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A super delicious dinner you can have on the table in no time flat. A few secret ingredients make the chicken incredibly tender!
That's what a good friend said recently, and wow, it sure is true for us! With the blog, family (including lots of grand babies, as well as elderly parents), our church activities, friends, traveling, etc., Scott and I seem busier now than we were when we both had full time jobs!
No matter what stage of life you're in though, life just stays busy. That has been especially obvious to us as we've started to analyze The Café's 2016 Reader's Survey results that we shared several weeks ago. Many of you were kind enough to fill it out, and your responses have been so helpful in planning new content for the upcoming year.
It's been fun to learn that Café readers range in age from the early twenties all the way through the "above 75" category. Some of you are single, just beginning to work at full time jobs, some newly married, working at mastering cooking skills, some just starting families and others in the full swing of child rearing. There are empty nesters, those recently retired and lots of grandparents. Yet you know what seems to be a common denominator? It's that everyone stays super busy, no matter what stage of life they're in.
I know that because, in response to the question, "What would you like to see more of in upcoming Café posts?" tons of you indicated that you'd like to see more "Quick, easy dinner recipes" as well as more "Dinner party quality, everyday-easy recipes". There were lots of other great suggestions, and we'll be addressing them as well, but I've been having fun coming up with some delicious, quick, easy dinner recipes that are also quite company worthy. This Easy Orange Chicken with Brown Rice is one of our very favorites! I served it recently for dinner and, after requesting seconds, Scott said, "This is amazing, don't change a thing!".
The recipe is modeled after a classic Chinese restaurant entree called Orange Chicken. You'll find it on the menu at many Asian restaurants, and it's traditionally not very healthy, with the chicken being breaded and deep fried. I also know from our survey, that lots of you (and us too!) are trying to eat healthier, so I adapted the recipe to reflect that. The chicken is simply stir-fried after being marinated for 20 minutes.
The marinade? A bit unusual; it's a simple combination of egg whites, rice vinegar and cornstarch. We used an old Chinese secret for super tender chicken. Melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken! They call the technique "velveting" and that's exactly what it does - it makes the meat velvety tender. And super delicious!
I've been using the velveting technique for years now, and am always amazed at the difference it makes. Another wonderful secret I recently discovered is Minute® Brown Rice. Whenever we go out for Asian food and I have a choice between white and brown rice, I choose brown, as it's so much healthier. It's like eating whole grain products versus refined (which have many of the vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients removed). I've always had a difficult time preparing brown rice at home though. Not only does it take forever (40-45 minutes) but it's just plain tricky to get right.
Then I was asked to do a post featuring Minute Rice, Minute® Whole Grain Brown Rice to be exact. I decided to try it before I agreed on the campaign.
Wow, was I surprised! In 10 minutes I could make perfectly cooked brown rice. I did a little research to find out if this "quick" version of brown rice had the same nutritional value as regular brown rice. Again I was surprised when I found that The Whole Grain Council reported that an independent, third party laboratory had tested both regular and instant brown rice products and found no appreciable difference in their nutrient profile. Both are considered whole grains, and both are good sources of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber. That means we don't have to spend 45 minutes to an hour in the kitchen to enjoy the benefits of brown rice. I call that a win-win, how about you? Minute® Whole Grain Brown Rice will be a staple for quick, easy and healthy meals here at The Café.
So, next time you're at the market pick up some chicken and any of the sauce ingredients you might need. Everything is easy to find at any larger grocery store. Make sure to pick up some Minute® Whole Grain Brown Rice too! You'll be all set to put together a delicious, healthy dinner in no time flat.
Oh, and by the way, if anyone out there has a secret for slowing time down a bit... I'm listening!
P.S. Guess what? Minute Rice is giving you the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, sharing something you learned about the benefits of brown rice. Each comment will automatically be entered to win. How easy is that?
Follow Minute® Rice on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram to learn more about their products and see their recipes.
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Easy Orange Chicken with Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into bite-size pieces
- For the marinade:
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoons corn starch
- For the sauce:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- finely grated zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoons cornstarch
- For garnish:
- sesame seeds
- finely chopped cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- For the marinade, combine egg white, rice vinegar and corn starch in a medium size bowl. Stir to dissolve corn starch.
- Add chicken and stir to coat. Allow to marinate for 20 minutes, then drain any liquid that may have accumulated.
- Combine all sauce ingredients and whisk well to dissolve corn starch. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large skillet till hot and just starting to smoke. Add chicken to skillet and stir-fry for 4-6 minutes or until most of the chicken has turned white and opaque. It's okay to have a few areas that are still pink. It will finish cooking in the sauce. You don't want to overcook it.
- Add orange sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes till sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and finely chopped cilantro or parsley.
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I learned that Brown Rice is Rich in Fiber.
