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Simmering and reducing are essential techniques in cooking that enhance the depth of flavors in your dishes. When preparing the sticky orange chicken, these processes allow the sauce to thicken and the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, tangy, and sweet glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. As you simmer the sauce, the high heat causes the water content to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and elevating your dish from good to exceptional.

Sticky Orange Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bowl

Elevate your weeknight dinners with the Sticky Orange Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bowl, a delicious and nutritious fusion dish. Combining the sweet and tangy flavors of orange chicken with fiber-rich broccoli rice, this bowl is a healthy option for families and meal prep enthusiasts. With its vibrant colors, appealing aromas, and satisfying texture, this recipe is perfect for quick meals or feeding a crowd, ensuring a delightful dining experience everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

For the Orange Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

For the Broccoli Rice:

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup cooked jasmine rice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken with cornstarch until well-coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

      Cook the Chicken:

        - In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

          Make the Sauce:

            - In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

              - Pour in the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

                Combine Chicken and Sauce:

                  - Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.

                    Prepare the Broccoli Rice:

                      - In a food processor, pulse the broccoli florets until they resemble rice grains.

                        - In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the processed broccoli rice and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce.

                          Serve:

                            - In serving bowls, create a base of broccoli rice and top it with the sticky orange chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings