Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that brings the beloved flavors of the restaurant right to your kitchen. This sweet and tangy chicken dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. With its easy preparation and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The balance of sweetness and tanginess appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, mix it into noodles, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making this popular dish from scratch with fresh ingredients.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create your own Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having these items on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or Deep Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon

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 for the batter and sauce without any mess.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly, especially for sauces and batters.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Ideal for safely turning chicken pieces while frying without splattering hot oil.

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Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable Panda Express Orange Chicken.

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)

For Thickening

• 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 mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 2: Coat with Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Take each piece of marinated chicken and coat it thoroughly in this dry mixture. This will help achieve that crispy texture when frying.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

In a skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, and orange juice concentrate. Stir until sugar dissolves and bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to your simmering sauce while stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Toss gently until each piece is well-coated with that irresistible orange flavor!

Step 8: Serve

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

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, here are some serving suggestions.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the orange chicken over fluffy steamed rice for a comforting and filling meal.

With Fried Rice

• Pair it with fried rice for an extra burst of flavor and texture. The savory notes of the fried rice complement the sweetness of the orange sauce beautifully.

In a Wrap

• Create a delicious wrap by placing orange chicken in a tortilla or lettuce leaf. Add some fresh veggies for crunch!

As a Salad Topping

• Use orange chicken as a topping on mixed greens or coleslaw for a refreshing salad that balances flavors.

With Noodles

• Toss orange chicken with lo mein noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish. The noodles soak up the tangy sauce perfectly.

On Skewers

• Skewer pieces of orange chicken along with bell peppers and onions for a fun appetizer or party dish. Grill or bake for added flavor.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly.
• Achieve Crispy Chicken: Double fry the chicken pieces for extra crispiness. This ensures they stay crunchy even when coated in sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: Use cornstarch slurry to adjust the thickness of the sauce according to your preference.
• Balance Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding all the sugar; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
• Let it Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly after frying; this keeps it juicy and tender.
• Experiment with Heat: If you enjoy spice, increase crushed red pepper flakes in your sauce to add more kick.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fried Rice
   A classic choice that adds richness with vegetables and soy sauce, complementing the sweet and tangy notes of the chicken.
2. Steamed Broccoli
   This simple side provides a nutritious contrast, offering crunch and color while balancing out the meal’s richness.
3. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables make an excellent appetizer or side dish, adding texture and flavor diversity to your plate.
4. Chow Mein
   Stir-fried noodles with vegetables create a satisfying addition, soaking up any leftover sauce from your orange chicken.
5. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
6. Sesame Green Beans
   Sautéed green beans tossed in sesame oil offer both flavor and vibrant color, enhancing your meal visually and tastefully.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
   These provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements of orange chicken while adding a unique twist to traditional sides.
8. Quinoa Pilaf
   This healthy grain option can be flavored with herbs and spices, offering a nutritious base that complements the flavors of orange chicken well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Panda Express Orange Chicken, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using the wrong chicken cut: While boneless chicken breast is recommended, using chicken thighs can also yield delicious results. Choose what you prefer, but be aware that cooking times may vary.
• Neglecting marination: Skipping the marination step can lead to less flavor in your chicken. Allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes helps infuse the meat with taste.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy rather than crispy chicken. Fry in batches for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect the sauce’s balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially with sugar and vinegar.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the chicken properly. Make sure to simmer it until it thickens before combining with the chicken.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure the chicken is cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Panda Express Orange Chicken:

What makes Panda Express Orange Chicken so special?

Panda Express Orange Chicken stands out due to its crispy texture and sweet-tangy orange sauce that perfectly balances flavors without overwhelming spice.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times according to the type of meat used.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos and ensure your cornstarch and flour are certified gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You could also serve it alongside lo mein for a complete meal.

How do I customize the spice level?

If you like it spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. For less heat, reduce or omit them altogether.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful recipe that’s both easy and satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and offers plenty of room for customization; feel free to add veggies or tweak the sweetness level according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of restaurant-style orange chicken at home!