Orange Chicken And Rice Skillet
A vibrant orange chicken and rice skillet combining tender chicken, citrus flavors, and colorful vegetables for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.), cut into strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup Minute original rice ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can Mandarin orange segments, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook, stirring for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in Miracle Whip dressing, orange juice, and brown sugar.
- Add rice and green pepper strips.
- Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Add drained Mandarin orange segments and pineapple chunks.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Miracle Whip dressing and orange juice for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. This dish also works well with other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Orange Chicken and Rice Skillet with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Gingered Chicken With Vegetables for a delightful dinner spread. For added crunch, top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or orange juice to prevent the rice from drying out. Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken And Rice Skillet contains roughly 507 calories, with 10g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. If you use frozen, it may take a few extra minutes in the skillet to cook through. Always check the internal temperature to reach 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for Minute rice?
If you don’t have Minute rice, you can use regular long-grain rice, but cooking times will vary. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for water and cooking time, adjusting the liquid in the skillet accordingly.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a variety of vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly along with the chicken and rice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).