This mouthwatering orange chicken burrito recipe brings together a splendid fusion of flavors. It packs the sweet and tangy punch of orange chicken, neatly tucked into a burrito. The recipe is quick to whip up and perfect for a delightful lunch or dinner.
The list of ingredients might look lengthy but they are mostly common condiments you'll find at your local supermarket. The only ingredient you might be unfamiliar with is the rice wine, a staple in Asian cuisine that brings a sweet depth to dishes. If you can't find it, you can use dry sherry instead. Be sure to get the orange zest, it's a key flavor enhancer.
Ingredients for the Orange Chicken Burrito
Ground chicken: This will form the protein base of the burrito. You could also substitute with ground turkey.
Ginger root: Provides a warm, spicy undertone.
Garlic: Adds a strong, pungent flavor that complements the ginger.
Hot red chili pepper: Gives the dish a spicy kick. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Rice wine: Adds a sweet and subtle rice flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Sesame oil: Gives a nutty aroma that adds depth to the dish.
Soy Sauce: This brings the savory umami flavor.
Sugar: Balances out the heat and the sour components.
White vinegar: Adds the tanginess.
Orange zest: Provides a fresh citrus twist to the dish.
Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Rice: A staple in burritos, provides a hearty base.
Broccoli: Adds a nutritious crunch and vibrant color.
Oyster sauce: Gives a bold, savory flavor.
Sriracha: Brings a tangy heat. Adjust according to your preference.
Mayonnaise: Balances the spiciness and gives a creamy texture.
One reader, Jammie Solomon says:
This orange chicken burrito recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply amazing. The tangy orange sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken and the spicy kick from the sriracha. It's a burst of deliciousness in every bite. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Burrito
How to prepare the orange sauce: Combine the rice wine, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest in a bowl, and set it aside. Then, dissolve cornstarch in water in a separate bowl and set it aside.
How to cook the ground chicken: Add oil to a large pan, then add the ground chicken. Cook until a good crust forms, then break it apart with a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
How to thicken the orange sauce: Add the orange sauce to the cooked chicken and bring it to a boil. Then, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and cook for a few seconds, stirring until it thickens.
How to warm the tortilla: Warm a large burrito-sized tortilla in the microwave for a few seconds.
How to prepare the broccoli mixture: In a small bowl, mix the broccoli with the oyster sauce, sriracha, and mayonnaise.
How to assemble the burrito: Scoop ½ cup of white rice, ¼ cup of the broccoli mixture, and ½ cup of ground orange chicken onto the tortilla. Add a squirt of sriracha. Fold in two sides of the tortilla, then roll the burrito and wrap it with foil.
How To Make Orange Chicken Burrito
Grab a bite of this rich and flavorful chicken burrito for lunch today! It’s loaded with tasteful orange chicken and filling rice for a hearty meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground chicken
- 1tbspginger root,minced
- 2tspgarlic,minced
- ¼tsphot red chili pepper,crushed
- 1tbsprice wine
- 2tbspwater
- ½tspsesame oil
- 4tspsoy sauce
- 5tbspsugar
- 5tbspwhite vinegar
- orange zest,from ½ of an orange
- 1tbspwater
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 3cupsrice,cooked
- 1½cupsbroccoli,cooked
- 2tspoyster sauce
- ¼tspsriracha,or more to taste
- 1tbspmayonnaise
Instructions
-
Combine the rice wine, 2 tablespoons of water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest in a bowl. Set aside.
-
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water in a separate bowl. Set aside.
-
To a large pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil, then the ground chicken.
-
Cook until a good crust forms, then break it apart with a spatula.
-
Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Once the chicken is cooked, add the ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper, then cook for about 10 seconds.
-
Add the orange sauce, then bring to boil.
-
Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, then cook for just a few seconds, stirring until it thickens.
-
Warm a large burrito sized tortilla in the microwave for just a few seconds.
-
In a small bowl, mix the broccoli with the oyster sauce, sriracha and mayonnaise.
-
Scoop on ½ cup of white rice, ¼ cup broccoli mixture, ½ cup of ground orange chicken and a squirt of Sriracha onto the tortilla.
-
Fold in two sides of the tortilla, then roll the burrito. Wrap with foil.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 542.82kcal
- Fat: 9.04g
- Saturated Fat: 2.24g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.53g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.58g
- Carbohydrates: 91.55g
- Fiber: 0.68g
- Sugar: 10.83g
- Protein: 20.68g
- Cholesterol: 65.95mg
- Sodium: 317.59mg
- Calcium: 28.90mg
- Potassium: 576.23mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 7.12µg
- Vitamin C: 20.82mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Assembling Burritos
When cooking the ground chicken, it's important to let it form a good crust before breaking it apart. This will give your orange chicken a nice texture and added flavor. Also, when adding the cornstarch mixture to the pan, make sure to stir it quickly and constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, thick sauce. Lastly, when assembling your burrito, layering the ingredients evenly will ensure every bite is full of flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Orange Chicken Burritos
Prep ahead: Chop and marinate the chicken and vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a single pot or pan for cooking multiple components of the recipe to minimize clean-up time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the orange chicken filling and store the extra in the freezer for future use.
Organized workspace: Keep all ingredients and cooking tools organized and within reach to streamline the cooking process.
Pre-cooked rice: Use pre-cooked or leftover rice to cut down on the cooking time for the burrito filling.
