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- 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) - 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_4}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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!

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Indulge in a mouthwatering Crispy Orange Chicken Delight that will make your taste buds dance! This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a perfect crunchy batter, tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s the ideal dish for a family dinner or gathering. Discover step-by-step instructions that make cooking a breeze. Click to explore this delicious recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 large eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat preference)

Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until well mixed. Dip each piece of chicken thigh into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated, and then transfer them to the flour-cornstarch mixture. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate while you prepare to fry.

    Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering (approximately 350°F or 175°C). To avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in small batches. Fry each batch for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

      Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, packed brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

        Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy fried chicken pieces. Pour the warm orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated in the sauce.

          Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sweet and tangy Orange Chicken to a serving platter. For a burst of freshness and flavor, garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

            Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

              Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy orange chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal, and add a colorful side of stir-fried vegetables to enhance the plate's visual appeal. Enjoy!