Have you ever craved that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch found in Panda Express Orange Chicken? This dish combines crispy fried chicken with a mouthwatering orange sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will surely impress.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
- How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Tips and Tricks
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?
- How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?
- Can I freeze leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken?
- What can I substitute for orange juice in this recipe?
- Conclusion
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine biting into golden-brown pieces of chicken, coated in a sticky, sweet sauce that dances on your palate. The aroma of fresh ginger and garlic fills your kitchen as you prepare this delightful meal. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that makes this dish an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken
Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the orange sauce elevates ordinary chicken to extraordinary heights. With hints of garlic and ginger, each bite offers a perfect blend of tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe allows you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner option, this dish is your go-to solution.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Swap out the chicken for tofu or vegetables to create a vegetarian version or add more spice if you love heat.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this classic dish at gatherings or family dinners, and watch everyone rave about it! With its appealing appearance and irresistible taste, it’s sure to be a hit among both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This will help create a crispy coating on the chicken when fried; feel free to use gluten-free flour if necessary.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch helps achieve an extra-crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Eggs: Two beaten eggs serve as the binding agent for the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat on each piece of chicken.
For the Sauce:
Fresh Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed juice for maximum flavor; it adds sweetness and brightness to the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while complementing the sweetness of the dish.
Brown Sugar: A key ingredient that balances the tartness of orange juice with its rich sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk together eggs while placing flour and cornstarch in another bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into egg first before coating it with the flour mixture.
Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep frying pan or wok, pour enough oil to submerge half of each piece of chicken. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add coated chicken pieces into hot oil in batches so they don’t overcrowd. Fry until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per batch—then transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until sugar dissolves and let it simmer until slightly thickened (around 5-7 minutes).
Coat Fried Chicken in Sauce: Add fried chicken pieces into the saucepan with orange sauce. Toss everything together gently until evenly coated before serving.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes all the difference in flavor compared to bottled versions. It enhances both taste and aroma significantly.
Avoid Overcrowding When Frying: Frying too many pieces at once can lower oil temperature leading to soggy chicken rather than crispy bites. Work in small batches instead.
Adjust Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sweetness in your dish, reduce brown sugar or increase soy sauce accordingly during preparation for balanced flavors.
Serve Immediately: For optimal enjoyment, serve this dish hot right after preparing it since reheating may soften its crispiness over time.
Enjoy crafting this delightful Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe!
Serving Suggestions
This Panda Express Orange Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Steamed Rice
Serve your Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce, making each bite delightful. You can use jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch. Adding a sprinkle of green onions on top enhances both flavor and presentation.
Fried Rice
Pair your Orange Chicken with a side of fried rice for a classic Chinese meal experience. The savory flavors of the fried rice, combined with the zesty chicken, create a harmonious dish. Add peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs to your fried rice for extra nutrition and texture.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful vegetable stir-fry complements Panda Express Orange Chicken perfectly. Sauté bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in sesame oil for a fresh crunch. This side not only adds vibrant colors to your plate but also increases your meal’s nutritional value.
Egg Rolls
Enjoy crispy egg rolls alongside your Orange Chicken for a satisfying crunch. Filled with vegetables or meat, these treats add variety to your meal. Serve them with sweet and sour sauce for dipping to enhance the overall dining experience.
FAQs
What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?
Panda Express Orange Chicken features battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet orange sauce. This iconic dish includes soy sauce, orange juice, ginger, garlic, and sugar for flavoring. It’s typically garnished with green onions for added freshness.
How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?
To create a healthier version of Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Use low-sugar orange juice and limit the amount of soy sauce to reduce sodium levels while maintaining flavor.
Can I freeze leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken! Store it in an airtight container after cooling it completely. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or stovetop for best results.
What can I substitute for orange juice in this recipe?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can substitute it with other citrus juices like lemon or lime juice mixed with a bit of honey or sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, using store-bought orange marmalade can also work well as a flavorful alternative.
Conclusion
Panda Express Orange Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy orange glaze. This recipe allows you to recreate this fast-food favorite at home while enjoying its vibrant flavors at any time. Pair it with steamed rice or vegetable stir-fry for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a vibrant, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. This quick and easy recipe allows you to recreate the restaurant experience at home in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch alongside the bold flavors of fresh oranges, garlic, and ginger.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Minced garlic and ginger
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Prepare three bowls: one with beaten eggs, one with a mix of flour and cornstarch, and one for frying.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Coat each chicken piece in egg then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until evenly coated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
