Have you ever craved the perfect balance of sweet and savory in a single dish? Picture juicy pieces of crispy chicken cloaked in a rich, tangy orange sauce that dances on your taste buds. This isn’t just any dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more! Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken offers the same mouthwatering experience as your favorite restaurant meal but with the comfort of knowing exactly what goes into it.
This delightful recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Imagine the aroma of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen as you prepare this delectable meal. With each bite, you’ll savor the tender chicken paired with a luscious sauce that balances sweetness and acidity perfectly. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken
Quick and Easy Preparation: One of the best aspects of making Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is how quickly you can whip it up. In less than 30 minutes, you can serve a flavorful meal that rivals takeout. Whether you’re short on time or just want a quick dinner solution, this recipe fits the bill.
Customizable Flavor: Making your own Panda Express Orange Chicken allows you to adjust the flavors to suit your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes! Prefer it sweeter? You can easily increase the sugar content. This level of customization makes it an enjoyable cooking experience.
Healthier Alternative: By preparing this dish at home, you have full control over the ingredients used. You can opt for fresh vegetables and lean cuts of meat while avoiding preservatives often found in restaurant versions. This way, you can indulge without compromising on health.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, Panda Express Orange Chicken fits perfectly into any setting. Its appealing presentation and vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 3-4 chicken breasts work well for this recipe; adjust according to your needs.
All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need flour for coating the chicken before frying, which gives it that desirable crispiness.
Cornstarch: A small amount helps achieve an extra crispy texture when frying the chicken.
Eggs: Use two eggs for binding the flour and cornstarch mixture to the chicken.
For the Sauce:
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides vibrant flavor; about one cup works perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to manage saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances out the acidity of the orange juice; one cup usually does just fine.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile; use 2-3 cloves finely minced.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and chopping them as necessary. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside while you mix together flour and cornstarch in one bowl along with whisked eggs in another bowl.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture and then roll it in the flour-cornstarch blend until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before proceeding to cook them for optimal crispiness.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding them. Cook until golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes—and then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce: In another skillet over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and any other desired spices (like ginger). Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely and bring everything to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Toss Everything Together: Once your sauce has thickened slightly, add fried chicken pieces back into your skillet with sauce. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated with that divine sticky glaze—about 2-3 minutes should do!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce for the perfect finishing touch!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh produce like garlic or oranges rather than pre-packaged alternatives; they enhance flavor significantly throughout cooking!
Control Oil Temperature: Ensuring your oil is hot enough before frying prevents sogginess; too cool oil leads to greasy results instead of crispy bites!
The Right Size Matters: Cutting uniform pieces helps everything cook evenly; aim for similar sizes so they finish cooking at once without burning edges while waiting on larger pieces!
Let It Rest After Frying: Allowing fried chicken pieces brief resting time helps maintain crispiness by letting steam escape before adding them back into saucy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
This Panda Express Orange Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Steamed Rice
Steamed rice is the perfect base for Panda Express Orange Chicken. Its fluffy texture complements the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully. You can use white or brown rice depending on your preference. Just prepare the rice according to package instructions, and serve a generous scoop alongside your orange chicken for a filling meal.
Fried Rice
For a more flavorful option, consider serving Panda Express Orange Chicken with fried rice. The savory elements of fried rice blend perfectly with the sweet citrus notes of the orange chicken. Add some peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs to your fried rice for a complete dish that enhances your dining experience.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
A colorful vegetable stir-fry makes a great side dish to balance the sweetness of the orange chicken. Use vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for crunch and nutrition. Sauté them quickly in sesame oil with garlic to create a vibrant side that adds freshness to your meal.
Egg Rolls
Pairing Panda Express Orange Chicken with crispy egg rolls creates an exciting texture combination. The crunchy exterior of the egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat provides an enjoyable contrast to the tender chicken. Serve them with soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
FAQs
What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?
Panda Express Orange Chicken typically consists of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sauce includes ingredients like orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, giving it that signature flavor profile that many love.
Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?
Yes! To create a healthier version of Panda Express Orange Chicken, try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
How can I store leftovers of Panda Express Orange Chicken?
To store leftovers effectively, place your Panda Express Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to three days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop until heated through while maintaining its original flavor.
What are some alternatives to serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional sides, consider quinoa salad or cauliflower rice as healthier options alongside your Panda Express Orange Chicken. These pair well as they absorb flavors nicely while providing additional nutrients compared to standard rice options.
Conclusion
In summary, this delightful recipe for Panda Express Orange Chicken delivers not only on taste but also on versatility in serving options. Whether you choose steamed rice for comfort or opt for vegetable stir-fry to add nutrition, each choice enhances this dish’s appeal.
Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that brings the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, mix flour and cornstarch; in another bowl, whisk eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture then roll in the flour-cornstarch blend until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In another skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic over medium heat until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce for an even coating before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For extra crispiness, add more cornstarch to the chicken coating.- Adjust sweetness by varying sugar content or adding chili flakes for heat.- Serve with steamed rice or vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
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