The 10 Best Types of Rice for Orange Chicken

I’ve tried countless rice dishes with my orange chicken, but these 10 types stand out as the absolute best.

Basmati, Jasmine, Sticky, Brown, Wild, Sushi, Black, Red, Forbidden – each one brings a unique flavor and texture to complement the tangy, sweet orange sauce.

Whether you prefer the fragrant aroma of Basmati or the sticky goodness of Sushi rice, this article will guide you to the perfect pairing for your next orange chicken feast.

Let’s dive in!

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a great choice for orange chicken because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. When I cook this aromatic rice to accompany my orange chicken dish, the kitchen fills with a delightful scent that makes my mouth water.

The long, slender grains of Basmati rice cook up light and fluffy, creating the perfect complement to the bold flavors of the orange chicken. Each spoonful of this rice adds a delicate touch to every bite of the tangy and sweet orange sauce. It’s like a match made in heaven!

The fluffy texture of Basmati rice also helps to soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring that every mouthful is bursting with flavor. I can’t imagine having orange chicken without Basmati rice!

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a popular choice for pairing with orange chicken due to its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. When I cook jasmine rice, the kitchen fills with a delightful scent that makes my mouth water.

The grains are long, slender, and soft, creating a perfect balance with the crispy and tangy orange chicken. I love how the rice absorbs the flavors of the orange sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Its fluffy texture adds a lightness to the meal, making every bite enjoyable.

Whether I’m cooking for myself or guests, serving orange chicken with jasmine rice always receives compliments. It’s a winning combination that never fails to satisfy my cravings.

Sticky Rice

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s a type of rice that becomes sticky and chewy when cooked. Growing up in a Filipino household, sticky rice was a common sight on our dining table.

It’s often served with grilled meats, stews, or even eaten on its own. The unique texture and slightly sweet flavor of sticky rice make it a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal. I particularly love the way it clings together, making it easy to pick up with chopsticks.

Whether it’s wrapped in banana leaves or served in a steaming bowl, sticky rice is a comforting and versatile ingredient that adds a special touch to any dish.

Brown Rice

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice is a great option. I love brown rice because it is packed with nutrients and has a rich, nutty flavor. It is a whole grain that contains the bran, germ, and endosperm, which makes it more nutritious than white rice.

Brown rice is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium and selenium. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

I find that brown rice is just as versatile as white rice and can be used in a variety of dishes. It pairs well with stir-fries, curries, and even salads.

Wild Rice

Wild rice has a distinct chewy texture and a nutty flavor that sets it apart from other types of rice. I personally love cooking with wild rice because it adds a unique element to my dishes. The texture is slightly firm, giving it a satisfying bite, and the nutty flavor adds depth and complexity.

It pairs perfectly with the tangy and sweet flavors of orange chicken, creating a delightful contrast. The grains also have a beautiful dark color that adds visual appeal to the dish. When cooked, wild rice has a pleasant aroma that fills the kitchen, making the cooking experience even more enjoyable.

Overall, wild rice is a fantastic choice for orange chicken, adding both taste and texture to the dish.

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice, with its creamy texture, is a popular choice for making risotto. I love using Arborio rice when I want to create a rich and velvety dish.

The grains of Arborio rice are short and plump, which allows them to absorb liquid and release starch, resulting in a creamy consistency. When cooked, Arborio rice retains its shape and has a slightly chewy texture, adding depth to any dish.

Its ability to absorb flavors makes it the perfect rice for risotto, as it can easily take on the taste of the broth and other ingredients. Whether it’s a classic mushroom risotto or a decadent seafood risotto, Arborio rice always delivers a delicious and satisfying meal.

Sushi Rice

Now that we’ve discussed Arborio rice, let’s move on to another great option for orange chicken: sushi rice.

Sushi rice, also known as sticky rice or Japanese short-grain rice, is a perfect choice for this dish. Its sticky texture allows it to hold the orange chicken sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

When cooked properly, sushi rice becomes slightly sweet and has a delicate, chewy texture that complements the crispy chicken. The grains are small and round, making it easy to scoop up with chopsticks.

Plus, sushi rice absorbs flavors well, so it will absorb the tangy and citrusy notes of the orange sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Give sushi rice a try, and you won’t be disappointed.

Black Rice

If you’re looking for a unique and nutritious grain to try, black rice is an excellent choice. I recently discovered this amazing variety of rice and it has quickly become one of my favorites.

Not only does it have a rich, nutty flavor, but it is also packed with health benefits. Black rice is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It is also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

I love using black rice in various dishes, from salads to stir-fries. The beautiful dark color adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

Give black rice a try and you won’t be disappointed!

Red Rice

You’ll love the earthy and slightly nutty flavor of red rice, a delicious and nutritious grain that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

When I first tried red rice, I was instantly hooked. Its unique taste adds a depth of flavor to any meal, making it a versatile option in the kitchen.

I love using red rice as a base for stir-fries, salads, and even as a side dish for grilled meats. It has a beautiful reddish-brown color that adds visual appeal to any plate.

Not only does red rice taste amazing, but it is also packed with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. It’s a healthier alternative to white rice and adds a delightful twist to your favorite recipes.

Give red rice a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Forbidden Rice

Forbidden rice, also known as black rice, is a nutritious grain that offers a nutty flavor and a striking color to your favorite dishes. I love cooking with forbidden rice because it adds a unique touch to my meals.

The deep black color of the rice is visually appealing and makes any dish look more exciting. The nutty flavor adds a delicious complexity to my recipes, especially when paired with bold and spicy flavors like in orange chicken.

Not only does forbidden rice taste great, but it also has numerous health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals. Plus, it has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a healthier choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.

Incorporating forbidden rice into my meals not only enhances the taste but also boosts the nutritional value.