Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe: An Incredible Secret With 7 Steps

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to bring the amazing flavors of this iconic dish to your home kitchen. This dish, known for its crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange glaze, is a favorite among many. If you’ve ever craved that incredible taste that you can only find at Panda Express, you’re in the right place! The blend of succulent chicken and zesty orange sauce creates a wonderful flavor profile that not only satisfies hunger but also leaves a lasting impression.
Getting the right balance of flavors in your own kitchen can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re serving this dish for a family dinner or impressing guests, the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe offers simplicity and mouth-watering results. Each bite delivers a perfect mix of crispiness and sweetness that many find irresistible. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try, what you’ll need, and how to make it effortlessly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a treasure trove of delightful culinary elements. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore making it:
1. Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
2. Flavorful Sauce: The sauce combines the sweetness of orange with a hint of spice, creating a truly irresistible flavor.
3. Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated in a light batter, resulting in a deliciously crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.
4. Family-Approved: This dish is a surefire hit with both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
5. Versatile: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste, such as adding vegetables or adjusting the level of sweetness.
6. Homemade Goodness: Making it from scratch allows you to use fresh ingredients and adjust seasonings to your preference.
7. Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as tasty, meaning you can enjoy this dish for lunch or dinner the next day without losing any flavor!
With these features in mind, this recipe shines as an amazing addition to your culinary repertoire.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Before diving into the cooking, it’s essential to understand the time commitment involved. Here’s how long you can expect preparation and cooking to take:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
This schedule is perfect for busy cooks who want a quick yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
– For the Orange Sauce:
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is easy when you follow these straightforward steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat them well with the flour mixture.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Orange Sauce: In a saucepan, mix together the orange juice, granulated sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce.
7. Combine: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
By following these instructions, you’ll have a scrumptious Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe ready in no time!

How to Serve

When it’s time to serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider these tips to enhance the dining experience:
1. Plating: Spoon the orange chicken onto a vibrant plate, and consider garnishing with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniments: Serve over steamed rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables to balance flavors.
3. Presentation: Use a family-style serving bowl for a communal feel, or portion it out onto individual plates for a more formal dining experience.
4. Extras: Offer additional sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or extra soy sauce, for guests to personalize their meal further.
These serving suggestions elevate your Panda Express Orange Chicken, making it not just a meal but a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh orange juice rather than bottled for a more vibrant flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic will also elevate the sauce.
– Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken may turn out soggy.
– Double the Sauce: If you love the orange sauce, consider making a double batch to drizzle over rice or vegetables as well.
– Experiment with Spices: Try adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to try these exciting variations of the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe:
1. Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry for a nutritious twist.
2. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
3. Baked Orange Chicken: Skip frying and coat the chicken in the mixture before baking it in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy.
4. Orange Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option that still delivers those delicious flavors.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring they maintain their crunch.
– Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing. Place it in freezer-safe bags, where it can last up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the orange sauce separately.

Special Equipment

To make the Panda Express Orange Chicken, here are some essential tools you’ll need:
– Large skillet or wok for frying the chicken
– Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
– Tongs or a slotted spoon for turning the chicken while frying
– Saucepan for preparing the orange sauce
– Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a substitute, but they may yield a slightly different texture.
What can I serve with orange chicken?
Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili flakes or hot sauce into the orange sauce.
How long does the sauce last?
The orange sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
Can I make this dish in advance?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to fry the chicken just before serving, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready.

Conclusion

Creating the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. The combination of crispy chicken coated in a luscious orange glaze is bound to impress everyone at your dining table. As you enjoy the delightful flavors, you’ll likely find yourself making this dish over and over again. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare for a delicious homemade treat that matches your favorite takeout.

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