Panda Express Orange Chicken is an irresistible Chinese-American dish featuring crispy breaded and fried chicken glazed with a delightfully sweet and tangy orange sauce. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors has made it a favorite for those seeking a delectable combination of savory and citrus notes.
But have you ever stopped to wonder about the magic behind its creation? How is this mouthwatering masterpiece crafted to perfection? In this culinary exploration, I will lift the veil and discover the secrets that make Panda Express Orange Chicken an absolute sensation.
Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey as I craft this delectable dish from scratch. Join me as I uncover the techniques and ingredients that make every Panda Express Orange Chicken bite an unforgettable experience.
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Panda Express Orange Chicken is undeniably their star entrée, and it’s not hard to see why! While the recipe may require various ingredients and a few steps, rest assured that it’s surprisingly easy to follow. Most ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Once you experience the divine combination of the sweet sauce and the satisfying crunch of the crust, you won’t give a second thought to the simplicity of the ingredients. This remarkable recipe is a true copycat of Panda Express, delivering an incredible taste that will leave you smitten. Prepare to fall in love with every delicious bite.
Ingredients Of Panda Express Orange Chicken
The secret to the irresistible flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken lies within its carefully selected ingredients. From succulent chicken to zesty orange zest, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic, each component is crucial in creating a harmonious and mouthwatering experience. Join us as we uncover the key ingredients that make this beloved dish stand out in Chinese-American cuisine.
- Chicken: Tender and bite-sized pieces of chicken are the stars of the dish, providing a juicy and protein-rich base for the recipe.
- Cornstarch: Used for coating the chicken, cornstarch helps achieve a crispy and golden exterior when fried.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs are a binding agent for the cornstarch coating, ensuring it adheres well to the chicken.
- Oil: A neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola, is used to fry the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
- Orange Zest: The zest of oranges adds a citrusy aroma and flavor to the sauce, enhancing its vibrant character.
- Soy Sauce: Providing a savory and umami element, soy sauce contributes depth and richness to the orange sauce.
- Vinegar: A touch of vinegar, often rice vinegar, adds a tangy note that balances the sauce’s sweetness.
- Sugar: Used to create the perfect sweet element, sugar adds a delightful contrast to the savory and tangy flavors.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with its distinct aromatic and savory qualities, adding depth to the overall taste.
- Ginger: Freshly grated or minced ginger imparts a subtle warmth and unique flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those seeking a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce, providing a spicy kick.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions serve as a garnish, adding a fresh and slightly spicy taste that enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Orange Chicken: For those who crave a fiery twist, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the orange sauce recipe, infusing the dish with a delightful kick of heat without compromising its tangy sweetness.
- Orange Cauliflower: Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets to create a vegetarian-friendly version. Coat the cauliflower in the same crispy batter and toss it in the orange sauce for a delicious plant-based alternative.
- Grilled Orange Chicken Skewers: Instead of frying the chicken, thread marinated chicken chunks onto skewers and grill them to perfection. Brush with the orange sauce during grilling for a smoky and citrus-infused twist on the classic dish.
- Orange Shrimp Stir-Fry: Give your orange sauce a seafood makeover by substituting chicken with shrimp. Sauté the shrimp in a wok with garlic, ginger, and vegetables, then toss them in the orange sauce for a delightful and vibrant shrimp stir-fry bursting with citrusy flavors.
Tips And Tricks For Best Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Marinate the chicken: Let the chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before coating and frying to enhance their flavor.
- Use cornstarch: Dust the chicken with cornstarch before frying to achieve a crispier and more textured coating.
- Fry in batches: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain consistent heat and ensure each piece cooks evenly.
- Drain on a wire rack: Place the fried chicken on a wire rack after frying to allow excess oil to drip off, keeping the coating crispy.
- Double-fry for extra crunch: Fry the chicken a second time for a few minutes to achieve an even crispier exterior.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the orange sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out; if too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and thicken.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to suit your taste preference, balancing the sweetness with the tangy flavors.
- Add fresh orange zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, sprinkle some fresh orange zest over the finished dish before serving.
- Garnish with green onions: Top the Panda Express Orange Chicken with sliced green onions for freshness and added visual appeal.
How To Store Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Refrigerate promptly: Store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking to maintain its freshness.
Separate sauce and chicken: Store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
Consume within 3-4 days: Consume the refrigerated orange chicken within 3-4 days to ensure optimal taste and quality.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven or toaster oven to help restore its crispy texture. Warm the sauce separately and drizzle it over the reheated chicken.
Freezing: If desired, you can freeze cooked orange chicken. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store the sauce in a separate freezer-safe container. Consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
Thawing and reheating frozen chicken: Thaw frozen orange chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Follow the above reheating instructions for best results, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Shallow bowl
- Whisk
- Deep skillet or pot for frying
- Wire rack for draining excess oil
- Saucepan
- Cutting board
- Knife for mincing garlic and grating ginger
- Small bowl for cornstarch mixture
- Slicing equipment for green onions (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For The Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, place the cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Panda Express Orange Chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500 calories
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 100-120 milligrams
- Sodium: 700-800 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 55-60 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugar: 30-35 grams
- Protein: 25-30 grams
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