Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen! This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress. With its sweet and tangy orange sauce paired with tender chicken, it’s an irresistible treat that’s easy to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe makes cooking fun and stress-free.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet orange sauce with a hint of spice creates a flavor profile that’s both exciting and comforting.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Healthier Option: Enjoy the crispy goodness without the guilt, as this version uses fresh ingredients and avoids preservatives often found in takeout.
• Family-Friendly Meal: This dish is not too spicy, making it suitable for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pot: Ensures even frying of the chicken, achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing the chicken coating and mixing the sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for both the batter and sauce.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping chicken pieces while frying, ensuring they cook evenly without breaking apart.

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Ingredients

Crispy homemade Orange Chicken, just like Panda Express! Pieces of boneless chicken breast are deep-fried and then cooked in a sweet, tangy orange sauce made from scratch. Panda Express Orange Chicken is not too spicy and so easy to make!

For the Chicken Coating

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp sunflower oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (heaping)

For the Orange Sauce

• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut liquid aminos)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 tsp zested ginger root (peeled)
• 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate (or 3 Tbsp orange juice)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice apple vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture until thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat your deep fryer or large pot with oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice apple vinegar. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken pieces directly into the saucepan with your freshly made orange sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated in that delicious tangy mixture.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends or family!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice provides a neutral base that complements the sweet and tangy sauce of the orange chicken.

On a Bed of Fried Rice

• Serve your orange chicken over fried rice, which adds extra flavor and texture, making it even more satisfying.

Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A mix of colorful stir-fried vegetables not only adds nutrition but also enhances the visual appeal of your plate.

Topped with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your orange chicken.

With a Side of Egg Rolls

• Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or chicken make for a classic pairing, perfect for those who love variety.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To ensure your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken tastes just like the restaurant version, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor profile and make the sauce more aromatic.

• Ensure Proper Oil Temperature: Frying at the right temperature (about 350°F) ensures crispy chicken without excess oil absorption.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar content in the sauce to suit your taste preference; you can add more for a sweeter flavor.

• Let Chicken Rest After Frying: Allowing the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes helps maintain its crispiness before adding it to the sauce.

• Thicken Sauce Effectively: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to your sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Panda Express Orange Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice made with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce; it’s filling and full of flavor.

2. Egg Drop Soup: This warm soup is light yet flavorful, making it a perfect starter for your meal.

3. Chow Mein Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables offer a delightful crunch and an additional carb option.

4. Steamed Broccoli: Adding steamed broccoli provides a nutritious balance while adding vibrant color to your plate.

5. Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with veggies are an excellent appetizer that complements the main dish well.

6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of orange chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong chicken parts: Always choose boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Using other cuts can result in uneven cooking.
• Skipping marination: Allow the chicken to marinate with egg and seasonings. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Not heating oil properly: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Overcrowding the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: Make sure the sauce thickens correctly by using enough cornstarch. A thin sauce won’t cling well to the chicken.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze the orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label the container with the date.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Panda Express Orange Chicken.

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?

To make it healthier, consider baking the chicken instead of frying or using less sugar in the sauce.

Can I use different meats for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile while still enjoying that delicious orange sauce.

What should I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, making it a complete meal.

How can I customize the flavor of my orange chicken?

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only easy to make but also versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for busy weeks. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce. Try this recipe today and enjoy its comforting flavors!