Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Orange Chicken, just like Panda Express! This delicious dish features tender pieces of boneless chicken breast that are deep-fried and then coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce made from scratch. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Panda Express Orange Chicken is easy to make and not too spicy, making it an appealing choice for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 40 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade orange sauce strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the chicken to new heights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress friends and family with its vibrant flavors and crispy texture.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Panda Express Orange Chicken, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for mixing the chicken with batter and sauces without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly combining ingredients.
• Deep frying pan or wok: Provides ample space for frying the chicken evenly, ensuring a crisp texture.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing fried chicken from hot oil while allowing excess oil to drain off.

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

Start by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with egg, sunflower oil, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour. Mix well until all pieces are coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In your deep frying pan or wok, heat enough oil over medium-high heat for frying. You want about 2 inches of oil in the pan. Check if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In another saucepan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, and cornstarch. Stir continuously until it thickens—about 5-8 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened nicely, add in your fried chicken pieces. Gently toss everything together until each piece is well-coated in that delicious orange sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Panda Express Orange Chicken warm over rice or noodles for an enjoyable meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a quiet night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

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

With Fried Rice

• Pair it with fried rice for an authentic Chinese experience. The savory flavors of the fried rice complement the sweet, tangy sauce beautifully.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps filled with orange chicken and fresh veggies for a fun, hands-on meal.

On Noodles

• Toss the orange chicken with noodles for a quick stir-fry option. Add some vegetables for added crunch and nutrition.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a platter with orange chicken, spring rolls, and dumplings for an impressive appetizer spread at gatherings.

With Salad

• Serve it on top of mixed greens for a lighter option. Drizzle with additional dressing to enhance the flavors.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To achieve the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken at home, follow these essential tips for delicious results.

• Choose the right chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for tender pieces that fry well and hold onto the sauce.
• Double fry the chicken: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice to achieve that signature crunch synonymous with Panda Express.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance flavor dramatically compared to dried versions, making your sauce more vibrant.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in your sauce based on personal preference; balancing sweetness is key.
• Don’t skip marinating: Allowing the chicken to marinate briefly before frying enhances flavor absorption.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your orange chicken right after cooking for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Panda Express Orange Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fried Rice
   A classic companion, fried rice adds heartiness and complements the sweet flavors of the orange chicken.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   Nutrient-rich steamed broccoli adds color and balances out the richness of the dish while providing an extra health kick.

3. Spring Rolls
   Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with orange chicken’s texture.

4. Egg Drop Soup
   This simple yet flavorful soup provides warmth and is an excellent starter that complements main dishes like orange chicken.

5. Chow Mein Noodles
   Soft, stir-fried noodles make an ideal base for scooping up chunks of orange chicken, enhancing each bite’s flavor profile.

6. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool crunch and tangy contrast to the sweet-sour notes of the dish.

7. Garlic Green Beans
   Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic deliver both flavor and texture while being quick to prepare alongside your main dish.

8. Quinoa Pilaf
   A nutritious alternative, quinoa pilaf offers a unique twist on traditional rice sides while still pairing well with orange chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Panda Express Orange Chicken, even small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in a less flavorful dish. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for better taste.
• Using too much oil: Overcrowding the frying pan with chicken can lead to soggy results. Fry in batches to ensure each piece is crispy.
• Not adjusting sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet for your taste, reduce the sugar gradually until you find the perfect balance.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor closely and remove when golden brown.
• Forgetting the garnishes: Skipping garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds can diminish presentation. Always add these last for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Let cool completely before sealing to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use microwave-safe dishes and cover lightly. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and reheat chicken until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.

How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is mildly spicy. You can adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

You can substitute soy sauce with coconut liquid aminos for a similar flavor profile that’s also gluten-free.

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that’s both easy to prepare and immensely satisfying. With its sweet-tangy flavor, this recipe offers versatility—feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!