Panda Express Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is a cherished favorite in our home. It’s crispy, sweet, and just the right amount of tangy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You won’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few wholesome staples and some love will bring this delightful meal to life. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Panda Express Orange Chicken will surely become a go-to in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip this up even on the busiest nights.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish! It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Cook a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers that taste just as good the next day!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes every bite unforgettable.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to play around with ingredients to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the simple and wholesome ingredients that make this Panda Express Orange Chicken so scrumptious! Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, making it easy to get started.

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 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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious twist!
• Add some crunch: Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some sriracha to the sauce.
• Zesty twist: Incorporate zest from lime or lemon for an added citrus kick!

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and get nice and crispy! In one bowl, whisk together the egg with sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then coat it well with the cornstarch mixture. This double coating is key to achieving that perfect crunch.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat up your frying oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (you can test it by dropping in a bit of batter – if it bubbles up immediately, it’s ready), carefully add in your coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 5 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate pan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice apple vinegar. Stir everything together until it thickens—it should take about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your sauce has thickened beautifully, add in those crispy chicken pieces! Toss them gently until they are well coated in that irresistible orange sauce. This step ensures that every piece is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Spoon out generous portions onto plates or bowls and enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken over steamed rice or alongside fresh veggies! There’s nothing like sharing this meal with loved ones—it truly makes any occasion feel special!

Pro Tips for Making Panda Express Orange Chicken

Making your own Panda Express Orange Chicken at home can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure every bite is bursting with flavor!

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for boneless chicken thighs can add extra juiciness to your dish. They tend to stay moist during cooking, giving you a tender bite every time.
• Double Coating: For an extra crispy texture, consider double coating your chicken. After the initial coating of cornstarch and flour, dip it back into the egg wash and repeat the coating process!
• The Perfect Sauce Balance: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of your sauce to match your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the cane sugar slightly; for more tang, add a bit more vinegar.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy; too high, and it could burn. Aim for around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying helps retain its crispiness when tossed in the sauce. This small step makes a big difference in texture!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serving Panda Express Orange Chicken is all about presentation and creating a balanced meal that excites the senses. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling freshly chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the orange sauce beautifully.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is an excellent accompaniment, soaking up the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly while adding a comforting element to your meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas stir-fried in garlic adds crunch and nutrition to your plate, balancing out the richness of the orange chicken.
• Egg Fried Rice: For a heartier option, egg fried rice introduces additional flavors with scrambled eggs and peas mixed in. It’s filling and complements the orange chicken seamlessly.
• Simple Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the warm dish, making every bite enjoyable.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re set to impress family and friends with your homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken! Enjoy every moment in the kitchen as you create this delicious meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it for later, ensuring you always have a delicious dinner option on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the orange chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the orange chicken cool down before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until warm.
• For crispy texture, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos, and use cornstarch instead of flour for breading.

Is Panda Express Orange Chicken spicy?

Not really! The recipe has just a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

How do I get my orange chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure that your oil is hot enough when frying. Also, consider double frying your chicken pieces by frying them once, letting them rest, then frying again briefly.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with boneless turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What side dishes go well with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Some great side options include steamed broccoli, fried rice, or chow mein. They complement the flavors beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe! It’s easy to prepare and brings that beloved restaurant flavor right into your home. Happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite with family and friends!