Substitute Ingredients For Orange Chicken Burrito Recipe
ground chicken - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground chicken, with a similar texture and flavor profile.
ginger root - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger root, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative with a milder flavor.
hot red chili pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can be used as a substitute for hot red chili pepper, providing a similar level of heat and flavor.
rice wine - Substitute with dry sherry: Dry sherry can be used as a substitute for rice wine, providing a similar depth of flavor and acidity.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil, providing a nutty flavor and high smoke point.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, providing a gluten-free alternative with a similar umami flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, providing a natural sweetener with a distinct flavor.
white vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a milder and slightly sweet flavor.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest, providing a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch, providing a similar thickening power without the cloudy appearance.
rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for rice, providing a higher protein and fiber content.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a substitute for broccoli, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for oyster sauce, providing a sweet and savory flavor profile.
sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce can be used as a substitute for sriracha, providing a similar level of heat and garlic flavor.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
How to Beautifully Present Your Orange Chicken Burrito
Elevate the plating: When presenting the orange chicken burrito, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Consider using vibrant and fresh ingredients to add color and contrast to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use the orange sauce to create an elegant and artistic drizzle on the plate. This not only adds a pop of flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Carefully garnish the burrito with a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest to add a burst of citrus aroma and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate to ensure a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Emphasize the burrito's form: Showcase the burrito's form by ensuring a tight and neat wrap, highlighting the skill and craftsmanship that goes into creating this culinary delight.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to draw attention to the vibrant colors and textures of the dish, creating a visually striking presentation.
Highlight the freshness: Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients by incorporating a small side salad of mixed greens or microgreens to complement the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the plate.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Burritos
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters and doughs.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate items.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for wrapping, covering, and cooking food.
- Microwave: An appliance used for quickly heating and cooking food.
- Large burrito sized tortilla: A large, thin, flatbread used for wrapping and rolling burritos.
- Large pan: A wide, shallow cooking vessel used for frying, sautéing, and simmering ingredients.
- Small bowl: A small dish used for mixing and holding small amounts of ingredients.
- Microwave: An appliance used for quickly heating and cooking food.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Burritos
- To store leftover orange chicken burritos, wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the burritos. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen orange chicken burritos can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, remove the desired number of burritos from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat refrigerated burritos, unwrap them from the foil or plastic wrap and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- For frozen burritos, you can reheat them directly from the freezer. Unwrap the burrito and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the unwrapped burrito on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- To maintain the best quality and texture of the tortilla, you can wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel before microwaving or reheating in the oven. This will help prevent the tortilla from drying out or becoming too crispy.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Burritos
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the burrito in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help to crisp up the tortilla and keep the filling moist.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your orange chicken burrito in just a few minutes. Simply place the burrito in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy option, you can reheat your burrito in the microwave. Wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful when unwrapping the burrito, as the steam can be hot.
If you want to reheat your burrito on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. You can add a little bit of oil or butter to the skillet to help crisp up the tortilla.
For a more unconventional method, try reheating your orange chicken burrito on a panini press or george foreman grill. Simply place the burrito on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method will give your burrito a unique texture and flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Orange Chicken Burritos
The orange chicken burrito is a fusion dish that combines the flavors of Chinese orange chicken with the convenience of a burrito. It offers a unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a delightful treat for the taste buds. This dish is a perfect example of how different culinary traditions can come together to create something new and delicious.
Is Making Orange Chicken Burritos at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this orange chicken burrito recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. Ground chicken and rice are generally affordable, while broccoli and ginger root may be pricier. The use of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine could add to the cost. However, the versatility of the ingredients and the potential for leftovers make it a reasonable option for a household. The approximate cost for a family of four would be around $20-$25. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10 for its flavor and simplicity.
Is This Burrito Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The orange chicken burrito recipe, while flavorful, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of ground chicken, which can be high in fat depending on the cut
- The significant amount of sugar (5 tbsp) and white vinegar (5 tbsp) in the orange sauce, which adds empty calories and acidity
- The inclusion of mayonnaise, a high-fat condiment
- The use of white rice, which is a refined carbohydrate lacking in fiber and nutrients compared to brown rice or other whole grains
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as the incorporation of broccoli, ginger, and garlic, which provide vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following adjustments:
- Opt for lean ground chicken breast or turkey to reduce the fat content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the orange sauce and replace some of the white vinegar with fresh orange juice for a healthier sweetness and acidity
- Replace the mayonnaise with a lighter, yogurt-based sauce or omit it altogether
- Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Add more vegetables to the burrito, such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to boost the vitamin and mineral profile
- Use a whole wheat or spinach tortilla instead of a regular flour tortilla for added fiber and nutrients
By making these modifications, you can transform this orange chicken burrito into a more balanced and nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Burrito Recipe
This orange chicken burrito recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, blending the zesty tang of orange with the savory goodness of ground chicken. The combination of ginger, garlic, and hot red chili pepper adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the addition of broccoli and rice provides a satisfying balance. The use of oyster sauce and sriracha in the broccoli mixture adds a unique twist, complementing the overall flavor profile. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, and the final result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please the palate.
Enhance Your Orange Chicken Burrito Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Orange Chicken Burritos
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Burrito Meal
Why trust this Orange Chicken Burrito Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the succulent taste of orange zest with the savory goodness of ground chicken. The carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, rice wine, and white vinegar creates a harmonious symphony of tastes. The addition of ginger root and garlic infuses the dish with aromatic richness, while the touch of sriracha adds a hint of heat. The use of oyster sauce and mayonnaise in the broccoli mixture elevates the overall experience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to savor a delightful orange chicken burrito that will tantalize your taste buds.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!