Okay, friends, gather ’round! What is a recipe that has changed our house? Orange Chicken Casserole. Think of it like your favorite takeout orange chicken, but in comforting casserole form. What were some nights when you craved Chinese food but couldn’t bring yourself to order it? What is the answer to your prayers? What’s not to like about orange chicken? What are some easy recipes to make for a weeknight dinner? Is it worth it to go to a delivery place? This one’s a definite keeper; prepare to have your family singing your praises!
What is orange chicken casserole?
What is this magical dish? What is your favorite orange chicken? What is the best casserole dish to bake to golden perfection? What are some of the best ways to serve chicken with orange sauce? Is it healthy to eat fluffy rice and crunchy broccoli? It’s all the flavors you love, but in a warm, comforting, and surprisingly simple package. Imagine those nights when you wished you had something that tasted like takeout but was actually real. What’s in this casserole? What’s a great twist on the classic dish?
Why you will love this recipe?
Let me tell you, this isn’t just *any* casserole; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and it’s ridiculously easy to make! Seriously, what I love most about this **Orange Chicken Casserole** is how quickly it comes together. On busy weeknights, time is precious, and this recipe is a lifesaver.
First, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the sweet orange sauce with the savory chicken is just divine. It hits all the right notes and leaves you wanting more. We’re talking seriously addictive flavors here!
Second, it’s so simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a master chef to pull this off. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. If I can do it, believe me, you can too! I’ve even let my kids help out with some of the steps, and they love it.
Third, it’s incredibly cost-effective. You’re using basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, which means you’re saving money compared to ordering takeout.
Finally, it’s super versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add different veggies, adjust the sweetness of the sauce, or even use different types of protein. The possibilities are endless! I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Speaking of versatility, if you like this, you should also try my Sweet and Sour Chicken Bake – similar vibes, different flavor profile. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
How do I make orange chicken casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make orange chicken casserole? Essentially, you’ll be cooking your rice, preparing your chicken with a simple orange sauce, lightly. How do I steam broccoli, and then layer it all together in a casserole dish before baking it? The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so forgiving. Don’t stress about making everything perfect – it’s all going to come together beautifully in the end. What is the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking?
Ingredients
For the Rice:
2 cups uncooked long grain rice (I prefer Jasmine for its lovely aroma)
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt per cup.
For the Orange Chicken: What is the best recipe?
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes.
1/2 cup cornstarch. 1 cup
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best)
1/4 cup orange marmalade (adds a deeper orange flavor)
1/4 cup orange juice. 1 cup a day.
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. 1 tablespoon of vinegar
2 tablespoons of brown sugar. 2 teaspoons.
1 tablespoon sesame oil per person.
1 teaspoon grated ginger.
1 clove garlic, minced
For the Broccoli: What are
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets.
For the Garnish (Optional): For
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions.
How do I learn
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. I usually use a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. How do I fix a casserole that’s glued to the bottom of the pan?
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to boil water, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated. When the rice is cooked, the water is absorbed and the grains are fluffy. Once it’s cooked, set it aside. Fluff it with a fork to keep it from clumping.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This will help the chicken get nice and crispy in the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange marmalade, rice vinegar, and salt. Set aside. Brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic. What’s your favorite orange sauce?
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, pour the orange sauce over the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli
While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender-crisp. You can do this in a steamer basket over boiling water, or simply microwave them with a little water for a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them – you want them to still have a little bite.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
What is the fun part? Spread the cooked rice evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the cooked orange chicken and sauce, then arrange the steamed broccoli florets on top. I like to gently press the broccoli into the sauce so it doesn’t dry out in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the broccoli from burning. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time if needed.
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Garnish
Let the casserole cool completely before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. What are some good examples of edibles that add a nice touch of flavor and visual appeal?
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
What is your favorite orange chicken casserole recipe? I promise, this will become a family favorite in no time.
What should I serve it with?
Is this Orange Chicken Casserole a meal in itself? What are some of the best food serving suggestions?For a family dinner:Serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for that classic takeout experience. My kids love it when I add a simple side salad with light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the vegetables. What is the casserole?For a Potluck:What are some good recipes for a casserole? Bring along a platter of fortune cookies for an extra festive touch. I usually include a little card with the recipe so everyone can make it at home.For a Special Occasion:Dress it up with some fancy chopsticks and serve on individual plates. Add a side of steamed edamame for healthy and elegant accompaniment.For a Quick Lunch: Leftovers of this casserole are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. Simply reheat a portion in the microwave and enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Chicken Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this **Orange Chicken Casserole** even better. Here are my top tips:
Chicken Prep: Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Also, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before tossing it with cornstarch. This will help it get nice and crispy.
Sauce Consistency: If the orange sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering. Stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Rice Selection: While long-grain rice works well, you can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve even used cauliflower rice for a low-carb version!
Broccoli Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with other veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Flavor Boost: For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the orange sauce. This will add a nice bit of heat that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking to prevent the broccoli from burning. If it starts to get too brown, you can cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
I once accidentally used lemon marmalade instead of orange – and surprisingly, it was delicious! So don’t be afraid to experiment.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Orange Chicken Casserole** is great for meal prepping and leftovers. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerating: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating from the Refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Reheating from the Freezer: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, follow the same reheating instructions as above.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the casserole, I recommend adding the sesame seed and green onion garnish after reheating. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the garnish from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my all-time favorite **Orange Chicken Casserole** recipe! I truly believe this is one of those dishes that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, and it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole creations. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Orange Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 0.5 cup Soy sauce
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup Cooked rice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook chicken and slice it.
- Combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the sliced chicken to the sauce and mix well.
- Pour the chicken mixture over cooked rice in a casserole dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
