Imagine biting into a piece of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds. That’s what you’ll get with this irresistible Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe. If you love flavors that make your mouth sing and leave you craving more, you’re in for a flavorful adventure!
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you right to your favorite takeout spot without leaving your kitchen. Gather your family and friends because this culinary delight is perfect for cozy family dinners or fun gatherings where everyone leaves with happy bellies and smiles.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible Panda Express Orange Chicken is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Bursting with zesty flavors and vibrant colors, it looks stunning on any dinner table
- Perfectly crispy chicken offers a delightful texture alongside the sweet orange glaze
- Customizable ingredients allow you to adapt the dish to suit your taste preferences easily
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My friends were amazed when I served this dish at my last gathering; they couldn’t believe it was homemade!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 1-2 pounds of chicken; adjust based on your crowd size.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps give the chicken that crispy coating we all love; don’t skimp!
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs act as glue for our flour coating.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point for better results.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds that warm spice; fresh is always best for vibrant flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic brings aromatic goodness; fresh cloves pack more punch than jarred.
For the Sauce:
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor; avoid concentrated juice for authenticity.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels while still getting that umami hit.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tangy flavors perfectly; light or dark works well here.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy finish.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash helps brighten up the sauce and gives it a nice kick!
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances depth of flavor; a little goes a long way!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare for culinary magic by following these steps:
Prepare Your Chicken Coating: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk together eggs and in another bowl place flour mixed with salt and pepper.
Dredge and Fry: Dip each piece of chicken into egg mixture first, then coat thoroughly with flour. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Crispy Perfection: Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through—around 6-8 minutes per batch should do it! Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Create Your Flavorful Sauce: In a separate pan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
Add Thickness: Mix cornstarch with water until smooth and stir into sauce mixture. Cook until bubbly and thickened—this should take 2-3 minutes.
Toss It All Together: Add crispy fried chicken back into the pan with sauce. Toss until each piece is generously coated in that luscious glaze!
Now you’re ready to serve this delightful dish! Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside fresh veggies. Your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- The Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is not just about flavor; it’s all about that crispy, tangy goodness
- Mastering the balance of sweetness and spice will elevate your dish
- This delightful dish is perfect for impressing friends or just indulging after a long day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to enhance flavor, then coat it in cornstarch before frying. Fry until golden brown for that perfect crunch, and prepare the sauce while cooking for efficiency.
Add Your Touch
For a twist, try adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat or toss in some broccoli for color. You can also swap out chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, avoiding soggy leftovers.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve maximum crispiness, fry chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan
- Letting them rest on paper towels absorbs excess oil and keeps them crunchy
- Remember to taste your sauce before serving; balance is key!
I remember the first time I made Panda Express Orange Chicken at home; my friends couldn’t believe I had actually cooked it! Their reactions were priceless as they devoured every last bite.
FAQ
What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal experience.
Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
How do I make the orange sauce from scratch?
Combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and ginger for a quick homemade sauce.
Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a crispy, sweet, and tangy dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh orange juice
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set up an egg wash and a flour mixture with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in the egg wash, then coat with flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch mixed with water until bubbly.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or include broccoli for extra color and nutrition. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg