This Easy Orange Chicken and Rice is the answer to a no fuss dinner that your entire family will LOVE!
Let’s talk about dinner time—more specifically, the chaotic hour that somehow always sneaks up right when you’re juggling homework help, a toddler meltdown, and the mystery of a missing track shoe. Sound familiar?
If you’re anything like me, 5 p.m. can feel like a full-blown fire drill. And while we’d all love to serve up a Pinterest-worthy homemade meal every night, real life doesn’t always allow for that. Sometimes, we just need something quick, simple, and guaranteed to keep everyone at the table happy (without breaking a sweat or ordering out—again).
That’s exactly where this Easy Orange Chicken and Rice comes in. It’s the sweet, sticky, tangy answer to your dinner-time prayers—and it only takes a few ingredients you probably already have on hand. No fancy techniques, no endless chopping, and no stress. Just a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like your favorite takeout, but is made right in your own kitchen in about 15 minutes.
And the best part? It’s totally mom-hack approved. You’re starting with frozen popcorn chicken (hello, time-saver), whipping up a 3-ingredient sauce while it crisps in the air fryer, and serving it all over warm rice. That’s it. It’s ridiculously easy, and still feels like a win.
Whether you’re feeding hangry kids after practice, need a no-fuss dinner between activities, or just want a break from the “what’s for dinner?” dread—I’ve got you. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, and I promise, no one will guess how easy it actually was.
So how did I make this Easy Orange Chicken and Rice? Come to my kitchen and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Orange Chicken and Rice
How to make Orange Chicken and Rice: ingredients you need!
1 cup orange marmalade
1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken (store-bought)
White rice, cooked (for serving)
Orange Chicken and Rice Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Orange Chicken and Rice
How to make Orange Chicken and Rice : a step by step guide
Air fry the frozen popcorn chicken according to package directions until crispy and fully cooked. (Usually 400°F for 10–12 minutes.) If you are in the market for a new Air Fryer, I love the one I just got! Check it out here, Two baskets and all the space I need for a family of 5!
While the chicken cooks, make the sauce: In a bowl, stir together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce.
Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce until fully coated and sticky.
Serve over a bed of white rice and enjoy immediately!
Orange Chicken over Rice: SIDE IDEA
This Orange Chicken is so yummy with homemade Crab Rangoon’s!
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
Get some reusable chopsticks to really make this an authentic Orange chicken Dinner!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you love this Easy Orange Chicken over rice, be sure to check out these other easy Air fryer recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
Love This Recipe? Wait Until You See What’s in My Crazy Busy Mama Cookbooks!
You’ll never stress over the “what’s to eat” question again! Because they’re filled with quick easy recipes that you’ll whole family will love (And they may even help you make).
From easy weeknight dinners to crave-worthy desserts, my cookbooks are packed with simple, delicious recipes and tips to save your sanity. It’s like having me right there in your kitchen, guiding you through stress-free meals your family will rave about.
Ready to reclaim your mealtime mojo? Grab a Crazy Busy Mama Cookbook now and let’s cook up some magic together!
Orange Chicken over Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 bag frozen popcorn chicken store-bought
- White rice cooked (for serving)
Instructions
- Air fry the frozen popcorn chicken according to package directions until crispy and fully cooked. (Usually 400°F for 10–12 minutes.)
- While the chicken cooks, make the sauce: In a bowl, stir together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce.
- Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce until fully coated and sticky.
- Serve over a bed of white rice and enjoy immediately!
Video
Nutrition
*This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links
This recipe was smartly delicious. I appreciate you so much momma
This recipe is so good and so easy to make. It is the perfect amount of orange flavor.