Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen! This recipe features tender chunks of chicken, perfectly coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish stands out with its ease of preparation and delicious flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, preparing this dish is a breeze.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of sweet orange and savory spices creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for serving over rice or paired with vegetables, making it adaptable to your dining preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This classic dish is sure to impress family and friends, great for gatherings or casual dinners alike.
• Healthier Alternative: By making it at home, you control the ingredients and can customize it to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation. These essentials will help bring your Panda Express Orange Chicken to life!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or deep fryer: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture when frying the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients thoroughly for both the batter and sauce.
• Whisk: Helps mix the sauce evenly, ensuring all flavors blend well together.

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Ingredients

To create your own delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

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 your chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour until smooth.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat sunflower oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, allowing excess to drip off before placing it in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In another 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, and rice apple vinegar. Stir well until sugar dissolves. In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with a little water; add this mixture to the sauce to thicken it. Cook until bubbly.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the fried chicken pieces directly into the pan. Toss gently until each piece is well-coated with that sweet and tangy orange sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish at any gathering!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is the classic accompaniment, balancing the sweet and tangy flavors of the orange chicken perfectly.

Over Fried Rice

• For a heartier option, serve the orange chicken over fried rice mixed with vegetables and scrambled eggs. This adds texture and flavor depth.

With Chow Mein

• Pair your orange chicken with chow mein noodles for a delicious mix of crunchy and savory elements that complement the dish well.

In a Wrap

• Create a quick and easy wrap using tortilla or lettuce leaves, filling them with orange chicken, shredded carrots, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing bite.

As Part of a Platter

• Serve the orange chicken alongside other Chinese favorites like sweet and sour chicken or spring rolls on a platter for a complete meal experience.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To achieve the best results with your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken, follow these helpful tips that will ensure crispy chicken coated in irresistible sauce.

• Marinate the chicken: Allow your chicken to marinate in soy sauce and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor significantly.

• Use cornstarch liberally: Coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch before frying. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. This prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.

• Double-fry for extra crispiness: For an even crunchier texture, fry the chicken pieces twice. The first fry cooks them through, while the second fry crisps up the coating.

• Toss in sauce immediately: After frying, toss the chicken in the orange sauce while it’s still hot. This helps retain its crispiness without making it soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

When planning your meal, pairing side dishes with Panda Express Orange Chicken can enhance flavors and create variety on your plate. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice made with vegetables and eggs complements the sweet orange sauce beautifully.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   Quick-cooked mixed vegetables tossed with sesame oil make for a healthy and colorful side dish.

3. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies provide an additional crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with orange chicken.

4. Sweet and Sour Cabbage Slaw
   A fresh slaw featuring cabbage, carrots, and a sweet dressing adds brightness to balance out the rich flavors of your main dish.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli offers a nutritious touch while adding vibrant color to your plate.

6. Coconut Rice
   Coconut-infused rice adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.

7. Wonton Soup
   A warm bowl of wonton soup serves as a comforting addition that complements the main dish nicely.

8. Pickled Vegetables
   Tangy pickled vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of orange chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when making Panda Express Orange Chicken:

• Skipping marinating the chicken: Marinating adds flavor and tenderness. Take time to marinate your chicken with the egg and seasonings before frying.

• Using too much oil: Excess oil can make your chicken greasy. Use just enough oil for deep frying, ensuring that it covers the chicken pieces without overflowing.

• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature. Cook in batches to maintain a crispy texture and even cooking.

• Not adjusting the sweetness: Everyone has different preferences for sweetness. Taste your sauce as you make it and adjust the sugar to suit your liking.

• Ignoring the cooking time: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Keep an eye on the frying time, and ensure the chicken is golden brown but not overdone.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Panda Express Orange Chicken will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Panda Express Orange Chicken:

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular American-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

How can I customize my Panda Express Orange Chicken?

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli, or by adjusting the spice level with more crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos, and use cornstarch that is labeled gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers of Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What dishes pair well with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

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

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile! Its sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it appealing to many palates. Feel free to customize it with veggies or adjust sweetness levels to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try for a delightful homemade version of a favorite takeout dish!