Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese-American restaurant right to your kitchen. This recipe stands out with its perfectly fried chicken, enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s easy to make from scratch. It’s not only suitable for family dinners but also great for gatherings and special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade orange sauce is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the dish to new heights.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand, making this recipe adaptable for various diets.
• Family-Friendly: The mild spice level makes it suitable for diners of all ages, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this amazing Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment that simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or wok: This tool ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture we love in fried chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls allows you to keep your ingredients organized, making preparation smoother.
• Whisk: A whisk is perfect for blending sauces thoroughly without clumps, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Tongs: These help safely turn and remove the chicken from hot oil without risk of burns.

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

• 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 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 chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, egg, sunflower oil, cornstarch, and flour. Mix well until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough oil over medium-high heat for frying. Use a thermometer if available; the ideal temperature should be around 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove with tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serving Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fried Rice

• Vegetable Fried Rice: Toss cooked rice with colorful veggies and soy sauce for a tasty side.
• Egg Fried Rice: Add scrambled eggs for a protein boost and extra flavor.

Include Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets for a nutritious crunch that complements the sweetness of the chicken.
• Snow Peas: Their crisp texture pairs wonderfully with the dish while adding freshness.

Serve Over Noodles

• Lo Mein: Soft noodles stir-fried with vegetables create a satisfying base for the orange chicken.
• Rice Noodles: For a gluten-free option, toss the chicken over rice noodles lightly dressed in soy sauce.

Create a Salad

• Asian Slaw: A mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
• Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar provide a cool balance to the dish.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

Perfecting Panda Express Orange Chicken at home requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for exceptional results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify sugar levels based on your preference to achieve the ideal sweetness.
• Optimal Frying Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for crispy chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Double Fry Technique: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice, allowing it to rest between frying sessions.
• Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before serving; adjust acidity or sweetness as needed by adding more vinegar or sugar.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Top with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Complement your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options.

1. Fried Rice: A classic pairing made with vegetables, perfect for soaking up the orange sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious and vibrant, it adds color and health benefits to your meal.
3. Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful contrast in texture.
4. Garlic Noodles: Flavorful noodles tossed in garlic butter make an irresistible side.
5. Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers dressed in vinegar brighten up the plate.
6. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with veggies are another hearty complement that pairs well with orange chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• One common mistake is not properly seasoning the chicken. Make sure to season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.
• Another mistake is using the wrong type of oil for frying. Opt for a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower oil instead of strong oils that can alter the taste.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken pieces. Keep an eye on them while frying to achieve that crispy texture without drying them out.
• Many people forget to let the fried chicken drain properly. Use a wire rack or paper towels after frying to prevent sogginess from excess oil.
• A frequent error is skipping the zesting of ginger and orange. These ingredients add essential flavors, so be sure to include them in your sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?
To make it healthier, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. You can also reduce the sugar in the sauce or use a sugar substitute.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Turkey works well as a substitute for chicken in this recipe and will still deliver delicious results.

Is Panda Express Orange Chicken spicy?
No, this dish is not too spicy. It has a mild flavor profile that makes it enjoyable for everyone.

What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you prefer more spice or extra citrus flavor, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful dish at home!