Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Orange Chicken, just like Panda Express! This delightful dish features pieces of boneless chicken breast that are deep-fried and then tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce made from scratch. Panda Express Orange Chicken is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. Its unique balance of flavors makes it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that mimic your favorite takeout dish.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles to complete your meal, or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress friends and family with this homemade version of a restaurant favorite that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having the proper equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pot: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture by providing enough oil for frying.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing batter and mixing ingredients efficiently.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: Helps in safely handling hot chicken pieces without burning yourself.

Ingredients

For this delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken, you will need:

• 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 breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them evenly with the mixture.

Step 2: Create the Batter

In another bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour. After coating the chicken in the egg mixture, dredge each piece in the cornstarch-flour mix until fully coated.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat oil in your deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown

Fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Orange 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 an additional tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once your sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with that delicious sweet-tangy sauce.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your 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. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal, here are some serving suggestions.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The classic option that soaks up the tangy sauce perfectly.
• Fried Rice: For an additional flavor boost, serve with flavorful fried rice loaded with veggies.

With Noodles

• Chow Mein: Pairing orange chicken with chow mein adds texture and complements the dish’s sweetness.
• Lo Mein: Soft lo mein noodles tossed in soy sauce make a great base for the crispy chicken.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with orange chicken for a crunchy twist.
• Tortilla Wraps: For a fun fusion, wrap orange chicken in tortillas with some veggies and sauce.

On a Salad

• Asian Salad: Top mixed greens with pieces of orange chicken, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing for a refreshing meal.
• Coleslaw: Serve alongside crunchy coleslaw for a nice contrast in flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To ensure your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is as delicious as possible, follow these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Achieve the Right Crispiness: Double fry the chicken for extra crunchiness before adding it to the sauce.
• Adjust sweetness levels: Taste your sauce before serving; you can add more sugar or vinegar based on your preference.
• Marinate Chicken: Letting the chicken sit in marinade for at least 30 minutes will deepen its flavor.
• Control Heat Levels: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance; this dish can be made mild or spicy.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy right after cooking for the best taste and texture; it’s best served hot!

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Panda Express Orange Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A savory companion that complements the sweetness of orange chicken while providing fullness.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls add a delightful crunch and are perfect for dipping into sweet and sour sauce.
3. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that balances out the richness of the dish with its lightness.
4. Egg Rolls: Filled with savory ingredients, egg rolls are another crunchy option that pairs well with orange chicken.
5. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful vegetables stir-fried quickly retain their crunch and provide freshness alongside.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and richness, making them an unexpected but satisfying choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Panda Express Orange Chicken. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry. Make sure to fry until golden brown but not overcooked.
• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate your chicken can lead to bland flavor. Take a few extra minutes to let your chicken soak in seasoning for better taste.
• Using Low-Quality Oil: Using oil with a low smoke point can affect cooking. Opt for neutral oils like sunflower or canola for frying.
• Neglecting the Sauce Balance: Too much sugar can make the sauce overly sweet. Taste as you go and adjust ingredients like vinegar and soy sauce for balance.
• Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Cooking without prep can slow you down. Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smoother cooking process.
• Ignoring Cooking Temperature: Frying at too low a temperature leads to greasy chicken. Ensure your oil is hot enough for crispy results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

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

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is made with boneless chicken pieces that are battered, fried, and then coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

It is not very spicy; it features mild heat from crushed red pepper flakes, making it suitable for most palates.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, using boneless chicken thighs adds extra juiciness and flavor, making them a great alternative.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?

You can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it, and use less sugar in the sauce for a lighter version.

Can I customize the orange sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness or add more garlic and ginger for stronger flavors based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this dish by adjusting the sweetness or spiciness according to your taste. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, so give this recipe a try!