Orange Rice With Tenderloins
A vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and fragrant rice, perfect for a bright, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add vegetable oil and chicken breasts; sauté until tender and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Sauté celery until tender.
- Stir in mandarin oranges, cooked rice, sliced almonds, cooked chicken, and salt.
- Toss everything together until heated through and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in orange juice and spices before cooking. If you don't have sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Adjust the salt based on your preference and try adding a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick.
Serving Suggestions
This orange rice pairs beautifully with Chicken With Dijon Mustard for a delightful meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. You can also top it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added color and flavor. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover orange rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and cover it in a microwave-safe dish; heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Rice With Tenderloins contains roughly 1285 calories, with 42g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1356mg per serving (59% 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 brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the correct water-to-rice ratio.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can use canned pineapple chunks or diced peaches for a similar sweet and fruity flavor. Fresh orange segments can also work well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when ready to serve. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
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).