Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Orange Chicken, just like Panda Express! This delightful dish features tender pieces of boneless chicken breast that are deep-fried and then enveloped in a sweet, tangy orange sauce made from scratch. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, Panda Express Orange Chicken is easy to whip up and sure to impress your guests with its flavor and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Delicious Flavor: The sweet and tangy orange sauce balances perfectly with the crispy chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a flavorful appetizer at parties.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty twist on a classic dish!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools listed below. These will help you efficiently prepare your Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or heavy pot: Necessary for frying the chicken evenly to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly while preparing the batter and sauce.
• Slotted spoon: Helpful for safely removing the fried chicken from hot oil without excess grease.

Ingredients

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 Orange 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

Begin by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Add the cornstarch and flour, mixing until well combined. Toss in the chicken pieces until fully coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat your deep fryer or heavy pot filled with oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until they are golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zests, and orange juice concentrate. Stir continuously until it comes to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add this slurry into the sauce while whisking to thicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once thickened, add the fried chicken into the pan with your orange sauce. Gently toss until all pieces are well coated in that delicious glaze.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this delightful dish as a main course that everyone will love!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Perfectly fluffy steamed rice complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the orange chicken, making it a classic pairing.

Over Fried Rice

• Serve your orange chicken over a bed of fried rice for an extra flavor boost and satisfying meal.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a delicious platter by combining orange chicken with dumplings and spring rolls for a delightful Chinese-inspired feast.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Add some stir-fried or steamed vegetables on the side for a colorful and nutritious balance to your meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun twist, serve the orange chicken in lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and freshness while keeping it light.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

Creating the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken at home requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve restaurant-quality results.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce and spices enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, ginger, and orange juice will elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer until it thickens.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding sesame seeds or green onions as a garnish gives your dish an appealing finish and extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Panda Express Orange Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious dish perfectly.

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful mix of vegetables and scrambled eggs, fried rice is an excellent accompaniment that adds heartiness to your meal.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   This simple side provides a healthy crunch and balances the sweetness of the orange chicken well.

3. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat add texture and variety to your plate, making for an enjoyable bite alongside your chicken.

4. Chow Mein Noodles
   Soft noodles stir-fried with veggies make for a great base under the orange chicken, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

5. Miso Soup
   A warm bowl of miso soup offers lightness and warmth, serving as a soothing starter before diving into the main dish.

6. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad adds brightness to your meal with its tangy dressing, contrasting nicely with the rich flavors of the orange chicken.

7. Spring Rolls
   Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables make for an ideal appetizer or side that pairs well with any Asian-inspired dish.

8. Quinoa Salad
   For something different, try serving quinoa salad packed with veggies and herbs for added nutrition and flavor depth alongside your orange chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Panda Express Orange Chicken even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much cornstarch: Too much cornstarch can make the chicken overly thick and gummy. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfect texture.
• Skipping the marination step: Neglecting to marinate the chicken means missing out on flavor. Allow at least 15 minutes for the marinade to enhance taste.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to keep it crispy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Guessing measurements can lead to an unbalanced sauce. Use precise measurements for consistent results every time.

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 in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Panda Express Orange Chicken that might help you out.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken crispy?

To achieve crispy chicken, ensure that you coat your chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch and flour before frying. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Can I customize my Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes and incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.

Is there a vegetarian version of Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute boneless chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian alternative that still retains delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that’s both easy and versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this favorite any day of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences!