Panda Express Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that can brighten up any weeknight dinner or impress at family gatherings, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! This Panda Express Orange Chicken is a favorite in many households, and for good reason. It’s crispy, flavorful, and captures that signature sweet and tangy taste we all love from the restaurant version—all made right in your kitchen.

Cooking this dish feels like a warm hug; it’s simple enough to whip up on busy evenings yet impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, the whole family will love it! Trust me, once you try making this Panda Express Orange Chicken at home, you’ll never want to order takeout again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Crispy and Delicious: Enjoy that satisfying crunch of deep-fried chicken coated in a mouthwatering orange sauce.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for an even quicker meal later on.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Here’s what you need:

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

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is versatile, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still packs a punch.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy a kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Try different citrus: Experiment with lemon or lime juice instead of orange for a refreshing twist.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy when fried. In one bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then coat it well with the dry mix. This double coating will give you that irresistible crunch!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add your coated chicken pieces in batches; avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Removing them onto paper towels helps absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, and cornstarch. Stir well until combined. Bring it to a gentle simmer; this allows flavors to meld beautifully while thickening slightly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened nicely—about 5 minutes—add your crispy chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until each piece is well-coated with that luscious orange sauce. This step is crucial because it brings all those flavors together!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies! Enjoy every bite as you savor its crunchy texture and deliciously tangy flavor—it’s comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Panda Express Orange Chicken

Creating a delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is easier than you might think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your sauce, making it more aromatic and vibrant. Fresh ingredients can truly elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more cane sugar! This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your personal taste.
• Double fry for extra crispiness: For an even crunchier chicken, consider frying it twice. The first fry cooks the chicken thoroughly, while the second adds that irresistible crispy texture we all love!
• Keep an eye on the temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken. This prevents the batter from getting soggy and ensures that perfect golden-brown color.
• Let it rest: After frying, allow your chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This helps maintain its crispiness by avoiding steam build-up.

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serving up your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken can be just as fun as cooking it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Green onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkling sesame seeds on top brings a nutty flavor and adds a nice texture contrast.
• Orange slices: A few orange slices or wedges can brighten up your plate and echo the citrus theme of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed rice: Simple yet classic, steamed white or brown rice absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful medley of stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas not only complements the orange chicken but also adds nutritious value to your meal.
• Fried rice: For a heartier side option, try serving this dish with fried rice packed with veggies for added flavor and texture.
• Spring rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls make for a delightful appetizer or side that pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange chicken.

Now you’re ready to impress your family or guests with this scrumptious homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can store, freeze, and reheat this dish without losing its delightful flavors.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the orange chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispness.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the chicken cool and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• You can also microwave it in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
• If reheating from frozen, let it 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 with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, adding extra juiciness while maintaining the same great flavor you love.

What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also add some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that’s both colorful and nutritious!

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken less sweet?

To adjust the sweetness, simply reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce. You can also add a touch more soy sauce or vinegar for balance.

Can I use gluten-free soy sauce for Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos to keep it gluten-free while still enjoying the same great taste.

Is Panda Express Orange Chicken spicy?

No need to worry! This recipe is designed to be mild. However, you can always adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this delightful homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken! It’s a special recipe that brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table. Enjoy every bite as you share it with friends and family—it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!