Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion. This beloved recipe brings the taste of the iconic restaurant to your kitchen with flavorful, deep-fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. The standout qualities of Panda Express Orange Chicken are its crispy texture, vibrant flavor, and ease of preparation, making it a favorite among home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tangy orange sauce delivers a vibrant taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe works well with rice or noodles.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for serving guests; it’s sure to be a hit at parties and family gatherings.
• Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start preparing Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pot: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture with even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing your batter and sauce without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly for the sauce and batter.

Ingredients

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

Start by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well.

Step 2: Breading Process

In another bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Take each piece of chicken from the egg mixture and dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Step 3: Heat Oil

Heat oil in your deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough by testing with a small piece of bread; it should sizzle upon contact.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

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

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add fried chicken pieces to the pan. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated in that delicious sweet-tangy sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy your amazing creation!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.

Over Fried Rice

• Serve the orange chicken over fried rice for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

With Broccoli

• Add steamed or sautéed broccoli on the side for a nutritious and vibrant touch to your plate.

In a Wrap

• Use a tortilla or lettuce wrap to create a handheld version of this dish—perfect for lunch!

As Part of a Platter

• Include orange chicken in a platter with other Asian-inspired dishes for a delightful feast.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly.
• Double fry the chicken: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken pieces twice; this creates that signature crunch.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar level in the sauce depending on your preference for sweetness.
• Marinate the chicken: Letting the chicken marinate in soy sauce and egg for at least 15 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Control spice levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes from the recipe.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your orange chicken right after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Panda Express Orange Chicken can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fried Rice – This flavorful dish complements the orange chicken well, adding depth and variety.
2. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls provide a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the chicken.
3. Chow Mein – This noodle dish adds an additional starch option while enhancing the meal’s Asian theme.
4. Sweet and Sour Cabbage – A tangy side that balances out the sweetness of the orange sauce.
5. Spring Rolls – Light and crispy, spring rolls add freshness to your meal without overwhelming it.
6. Sesame Noodles – These noodles offer nutty flavors that pair beautifully with orange chicken’s tanginess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your cooking experience smoother and your Panda Express Orange Chicken even better.

• Overcooking the chicken: This can result in dry meat. Cook until golden brown and tender, checking internal temperatures for doneness.
• Not using enough cornstarch: Insufficient coating makes the chicken less crispy. Ensure each piece is well-coated before frying for that perfect crunch.
• Skipping the marination step: Marinating enhances flavor. Allow the chicken to rest with seasoning for at least 15 minutes before frying.
• Using low-quality oil: Using oil with a low smoke point can affect frying. Choose a neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil for crispier results.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: A thin sauce won’t cling to the chicken. Add enough cornstarch to achieve a desired consistency while cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

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

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low with a splash of water or oil to maintain moisture, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

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

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?

Yes! You can use baked chicken instead of fried, substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup, and reduce sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce.

How do I make the sauce for Panda Express Orange Chicken?

The sauce consists of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and orange juice concentrate. Combine these ingredients in a pan and simmer until thickened.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute with shrimp or tofu for different flavors and textures.

How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish is mildly spicy due to crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or omitting them entirely based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows you to enjoy that classic restaurant taste at home while offering customization options like adjusting sweetness or spice levels. Give it a try for your next family dinner!