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Copycat Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl
Breaded pieces of tender boneless chicken breast tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, served over fresh stir-fried veggies and cilantro rice. Topped with green onions and toasted almonds.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 bag frozen breaded chicken bites
- 2 tbsp oil peanut, olive, vegetable
- 2 cups mixed vegetables broccoli, red pepper, onion, mushrooms - fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp grated orange zest
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- dash cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lime juiced
- 3/4 cup cilantro stems removed, roughly chopped
- 2-3 green onions diced
- 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare chicken bites according to package directions – 16-20 min in oven at 400- 10 min in air fryer at 4001/2 bag frozen breaded chicken bites
- Prepare Rice according to package directions - I used minute rice – 1 cup rice, 1 cup water, 6 min in microwave2 cups cooked rice
- After rice is ready – add lime juice and cilantro and toss1 lime, 3/4 cup cilantro
- In a wok-style skillet, heat oil. Once oil is hot – add vegetables and stir fry for 5-7 minutes2 tbsp oil, 2 cups mixed vegetables
- At the same time in a separate skillet – turn heat to medium and add two tbsp olive oil2 tbsp olive oil
- Once second skillet is warmed (not on high – like a 6-7 of 10) – Add garlic for 1 minute (if the oil is too hot the garlic will burn).1 tsp minced garlic
- Add orange rind, orange juice, hoisin, cayenne and sugar and bring to boil. Allow to boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens to your liking, stirring frequently.1 1/2 tsp grated orange zest, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup hoisin sauce, dash cayenne pepper, 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- In a mixing bowl, add hot chicken – pour thickened sauce over chicken and toss to coat
- In serving bowls, place 1 cup rice in each bowl. Top with orange chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with green onions and sliced almonds2-3 green onions, 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds
Notes
Helpful Tips
- I used frozen breaded chicken bites and Minute Rice to save time on this recipe
- Fresh veggies and fresh fruit will make this recipe much more vibrant in color and taste
Nutrition
Serving: 1bowlCalories: 1181kcalCarbohydrates: 156.2gProtein: 31gFat: 50.4gSaturated Fat: 7.3gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 2331mgPotassium: 877mgFiber: 14.3gSugar: 54.1gCalcium: 180mgIron: 10mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
