Panda Express Orange Chicken

Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful treat for any occasion! This dish captures the essence of the beloved takeout classic, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and familiar taste, you’ll find yourself making this dish time and time again.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Orange Sauce
• How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Coat the Chicken
• Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
• Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken
• With Steamed Rice
• Accompanied by Vegetables
• As Part of a Larger Meal
• How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What ingredients are needed for Panda Express Orange Chicken?
• Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?
• How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?
• How do I achieve crispy chicken?
• Can I customize the orange sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The homemade orange sauce is a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess, making every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Panda Express Orange Chicken fits right in.
• Kid-Friendly: This dish is not too spicy, making it a great option for families with children.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or large pot: Essential for frying the chicken to crispy perfection without splatters.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing batters and mixing sauces efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for the sauce without clumps.

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 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 wine (or apple cider vinegar)

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then coat it with the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is fully covered.

Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat your deep fryer or pot with oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken cooks, prepare your orange sauce. In a saucepan, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once all chicken pieces are fried and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour your prepared orange sauce over them and toss gently until well coated.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over rice or with steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

With Steamed Rice

• Plain white rice – A classic choice that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Fried rice – Adds an extra layer of flavor with vegetables and eggs mixed in.
• Brown rice – A healthier option that provides a nuttier taste and adds fiber.

Accompanied by Vegetables

• Stir-fried broccoli – Offers a crunchy texture and a vibrant color to your plate.
• Sweet and sour bell peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the dish’s flavors.
• Sesame green beans – Lightly sautéed green beans tossed with sesame for a nutty finish.

As Part of a Larger Meal

• Appetizer platter – Serve with egg rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
• Noodle salad – A cold noodle salad brings freshness and complements the warm chicken.

How to Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

To achieve the best version of Panda Express Orange Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic, ginger, and orange juice will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Double fry the chicken – For an extra crispy texture, fry the chicken twice, allowing it to stay crispy longer after adding the sauce.
• Balance flavors – Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess of your sauce to suit your preference before mixing with chicken.
• Keep sauce warm – Ensure your orange sauce is warm when combining it with fried chicken for better adhesion.
• Garnish wisely – Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Orange Chicken

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

1. Fried Rice – A flavorful mix of rice, veggies, and eggs makes for a satisfying complement.
2. Egg Rolls – Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, these make a great starter or side.
3. Chow Mein Noodles – Soft noodles stir-fried with veggies provide a nice contrast in texture.
4. Miso Soup – Light and savory, this soup offers a soothing balance to the richness of the chicken.
5. Asian Slaw – A crunchy mix of cabbage and carrots tossed in sesame dressing adds freshness.
6. Cucumber Salad – Chilled cucumbers in vinegar make for a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Panda Express Orange Chicken at home can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Always opt for boneless chicken breasts or thighs to ensure tenderness. Avoid using tough cuts that won’t fry well.
• Skipping marination: Marinating chicken helps enhance flavor and tenderness. Allow it to sit in the seasoning for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• Not checking oil temperature: Frying in oil that is too cool will result in soggy chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain the right frying temperature of about 350°F (175°C).
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Neglecting sauce consistency: Ensure your orange sauce thickens properly by allowing it to simmer long enough with cornstarch. A runny sauce won’t cling well to the chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Panda Express Orange Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for Panda Express Orange Chicken?

You will need boneless chicken breasts, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and orange juice concentrate among other ingredients.

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish is generally not very spicy. The crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.

How do I achieve crispy chicken?

To get crispy chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying and don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking.

Can I customize the orange sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar and tweak acidity by varying the amount of vinegar.

Final Thoughts

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that makes it a favorite among many. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust spice levels to suit your taste! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a cherished meal at your dinner table!