Sticky Orange Chicken with Toasted Sesame Rice
This Sticky Orange Chicken with Toasted Sesame Rice is bursting with vibrant flavors and comforting textures—sweet, tangy chicken with nutty sesame jasmine rice!
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for slurry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking the chicken
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water for cooking the rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
Toast the Sesame Seeds
- Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until golden brown and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook Jasmine Rice
- Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.
Prepare the Orange Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Combine Sauce and Chicken
- Reduce heat to medium and pour orange sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat fully in the sticky orange glaze.
Serve and Garnish
- Plate the toasted sesame rice alongside the sticky orange chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Toasting sesame seeds enhances their flavor and aroma, essential for the rice’s nutty character.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; breasts can dry out if overcooked.
- Make-ahead: Store chicken and sauce up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.