Knowing what kind of rice goes with orange chicken can be the difference between a so-so meal and an amazing one.
As I’m sure you know, there are many different types of rice.
Each kind has its own unique flavor and texture.
Some types of rice are better suited for certain dishes than others.
For example, you wouldn’t want to use sushi rice for a risotto (See Also: What Salad Goes With Risotto?).
In this blog post, I’ll give you 11 different types of rice that go best with orange chicken.
What Rice Goes with Orange Chicken?
The best rice to serve with orange chicken is basmati rice. Basmati rice has a light and fluffy texture that pairs well with the rich flavors of orange chicken. You can also try jasmine rice or brown rice for a heartier option.
Still looking for options?
Here are 11 kinds of rice that go well with orange chicken:
Arborio Rice
This rice has a starchy taste and is also quite chewy.
It is this chewiness that makes it the perfect type of rice to use for orange chicken.
The starchy taste will also help to thicken up any sauce that you might have with the dish and make it even more flavorful.
Arborio rice is a great choice for anyone who wants to take their orange chicken to the next level and have an amazing dish that everyone will love.
Basmati Rice
This type of rice is intensely spicy, nutty, and floral, making it the perfect choice to stand up to orange chicken’s bold flavors.
Basmati rice is also incredibly light and fluffy, so it won’t weigh down your meal or make it feel too heavy.
Plus, the long grains of basmati rice look beautiful when they’re served alongside orange chicken.
Black Rice
Black rice has a mild, nutty taste similar to brown rice, but with a slightly sweeter flavor.
It’s also higher in fiber than other types of rice, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s both delicious and nutritious.
When it comes to orange chicken, black rice is the perfect pairing.
The sweetness of the rice complements the orange chicken perfectly, and the nutty flavor helps to balance out the dish.
Bomba Rice
Bomba is a short grain rice that is highly absorbent, making it the perfect choice for dishes like orange chicken.
Bomba rice will soak up all of the delicious flavors of the sauce, while still maintaining its own firm texture.
This particular type of rice is also quite versatile and can be used in a variety of different dishes, not just orange chicken.
Brown Rice
Brown rice has a slightly earthy, nutty taste to it that goes so well with orange chicken.
The rice also has a bit of a chewier texture, which is perfect for absorbing all the delicious sauce from the chicken.
Plus, brown rice is packed with nutrients like fiber and magnesium, so it’s not only delicious but good for you, too!
If you’re looking to really impress your dinner guests or just want to enjoy an amazing meal, make sure to pair your orange chicken with some brown rice.
Carnaroli Rice
This type of rice is pretty fluffy and has a really nice, delicate flavor.
It’s a great option for orange chicken because it can really soak up all of the sauce and the flavors.
Carnaroli rice is also really good at absorbing liquid, so if you want to add some extra broth or even just water to your dish, it won’t make the rice too mushy.
This type of rice is also pretty versatile, so if you want to change up the flavors in your orange chicken dish, you can easily do that by using different herbs or spices.
Overall, carnaroli rice is a great option for orange chicken and will definitely make your dish taste even better.
Carolino Rice
From Portugal, Carolino rice is a short grain rice that is light in color and flavor. It has a slightly nutty taste and is very versatile.
When it comes to orange chicken, Carolino rice is the perfect partner.
The lightness of the rice allows the orange sauce to really shine through, while the nuttiness compliments the chicken perfectly.
Carolino rice is also great for absorbing flavors, so if you want to add some extra zing to your orange chicken, consider adding some chopped green onions or garlic to the dish.
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice has a sweet and nutty taste to it that pairs perfectly with chicken.
This type of rice is also very fragrant, which helps to enhance the flavors of the dish even further.
When cooking jasmine rice, be sure to rinse it thoroughly first and then cook it using a 1:1 ratio of water to rice.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil first and then add in the rinsed rice.
- Once the water has returned to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes.
- After 18 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot sit for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.
Parboiled Rice
The subtle nutty taste of parboiled rice pairs well with orange chicken.
Parboiled rice is a type of rice that has been partially boiled in the husk.
This process results in a nuttier flavor and a firmer texture than regular white rice.
It also helps the rice to retain more nutrients.
Pro Tip: When cooking parboiled rice, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking.
Rinsing helps to remove any excess starch from the surface of the grains, which can make the cooked rice sticky.
White Rice
White rice has a mild flavor and a softer texture than brown rice.
It pairs well with orange chicken because it doesn’t compete with the sauce and allows the other flavors to shine.
White rice is also less filling than brown rice, so it won’t weigh you down if you’re looking for a light meal.
Pro Tip: When cooking white rice, be sure to rinse it before adding it to your pot.
This will remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together.
Wild Rice
Lastly, we have wild rice. Wild rice is technically not even a rice, but rather the seeds of an aquatic grass.
It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with orange chicken.
If you’re looking for something different than the usual white or brown rice, give wild rice a try.
Pro Tip: When cooking wild rice, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
What Rice Goes with Orange Chicken? (11 Kinds of Rice)
Ingredients
- Arborio Rice
- Basmati Rice
- Black Rice
- Bomba Rice
- Brown Rice
- Carnaroli Rice
- Carolino Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Parboiled Rice
- White Rice
- Wild Rice
Instructions
- Pick your favorite grain of rice from this list to serve with your chicken dish.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy in no time!