Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen! This recipe features tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce that’s easy to make from scratch. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and tangy orange sauce elevates the chicken, making every bite irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Not too spicy, this recipe pleases everyone at the table—from kids to adults.
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the takeout and enjoy a fresher version made with wholesome ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into this tasty recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pot: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture when frying the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients and preparing the batter efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps ensure that your batter is smooth and well-mixed for even coating on the chicken.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing fried chicken from hot oil while allowing excess oil to drip off.

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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, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour until well combined. Then add the sunflower oil to create a thick batter.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat. Once hot, dip each piece of chicken into the batter and carefully place them in the oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, 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 another saucepan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, sesame oil, and rice apple vinegar. Stir until sugar dissolves and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add this to your simmering sauce while stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened, add in your fried chicken pieces. Toss gently until all pieces are coated evenly with that delicious orange sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot!

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken warm over rice or noodles. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

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

With Fried Rice

• Pairing orange chicken with fried rice adds extra flavor and texture, making for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

As a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap pieces of orange chicken for a fun and interactive meal. It’s a great option for parties!

On a Salad

• Toss the orange chicken over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite vegetables. The sweet sauce complements fresh veggies beautifully.

With Noodles

• Serve the orange chicken alongside lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired feast that’s sure to please.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To make your Panda Express Orange Chicken truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor of your sauce, giving it an authentic taste.
• Double fry the chicken: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice. This creates a crunchy texture that holds up against the sauce.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount in the sauce according to your taste preferences for perfect balance.
• Marinate chicken: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and spices for about 30 minutes can add depth to the flavor.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer will help thicken it nicely and deepen its flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

When serving Panda Express Orange Chicken, choosing complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice
   A classic side that adds savory flavors with peas, carrots, and egg mixed in.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas tossed in soy sauce provides freshness and crunch.

3. Egg Rolls
   Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside your sweet orange chicken.

4. Spring Rolls
   Light and refreshing, spring rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables are perfect for dipping in sweet chili sauce.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances out the richness of the orange chicken perfectly.

6. Coconut Jasmine Rice
   The subtle sweetness of coconut jasmine rice pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavors of orange chicken.

7. Pickled Vegetables
   Quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots provide a tangy contrast to the sweet dish, brightening up each bite.

8. Chow Mein Noodles
   These stir-fried noodles offer texture and flavor that complement the orange chicken beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Panda Express Orange Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Using chicken thighs instead of boneless breasts can lead to a different texture. Stick to boneless chicken breasts for that classic crunch.
• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in seasonings can result in bland flavors. Marinate your chicken for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Crowding the pan can cause the temperature to drop, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain crispy texture.
• Neglecting the sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t cling well to the chicken. Make sure your cornstarch mixture is properly combined and thickens before adding it.
• Not letting the oil heat up enough: Frying in oil that’s not hot enough will make your chicken greasy. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken before frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Place cooled orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• It 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 on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Panda Express Orange Chicken:

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken spicier?

You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase the heat level.

Can I use other proteins for this recipe?

Yes! This recipe works well with beef, lamb, or turkey if you want to explore different flavors.

What is the best way to serve Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make Panda Express Orange Chicken?

The total time for preparing and cooking this dish is approximately 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos and ensure your cornstarch and flour are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken offers an irresistible blend of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile too; you can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful homemade version of your favorite takeout!