Panda Express Orange Chicken

Introduction

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a beloved dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This version captures the signature flavors of the famous fast-food dish with juicy chicken bites and a perfectly balanced orange glaze that’s both savory and sweet. With its crispy exterior and luscious sauce, this dish is a crowd favorite and makes a great meal for any occasion.

I first made this recipe when I was craving takeout but wanted to try making it at home, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. The kitchen smelled incredible, and the crispy chicken with the sweet and zesty sauce was a hit with everyone. What’s great about this Orange Chicken recipe is how easy it is to make without compromising on flavor. You can serve it over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Whether you’re looking to recreate a takeout favorite or impress your family with a homemade version, this Orange Chicken will definitely hit the spot!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prep
• Chinese-inspired meals
• Weekend cooking
• Fans of sweet and savory dishes

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with Panda Express Orange Chicken:

• Crispy Chicken Bites: The chicken pieces are lightly battered and fried to a crispy perfection that holds up beautifully against the rich orange sauce.
• Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The homemade orange sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, with a hint of garlic and ginger for added depth of flavor.
• Comfort Food: This dish is pure comfort food with a combination of crunchy chicken and zesty orange sauce that is irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: While this dish is usually a restaurant favorite, you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients, saving time and money.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce according to your preference.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Panda Express Orange Chicken at home:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1-2 tablespoons chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs provide a juicy, tender texture that holds up well when fried, making them the best choice for this dish.
• Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce its bright citrus flavor, creating a perfect balance with the savory components of the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a touch of umami, making the orange sauce savory and well-rounded.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used both in the batter for the chicken and in the sauce to help it thicken to a perfect glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Make the Chicken Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, mixing to form a smooth batter.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more water to reach a pancake batter-like consistency.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry (around 350°F or 175°C).
4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Orange Sauce:

5. Make the Orange Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce starts to simmer, continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens into a glossy glaze. If you want some heat, add chili flakes to taste.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor. Add more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more chili flakes for heat.

Coat the Chicken:

8. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the sauce soak into the chicken.
9. Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter and serve immediately. Garnish with extra orange zest or green onions if desired.

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With Rice: Serve the orange chicken over steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
• With Vegetables: Pair the dish with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• As Part of a Chinese Feast: Serve alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes like fried rice, egg rolls, or sweet and sour chicken for a larger meal.
• For Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Additional Tips for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here are some tips to help you make perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken every time:

• Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more tender than chicken breasts, making them ideal for this dish.
• Don’t Skip the Double Fry: For extra crispy chicken, fry the chicken twice. The first fry cooks the chicken, while the second fry crisps it up.
• Control the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too runny, simmer it a bit longer to thicken.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: You can make the orange sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before tossing with the chicken.
• Add Heat: If you like spicy food, add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the orange sauce for an extra kick.

Recipe Variations for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here are 10 variations to customize your Panda Express Orange Chicken:

• General Tso’s Chicken: Substitute the orange juice and zest with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce for a General Tso’s-inspired sauce.
• Orange Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra chili flakes or use a spicy chili paste to make the sauce hotter.
• Crispy Orange Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for the chicken for a delicious twist on the dish.
• Orange Chicken with Cashews: Stir in roasted cashews at the end for a crunchy addition.
• Baked Orange Chicken: Skip the frying step and bake the battered chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy for a lighter version.
• Lemon Chicken: Swap out the orange juice for fresh lemon juice for a lemony variation of the sauce.
• Orange Chicken with Bell Peppers: Add sautéed bell peppers to the dish for more texture and color.
• Orange Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss the orange chicken with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and onions for a complete meal in one pan.

Freezing and Storage for Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces separately from the sauce. Freeze the chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven and toss it with freshly made orange sauce.
• Storage: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for best results.

Special Equipment for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Panda Express Orange Chicken easier:

• Deep Skillet or Wok: A deep skillet or wok will give you enough space to fry the chicken in batches without overcrowding.
• Candy or Cooking Thermometer: Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil for frying to ensure it’s at the right temperature (around 350°F).
• Small Saucepan: A small saucepan is ideal for making the orange sauce on the stove.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to safely remove the chicken from the hot oil.
• Serving Platter: A large serving platter will make it easy to present your orange chicken when it’s ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions for Panda Express Orange Chicken

1. **Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

**
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but the chicken may be slightly less juicy than using thighs.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately. Reheat and toss together just before serving.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add hot sauce to the orange sauce for more heat.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute tofu for the chicken to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
5. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
   The oil should be around 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.

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Conclusion

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your home. With crispy chicken and a sweet, tangy sauce, it’s a dish that will surely impress family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner, preparing it for a party, or packing it for meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit every time.

This dish is as satisfying to make as it is to eat, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. The crispy coating on the chicken paired with the bold, citrusy sauce will have everyone coming back for more.

I’d love to see how your Panda Express Orange Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!