Panda Express orange chicken served with rice and vegetables

introduction

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular dish known for its crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It brings a delightful burst of flavor that can brighten any meal. If you enjoy the taste of orange and chicken combined, you’ll love this recipe. For a delightful twist, consider checking out this orange chicken with orange marmalade option for added sweetness and flavor complexity.

why make this recipe

Making Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to fit your preferences. Additionally, homemade orange chicken can be healthier since you control the ingredients used in the sauce and the frying process.

how to make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ingredients :

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)
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)

Directions :

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in the egg mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour together. Dredge the coated chicken in the cornstarch mixture until well-coated.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through. Set the fried chicken aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the sauce, combine white vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and orange juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil, then lower the heat and simmer.
Mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir until it thickens.
Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken into the saucepan and stir until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
Finally, drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

how to serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of fried rice. You can also add steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.

how to store Panda Express Orange Chicken

To store leftover orange chicken, let it cool completely and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to warm it thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

tips to make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy texture on the chicken.
You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce according to your taste preferences.

variation (if any)

For a spicier version, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or include sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also try using a different fruit juice, like pineapple, to create a unique flavor.

FAQs

What is the best oil to fry orange chicken?
Using sunflower oil or any neutral flavored oil ensures the chicken is crispy without much added flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F until it is cooked through and crispy, but frying yields a more authentic texture.

How can I make orange chicken less sweet?
Reduce the amount of cane sugar in the sauce or increase the vinegar for a more balanced flavor.