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/726457498736168960
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/726451020444868610
i learned that Brown Rice Reduces Diabetes Risk
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
I had always heard that brown rice was better than white rice but never really knew *why* so I was happy to learn that it was full of fiber, Selenium, Magnesium,- good to know!
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/726298364543963136
I learned the benefits of brown rice are that they are loaded with flavor so you eat more, and benefit the nutritional value of the rice.
Garlic butter shrimp and rice
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/726233561104322562
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I like steamed rice with diced chicken
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I love making a Mexican rice. truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com
Great to learn that the nutritional value of the instant and regular brown rice us the same...never would have guessed that.
Brown rice has a nice nutty flavor and enhances foods more than white rice. I love orange chicken and will be making the recipe very soon.
it is a good source of fiber
Brown rice can be a part of a healthier diet and lifestyle
I sent out a tweet: https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/725832675651555328
Brown rice is full of fiber. Awesome.
Tweeted https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/725827399825264640
Brown Rice is Rich in Fiber and Selenium.
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/725699292913143808
One thing I have learned about brown rice via the Minute Rice website is that it has 2g more fiber than white rice.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/725528542801317889
I learned there is no appreciable difference in the nutrient profile between white and brown rice.
tweeted https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/725103624054050817
I learned its a good source of fiber.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/725027119504494595
I learned that brown rice has lots of fiber and is better for you! This recipe looks and sounds amazing it is one I will be trying!
TWEET--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/724957049658953728
I learned that brown rice is a good source of fiber.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/724608829078548480
I learned that brown rice is a good source of fiber.
Brown rice has fiber which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels
https://mobile.twitter.com/Esham4life/status/724410191270187009
i know its a lot higher in fiber than white rice
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/723239992508723200
We try to eat more brown rice since it is better for you nutritionally. I like that it has fiber. Rice is such a great side dish to so many meals.
Tweeted as well https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/723092897126436865
It's healthier than white rice!!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/722669537364197376
Brown rice is a good source of manganese and has more fiber.
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/calebaw3s0m3/status/722604139071471616
I like that brown rice has a high fiber content, and other good nutritional values. Great recipe, by the way!
westiemks5 at yahoo dot com
Brown rice helps to reduce the risk of diabetes.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/721839763385225216
One thing I learned is that brown rice could reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes!
I can't wait to try this! I've eaten brown rice for years because I like it. I had no idea it was reducing my risk of diabetes! A win-win for sure!
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/719600929213956096
I know that brown rice is better nutritionally but always was put off by the long cooking time. I'll have to try the Minute Rice version for quicker preparation.
https://twitter.com/benz1171/status/716837511075594241
I learned that instant brown rice products have no appreciable difference in their nutrient profile.
Brown rice still has the bran and side hull. The side hulls and bran provide natural wholeness to the grain and are rich in proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium.
Tweeted 🙂 - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/714686514706382850
One thing I learned is that brown rice could reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes! I wish I'd known that before I got diabetes lol 🙂
I shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/713537019339739136.
I love brown rice, the nutty flavor and texture. I found one of the benefits is a reduced risk of Diabetes which runs in my family. As a distance runner I rely on carbohydrates to fuel my body and rice has always been near the top of my list.
I learned that eating brown rice twice a week helps to reduce diabetes and I've always enjoyed the flavor of brown rice.
We do too Lilly!
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/708071611513987073
I learnt that brown rice is high in fiber.
I shared your lovely Easy Orange Chicken recipe and the Minute Rice giveaway on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/NotherAnneOther/status/708035705537241088
Thank you!
Thank you too Anne!
I've always been disappointed with the rubbery texture of chicken when I've tried stir-frying it, but your velveting technique might be the solution to my problem. Thanks!
As for what I learned about the benefits of brown rice, I found that it's even more nutritious than I thought! I already use it frequently because I love the chewy texture and nutty flavor, but I recently found out that it can actually help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
So true Anne!
I would have to say reducing risk of diabetes
It reduces the chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/705130645530517504
One thing I learned from this post is that the Minute Rice brown rice is just as healthy as the brown rice that takes 45 minutes to cook! 🙂
You got it right Anastasia!
i learned that brown rice is a good source of manganese, which i didn't even know i needed in my diet
Thank you for the post re brown rice. This isn't my husband's favorite rice but he has become more open to it. I'm going to give this a try. Especially with this recipe! I also love the lemon version that someone suggested. Love your site!
Thanks for your comment! Sounds like you're converting your husband - well done!
It's a good source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber.
I love brown rice. I learned that it is a great source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber. So important!
It really is Kimmy! We're big brown rice fans here too!
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/696730256078721024
it is a good source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber
I learned that it is full of fiber. That's always a plus.
