Panda Express Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is just what you need! It brings the beloved flavors of the classic dish right into your kitchen, creating that familiar sweet and tangy taste that we all adore. This recipe has become a family favorite in my house, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up!

What makes this Panda Express Orange Chicken so special? It’s crispy, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients. Trust me; once you try this version, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family Favorite: The sweet and tangy flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep the chicken ahead of time and fry it when you’re ready to eat!
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that the ingredients for this Panda Express Orange Chicken are simple and wholesome. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

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 apple vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Variations

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to keep things interesting:

• Swap the protein: Use boneless turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli for a colorful twist.
• Change up the sauce: Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or lime for a refreshing flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you love some extra heat!

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and provides that crispy texture we all crave. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken pieces and mix until they’re well coated.

Step 2: Dredge in Cornstarch Mixture

In another bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This mixture will give your chicken that wonderful crispy coating. Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully covered. This step is key for achieving that crunchy exterior!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat up some oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Letting them rest on paper towels will help drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

While your chicken is frying, let’s whip up that fantastic orange sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, and orange juice concentrate. Stir until everything is well mixed and bring it to a simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

To thicken your sauce just right, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water until smooth and then add it to your saucepan while stirring constantly. Allow it to simmer until it’s nice and glossy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Finally, toss those crispy chicken pieces into the orange sauce! Make sure every piece is coated beautifully in that sticky goodness. Serve hot over rice or noodles for an irresistible meal that everyone will love.

Now enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken—it’s sure to become a new go-to recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Panda Express Orange Chicken

Making your own Panda Express Orange Chicken at home can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can elevate your dish to restaurant quality!

• Use a thermometer for frying: Keeping the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) ensures that your chicken becomes perfectly crispy without absorbing too much oil. Too cool and it will be greasy; too hot and it will burn.

• Marinate the chicken: Letting the chicken sit in a mixture of egg, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes before coating helps to enhance the flavor. This step locks in moisture and makes the chicken tender.

• Double fry for extra crispiness: Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown, then let them rest for a few minutes before frying them again. This technique creates an even crunchier texture that’s reminiscent of your favorite takeout!

• Adjust sweetness to taste: The amount of sugar can be tailored to your preference. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar or orange juice concentrate to the sauce.

• Combine sauces just before serving: Mixing your fried chicken with the sauce only when ready to serve keeps the chicken crispy longer. This way, you won’t end up with soggy pieces!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Presenting your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken creatively can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fun ideas:

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a bright pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch that pairs well with the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Orange zest: A little bit of freshly grated orange zest adds an aromatic touch and enhances the citrus flavor in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Its light texture balances out the richness of the orange chicken.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas sautéed with garlic adds nutrition and vibrant colors to your plate.
• Fried rice: A classic companion, fried rice seasoned with soy sauce and vegetables takes this meal over-the-top!
• Egg rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp are a great crunchy contrast to the tender orange chicken.

Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken – it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time to enjoy delicious homemade flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled Orange Chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave: cover the dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Panda Express Orange Chicken!

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos and ensure that your cornstarch and flour are certified gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is delicious served over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. It’s also great with noodles!

How do I adjust the sweetness of my Panda Express Orange Chicken?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste when making your sauce. Start with less and add gradually until it reaches your desired flavor.

Can I use other types of chicken instead of breasts?

Yes! Feel free to substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe brings joy and warmth to your kitchen. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy making it as much as savoring every bite! Don’t hesitate to share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!