Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Orange Chicken, just like Panda Express! This dish features tender pieces of chicken breast deep-fried to perfection and coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce made from scratch. Panda Express Orange Chicken is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love. It’s not too spicy and incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade orange sauce combines sweetness with a hint of tanginess, making it irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring satisfaction for everyone at the table.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add vegetables for extra nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, you’ll need some essential tools to make your Panda Express Orange Chicken a success. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking experience and enhance the overall outcome.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pot or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pot or skillet: A sturdy pot ensures even heating and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients and marinating chicken, which enhances flavor.
• Whisk: Great for mixing sauces evenly without any lumps.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping chicken pieces while frying without getting burned.

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

To begin, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and let them marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, mix together cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the mixture and dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated. This will ensure a crispy exterior once fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in your deep frying pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels 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, zested ginger root, orange juice concentrate, sesame oil, and rice apple vinegar. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water until smooth; then add it to the sauce. Allow it to simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened nicely, add the fried chicken into the saucepan. Toss them gently until every piece is coated with that delicious orange sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or lo mein noodles for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this crispy, tangy chicken.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or white rice makes a perfect base for the sweet and tangy orange chicken, soaking up the flavorful sauce.

With Fried Rice

• Pairing orange chicken with fried rice adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it a satisfying meal.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps filled with orange chicken. Add some crunchy veggies for added freshness.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Serve the orange chicken on top of lo mein or rice noodles for a delicious twist. Drizzle with extra sauce for more flavor.

As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter

• Combine orange chicken with assorted stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for a colorful and healthy presentation.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

Creating the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken at home requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an impressive result.

• Choose the right chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best as they stay juicy during frying and absorb the sauce well.
• Preheat the oil properly: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. This helps achieve that crispy texture without excess grease.
• Use cornstarch generously: A good coating of cornstarch helps create an extra crunch on the chicken, making it feel like takeout.
• Balance flavors in the sauce: Adjust sweetness and tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar based on your taste preference.
• Garnish wisely: Finish your dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

To complement your Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider serving it with one or more of these delicious side dishes. They add variety and enhance your meal experience.

1. Vegetable Fried Rice
   A colorful mix of vegetables stir-fried with rice, providing additional textures and flavors that pair beautifully with orange chicken.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple yet effective, steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances out the richness of the orange chicken.

3. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables make for a great appetizer or side, adding crunchiness to your meal.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar complements the sweetness of orange chicken perfectly while adding a crisp element.

5. Chow Mein Noodles
   These stir-fried noodles offer a satisfying chewiness that contrasts nicely with the tender pieces of orange chicken.

6. Miso Soup
   Light and savory, miso soup serves as a warm accompaniment that enhances Asian flavors present in the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Panda Express Orange Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always remember to season with salt and pepper before frying.
• Bold oil temperature: Frying the chicken at too low a temperature can result in greasy pieces. Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for a crispy texture.
• Bold sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken well. Use enough cornstarch when thickening the sauce for that perfect coating.
• Bold frying time: Overcooking or undercooking the chicken can affect its tenderness. Aim for a golden-brown color and ensure it’s cooked through but not dry.
• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using the wrong type of soy sauce or omitting essential ingredients can alter the flavor profile. Stick closely to the recipe for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

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

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Panda Express Orange Chicken.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken from scratch?

To make Panda Express Orange Chicken from scratch, follow this recipe using boneless chicken breasts and create your own sweet and tangy orange sauce with vinegar and sugar.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef, adjusting cooking times as necessary for different meats.

What should I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables, offering a balanced meal that complements its flavors.

Is there a vegetarian version of Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken with tofu or seitan and follow the same cooking method for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is mildly spicy, thanks to crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting sweetness or spice levels based on your taste. Whether you’re serving it at dinner parties or enjoying it as a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breast coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This quick and easy recipe captures the classic flavors of your favorite takeout meal, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will love. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp sunflower oil
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut liquid aminos)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate

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Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pot over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
4. For the sauce, combine vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, garlic, orange juice concentrate in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; add to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
6. Toss fried chicken in the orange sauce until evenly coated and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 353
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 791mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 82mg