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/695978663443955712
I learned brown rice fiber has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels; helps prevent atherosclerosis
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/695719799796568066
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I love that brown rice has more fiber and more nutrient in them. I definitely love the nutty flavor too.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/695684614619164672
Brown rice is rich in protein and high in fiber, great to help in reducing high cholesterol levels,
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
I recently made another of your recipes that used the velveting technique (and was amazed at the tenderness of he chicken. Although if wasn't until reading this post that I realized it was due to the 'velvet' marinade! This Orange Chicken sounds delicious and I'll be making it very soon. But first a question... I've just recently started using coconut oil. Is it normal to be a solid, or to solidify after opening? It becomes a challenge to measure as a result. Do you have any tips that would make it easier to work with? Thanks!
I learned that brown rice and instant brown rice are both good sources of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber.
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
We never order Orange Chicken, homemade is the best, and it is one of those Chinese dishes that are so light, you feel like eating again after twenty minutes ... Or maybe it's just me 🙂
When it comes to brown rice, you really need to experiment, I went through many brands that didn't taste good at all., but since you are recommending this brand (and I trust you when it comes to cooking) I think I will pick a box and try it!
That's a good word for it Muna, light - it really is!
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/695061477972058112
I learned that eating brown rice twice a week can reduce your chance of type 2 diabetes.
Thanks Rachel!
I learned that brown rice seems to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
You've got it Madeline!
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/694942551061585920
Found out brown rice is a good source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber.
Way to go Tamra! Thanks for the tweet too!
You really do get busier as you get older, don't you? I think the difference is when you're younger (I'm retired), you spent long, LONG days at work. So you're too exhausted during your free time to do many other things. At least in my case, I now to many activities during the week -- things I could never do while working. So it's busy all the time at my house! Anyway, super dish -- thanks.
Totally agreed John! As two "second career" people, Scott and I are always shocked at how much is going on in our lives on a weekly basis!
I made your Easy Orange Chicken for dinner yesterday and served it with fresh broccoli from our garden. Now I'm a very popular girl at this house with my husband. He loves your recipe. The word "easy" is so true for this recipe. We will have the leftovers for lunch today.
That's wonderful Leslie! Oooh, fresh garden-grown broccoli!
Homemade is always worth the effort and you can't come it to shop bought. love the use of oranges as they are in season this time of year xoxo
Thanks Beverley, I agree!
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/694699237913694208
I learned that brown rice is a good source of magnesium.
Isn't it fun to know you're giving your body important things that it needs Kelly?
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/694683437144395777
Thanks again.
What a great sounding recipe. I love using brown rice. I like that with the high fiber, it reduce high cholesterol levels. Thanks so much.
Thanks for your comment and tweet Margaret!
I love this healthier version! With so many sweets around here it's nice to know I can have a much better for me classic that won't send my insulin into a tailspin!
You're exactly right Sandra!
https://mobile.twitter.com/SandyHeadtke/status/694680925964087297
Brown rice is considered whole grains, and is a good sources of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber.
Thanks for your comment and tweet Sandy, got them both!
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/694673686498938880
I learnt that brown rice is high in fiber which can improve your digestive system.
Thanks for your comment and tweet!
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/694658259169497090
I learned that the eating brown rice is like eating whole grain products versus refined. That's pretty cool!
It is Will! Thanks for your comment and tweet!
I learned that it reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
You've got it Jessica!
That sounds so good Ethan! Lemons always add such a wonderful flavor dimension.
Yum! What a great yet easy meal -- ideal for weeknights.
It truly is Denise! A quick, healthy alternative!
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/694630214609965056
I learned that brown rice is a good source of fiber
You've got it Elena!
I Tweeted about your giveaway 🙂 https://twitter.com/savoringtime/status/694593928734101504
I also love brown rice, Chris, and you will see some in my next post for Chinese New Year 🙂 I always choose brown rice when I can because I love the nuttier flavor and I do think it's healthier than white rice. I like to cook mine in unsalted chicken stock for an ever more delicious flavor. Good to know it comes in a "Minute' version now.
You know, I feel I rarely have any 'spare' time either. For many of the same reasons you've mentioned. Before blogging I had much more free time 🙂
Blogging does tend to fill your days, doesn't it Susan? Thanks for the comment and tweet!!
Minute Brown Rice is a great shortcut! Nice to know that the instant version still has the same nutrients! Your orange chicken looks amazing!
Thanks Melanie, it's so fun, because the taste is so much like what we would order out for from a restaurant!
Love orange chicken looking forward to trying this. I have a question do you live near Lake Lynn? i saw a pic of you and it looks like Lake Lynn. My son and grandchildren live near there when I visit we have to go there to see the turtles!
We're not too far from there Kathleen! What a coincidence!
Great chicken! Please check out the giveaway going on at EE (and 22 other bloggers) for #FreshTastyValentines.
