Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. This dish combines tender, boneless chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce that you can easily whip up in your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions, this recipe captures the essence of the beloved takeout favorite while being incredibly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy sauce perfectly complements the crispy chicken, making each bite irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this dish ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Not too spicy, this recipe is perfect for both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the takeout and enjoy a fresh version made with quality ingredients right in your home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make your cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan or wok: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture on your chicken as it allows for even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in combining ingredients efficiently, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the batter before frying.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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 wine (or apple cider vinegar)

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and stir until they are thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, mix cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Take each piece of marinated chicken from the egg mixture and coat it evenly with the cornstarch-flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, sesame oil, rice wine, and cornstarch. Stir continuously until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened nicely, add the fried chicken pieces directly into the saucepan. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated in the delicious orange sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Serving it well can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great ways to enjoy this delicious meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is a classic pairing, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak in and complement the chicken perfectly.

On a Bed of Fried Rice

• For added flavor, serve Panda Express Orange Chicken on top of fried rice. The combination of textures and tastes makes for a satisfying meal.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Consider adding steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for a burst of color and nutrition alongside your orange chicken.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas or lettuce wraps to create a fun, handheld meal. Fill them with orange chicken and your choice of veggies for extra crunch.

As Part of a Platter

• Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken alongside other dishes like spring rolls or dumplings for an impressive Asian-inspired feast.

With a Side Salad

• A light salad with sesame dressing adds freshness and balances the richness of the orange chicken beautifully.

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How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

For the best results when making Panda Express Orange Chicken, keep these tips in mind:

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying creates that signature crunchy texture.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature prevents soggy chicken and ensures that it fries evenly.
• Make Sauce from Scratch: A homemade sauce with fresh ingredients will taste better than store-bought options.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Use green onions or sesame seeds as garnishes for visual appeal and added flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy Panda Express Orange Chicken right after cooking for maximum crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

To complete your meal featuring Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes. Each one complements the flavors of the orange chicken beautifully.

1. Fried Rice: A savory mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs makes for a hearty side that pairs well with orange chicken.
2. Egg Rolls: These crispy appetizers add crunch and are filled with delicious vegetables or meat.
3. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables provide another textural contrast to your meal.
4. Sweet and Sour Soup: This vibrant soup offers a tangy kick that matches well with the sweetness of the orange chicken.
5. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame oil boosts both color and crunch on your plate.
6. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or veggies are perfect for dipping in soy sauce alongside your main dish.
7. Miso Soup: This light soup can cleanse the palate between bites of rich orange chicken.
8. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Panda Express Orange Chicken at home can be a delightful experience. However, there are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Using too much oil: This can lead to greasy chicken. Use just enough oil for frying—about 1 Tbsp per pound of chicken is sufficient.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long makes it tough. Fry until golden brown and crispy, around 5-7 minutes.
• Neglecting the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too watery, it won’t cling well to the chicken. Make sure to mix the cornstarch with water properly before adding it to the sauce.
• Skipping marination: Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavors. Even a short marination of 15-30 minutes enhances taste significantly.
• Not frying in batches: Overcrowding the pan leads to uneven cooking. Fry the chicken in small batches for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Place cooled orange chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes on high, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and heat thoroughly while stirring for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s known for its balance of flavors and textures.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?

To make it healthier, consider baking instead of frying the chicken or using less sugar in the sauce. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables instead of rice.

Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute boneless chicken breasts with tofu or shrimp for a different twist on this classic dish.

What should I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice, as well as fresh vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

How do I fix overly thick orange sauce?

If your orange sauce turns out too thick, add a splash of water or additional vinegar gradually while heating until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding vegetables according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!