Are you craving Panda Express Orange Chicken but don’t want to head out? I’ve got you covered with my easy recipe guide! This beloved dish is all about crispy chicken and a tangy orange sauce that you can make right at home. In this post, I’ll share step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Orange Chicken!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
– Boneless chicken thighs: Use 2 lbs of chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs give more flavor and stay juicy.
– Coating mixture: Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of cornstarch. This mix helps the chicken get crispy.
– Sauce components: For the sauce, you’ll need:
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce (low-sodium is best)
– 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
– 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
– 3 cloves of minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Optional Garnishes
– Sliced green onions: These add a fresh taste. Slice them thin and sprinkle on top right before serving.
– Toasted sesame seeds: Use these for a nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry pan until golden, then sprinkle over the dish for some crunch.
For the complete cooking instructions, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This mix gives the chicken a nice, crispy texture. Dip each piece of chicken thigh in beaten eggs first. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mix. Press gently to help the coating stick. An even coating is key for a crunchy bite.
Frying the Chicken
Next, grab a large skillet or wok. Pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer, which means it’s hot enough. You want it at about 350°F or 175°C. To fry, add the chicken in small batches. This prevents overcrowding, which can make the chicken soggy. Fry each batch for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
Making the Orange Sauce
Now, let’s prepare the orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture well and heat it over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly. This sauce adds the sweet and tangy flavor we love.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Finally, it’s time to mix the chicken and sauce. In a large bowl, place the crispy fried chicken pieces. Pour the warm orange sauce over the chicken. Toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly. This step is important for flavor. Once coated, transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter. For a beautiful presentation, you can garnish it with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Make sure to check out the Full Recipe for more details and tips!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crispy Chicken
To get that perfect crunch, follow these tips:
– Coating tips: Use a mix of flour and cornstarch. This blend gives a light and crispy coating. Dip each chicken piece in beaten eggs first. Then, roll them in the flour-cornstarch mix. Make sure to press gently to help it stick.
– Oil temperature management: Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). This is key for frying. If your oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Flavor Enhancements
You can customize the flavor of your orange chicken. Here’s how:
– Customizing the sauce: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. For more sweetness, increase the brown sugar. Adjust the flavors to match your taste.
– Using fresh ingredients: Fresh orange juice and ginger make a big difference. They add brightness and depth. Always use fresh when you can for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters. Here are some tips:
– Ideal side dishes: Serve the orange chicken with jasmine rice. Steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies work well too. These sides balance the sweetness of the chicken.
– Plating tips: Make your plate pop! Use a large white dish to show off the colors. Add green onions and sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Healthier Versions
You can make a healthier Panda Express Orange Chicken by baking it instead of frying. Baking cuts down on oil, making the dish lower in fat. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. After coating the chicken, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until it is crispy and cooked through.
For ingredient substitutions, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace brown sugar with honey or a sugar substitute to lower calories.
Flavor Variations
To give your orange chicken a kick, add different peppers. You can try jalapeños, serranos, or even chili flakes for heat. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
For a citrus twist, swap out some orange juice for lemon or lime juice. This change adds a fresh zing that brightens the dish.
Regional Variations
Homemade and restaurant versions of orange chicken often differ. Restaurant styles may be sweeter and more saucy. You can adjust the sweetness at home by using less sugar.
Incorporating local ingredients can make your dish unique. For example, you could add local spices or even seasonal fruits for added flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Panda Express orange chicken fresh, cool it properly first. Let it sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. This helps prevent bacteria from forming. Once cooled, place it in airtight containers. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
– Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids.
– Avoid leaving it out overnight; refrigerate instead.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two main options: the oven or the microwave. Each has its pros and cons.
Oven Reheating:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Place the chicken on a baking sheet.
– Cover with foil to keep it moist.
– Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave Reheating:
– Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
– Cover with a damp paper towel to help keep moisture.
– Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds.
To maintain crispiness, the oven works best. The microwave can make the chicken soft. If you like it crispy, choose the oven!
FAQs
What makes Panda Express Orange Chicken unique?
Panda Express Orange Chicken stands out due to its crispy coating and sweet-spicy sauce. The chicken is fried until golden brown, giving it a delightful crunch. The sauce blends orange juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a balanced flavor. This mix of sweetness and tanginess makes it different from other orange chicken recipes. Other recipes may not have the same crispy texture or the unique taste profile that comes from the right balance of ingredients.
How many calories are in Panda Express Orange Chicken?
A serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken has about 300 calories. This number can change based on serving size and any added sides. Each serving typically includes a good amount of protein from the chicken, but it also has sugars from the sauce. Always check the nutrition label if you want to stay within your calorie goals. Remember, the calories can add up when you pair it with rice or other sides.
Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free. Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For the coating, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. These changes keep the flavor while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. You can still enjoy the same sweet and tangy taste without worry.
What are common allergens in Orange Chicken?
Panda Express Orange Chicken contains several common allergens. The main ingredients that may cause issues include:
– Soy (from soy sauce)
– Eggs (in the coating process)
– Wheat (in regular soy sauce and flour)
– Sesame (in sesame oil and seeds)
Always check for allergens if you have food sensitivities. You can adjust the recipe to suit your needs by using alternative ingredients.
In this article, we covered how to make Panda Express Orange Chicken from scratch. We examined the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations, storage, and frequently asked questions to enhance your cooking experience.
Making crispy, flavorful orange chicken at home is rewarding. You can adjust flavors to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy the cooking process and share your delicious results with others!
