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| Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express |
Orange chicken is one of the most popular dishes at Panda Express, loved for its crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. The delightful blend of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors makes it a favorite for many people.
While you can easily pick up this dish at your local Panda Express, making it at home offers the benefit of customizing the taste and ensuring the chicken is cooked to your exact preference.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a homemade version of Panda Express’s orange chicken that rivals the original. This recipe is simple, yet packed with flavor. You can enjoy this dish as a main course with rice, or serve it as part of a larger Chinese-inspired meal.
Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress!
🍴 Recipe Preparation Equipment
To make this delicious Orange Chicken Recipe, you'll need the following equipment:
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot: To fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
- Mixing Bowls: For coating the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Whisk: To ensure the batter is smooth and clump-free.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients for both the chicken and sauce.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely transferring fried chicken to a plate.
- Saucepan: For cooking the orange sauce to perfection.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
🛒 What Do You Need to Prepare Orange Chicken?
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
🔥 How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Step-by-Step?
Here’s a detailed guide to preparing this easy and delicious Orange Chicken recipe. Follow the steps below to recreate Panda Express’s famous dish in your own kitchen!
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| Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express |
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and egg. Gradually add in the cold water while whisking to form a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too runny.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off before frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F, carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken in the sauce, ensuring that each piece is fully covered. Allow it to cook for another minute or two to let the sauce adhere to the chicken.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes!
🌱 Variations
There are many ways you can tweak this Orange Chicken recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to make the dish spicier.
- Baked Orange Chicken: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken pieces in the batter, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Orange Tofu: For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and follow the same steps for frying or baking.
- Pineapple Orange Chicken: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
🍳 Cooking Notes
- Frying Tips: Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F for optimal crispy results. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn; if it's too cold, the batter will become soggy.
- Batter Consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a bit more water to achieve the right consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but thin enough to drip off.
- Storage: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Orange chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside this sweet and tangy dish:
- Steamed Rice: The perfect base for the saucy orange chicken. You can also serve it with jasmine rice or fried rice for added flavor.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried green beans, or sautéed bok choy make great sides.
- Egg Rolls or Dumplings: Add a crunchy side like egg rolls or dumplings for a more authentic Chinese meal experience.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Double Frying: For extra crispiness, you can fry the chicken twice. After the first fry, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then fry it again until golden brown and crispy.
- Orange Zest: Adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce enhances the citrus flavor and gives the dish an extra aromatic kick.
- Thick Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, continue simmering it until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit of water or broth.
🌟 Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor than store-bought varieties.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure the pieces cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Balance Sweetness and Tanginess: Adjust the sugar and vinegar in the sauce to get the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Taste and adjust as needed.
⏰ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
🍎 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 400 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
❓ FAQs
1. Can I make orange chicken without frying?
Yes! You can bake the chicken for a healthier alternative, or use an air fryer for crispy results without the oil.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the batter.
3. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🎉 Conclusion
Making Panda Express’s Orange Chicken at home is easier than you might think. With this step-by-step recipe, you can recreate the crispy, tangy dish that’s loved by so many.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this homemade version will definitely impress your guests.
Enjoy the sweet and zesty flavor, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides!
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