieve crispy fried rice texture?

Use cold cooked rice and make sure the pan is hot. Spreading the rice in a single layer helps form crispy edges.

→ Is bacon necessary?

Bacon adds smoky flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with turkey bacon or leave it out for a lighter version.

Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Tender chicken and bacon combine with vibrant vegetables and orange sauce for a flavorful fried rice dish.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken and Seasoning

01 1 lb chicken breast
02 Salt
03 Pepper
04 Garlic powder

→ Breading

05 1/2 cup flour
06 1/2 cup cornstarch
07 1 tsp salt
08 1 tsp pepper
09 1 tsp garlic powder
10 1 tsp paprika
11 1 tsp chili powder

→ Cooking Oil and Fats

12 2 tbsp butter
13 Sesame oil or any preferred oil

→ Main Ingredients

14 4 strips of bacon
15 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
16 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables
17 Low sodium soy sauce
18 4 eggs
19 Chopped green onions
20 Store-bought orange sauce

Steps

Step 01

Cook 2 cups of uncooked rice following package instructions. Once cooked, transfer into a container and refrigerate to cool.

Step 02

Cut the chicken breast into small cubes and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 03

In a large container, combine flour, cornstarch, and the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder). Toss the chicken cubes in the mixture, ensuring even coating. Shake off any excess and set the coated chicken aside on a plate.

Step 04

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the coated chicken. Cook on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet once done.

Step 05

Add the chopped bacon to the hot skillet. Stir and cook until the bacon is crispy.

Step 06

Add cooked rice and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet with the bacon. Add 2-3 tablespoons of additional oil as needed. Stir well to combine.

Step 07

Season the rice mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Start with 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce and adjust to taste. Optionally, add fish sauce if available.

Step 08

Create a well in the center of the skillet. Add the whisked eggs and stir until fully cooked. Mix the cooked eggs into the rice mixture.

Step 09

Continue cooking and stirring the rice until it reaches the desired level of crispiness. Use additional skillets or a large wok if needed to achieve a crispy texture.

Step 10

Toss the cooked chicken in store-bought orange sauce. Pour the chicken over the fried rice.

Step 11

Top the dish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Required Tools

  • Stove
  • Skillet
  • Large container

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 25 g