Thanks for the info Debra!
I like rice of any kind. I especially like brown rice for the nutty taste and for the additional vitamins and minerals you get from it..
Exactly, Dorothy!
I learned that brown rice is a good source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber. I love it anyway, and it is even better that it is good for me too!
Like we said Natalie! It's a win-win! Thanks for your comment and tweet!
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/694288031881269249
I have been thinking about making my own orange chicken for a while and this sounds like the perfect recipe to use.
Minute white has been a stable in our house for a long time. Hubby has always preferred white rice, but have been thinking about trying the brown rice since it has more fiber and there are many other good things about it. I really do think once he tries it he will like it, especially with a recipe like this.
Thanks for your comment Char! The slight nuttiness just makes everything you combine it with taste better!
tweet - https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/694285669171097600
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Thanks for your tweet and comment Steven!
I learned that brown rice is a good source of manganese,
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Thanks Steven!
I learned that Brown Rice is Rich in Fiber and Selenium, and that I can lower cholestral just by eating brown rice! Your orange chicken recipe looks so delicious! I will try making it!
You've got it Julie! Thanks for the tweet too!
I love the fiber and nutrients in brown rice. This recipe looks like I need to make it!
It's just a simple, but wonderfully tasty combination Karen!
Can I use something other than coconut oil to cook the chicken in or does that add a specific flavor to the dish?
Hi Lisa,
You could use any other neutral flavored oil. I used coconut just because it’s healthy and it does add a bit of coconut flavor but not enough to make that big of a difference. It will still be super delicious! Enjoy!
I learned that eating brown rice twice a week helps to reduce diabetes.
There you go Heather! Thanks!
tweet--https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/694263606305759232
I learned that brown rice is a good source of manganese, magnesium, selenium and fiber.
There you go! Thanks for your comment Mami!
Hi Chris, did not know that minute rice made a brown rice, that is great. Also love this orange chicken, will make this for my grandson and daughter, one of their favorites.
It seems like kids always love this kind of recipe! Maybe it's the orange flavor and soft, tender chicken.
I love orange chicken and love brown rice! It's really good for you and tastes great!
It sure does Cathy!
I am definitely going to give this a try!! It looks wonderful and your photography is stellar!! If you ever want to try making regular brown rice and have the time, try the Baked Brown Rice recipe from Alton Brown at the Food Network. It is super simple and flavor profile can be changed up to coordinate with what you are serving it with. I usually double it so I have enough to make fried rice another night or toss it into a bean/veggie salad!! It comes out perfect every time!!! Just love your blog!!!!!!
Oh, you're so sweet LaVonne! Thanks for your tip too! Alton is always up to something interesting, isn't he?
I have heard of the velveting technique before but have not yet tried it. Reading this recipe makes me want to give it a try. This dish appears to have everything - tasty, nutritious and easy!
It truly is a one-stop-shop of a healthy dish Leslie!
I,was surprised that if you eat 2 or more servings a week brown rice reduces your chances of getting type 2 diabetes.
Thanks for the important statistic Kathy!
Have been a fan of Minute Brown Rice for a while. It is great when traveling in our motorcoach. This recipe will be perfect for our travel also.
Thanks Mary! Oooh! Maybe I could be a mouse on your next RV adventure!
This looks so tasty. I've been trying to think of what to make this evening - this could be it!
Hope you did Vicki! Enjoy!
So very appetizing and moreish, Chris. I love your rice bowl too.
Thanks Angie! I love pretty props! Scott helps me find them all over the place!
This is my daughter's standard order at any Chinese restaurant, I will definitely make it for her! I grew up with Minute Rice, and didn't know they made a brown variety, thanks Chris!
We grew up with it too Sue, and we didn't know they had brown rice either!
Chris this sounds wonderful and I agree that the quick weeknight meals are so helpful. I never order Orange Chicken when dining out because it's often not the best healthy choice - so I love your version! Brown rice is a whole grain with plenty of fiber and nutrients so we try to use it whenever possible. Thanks so much!
You're so welcome Tricia!
Orange chicken is a dish I have never tried making, although I love it. Thanks for the inspiration, Chris. I can thank my husband for making me appreciate brown rice, early on in our relationship. As always, the photos are beautiful!
Thanks so much Marigene! It is such a fun collaboration of flavors!
Am I the only one who said more of The Littles?:)
I love seeing how cute they are!
I just made 2 asianish dishes that could have been divine if not for their over cloying sweetness..which I will amend..this looks perfect.
Thanks Monique! We love those little ones, and we get to see them very soon, in London!!
Orange chicken is one of my favourites when we eat out Chinese, so I'm loving this quick, easy and lighter version! Love brown rice, too, Perfect together 🙂
Thanks Jennifer! It is a win, win! And it still has that tantalizing orange chicken flavor!