Are you craving the bold flavors of Panda Express Orange Chicken but want to make it at home? Look no further! In this easy recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to whip up this delicious dish with crispy chicken and tangy orange sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a taste that rivals the restaurant version. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start cooking!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients List
– Chicken, flour, cornstarch, eggs
– Sauces: soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar
– Additional flavors: rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
To make Panda Express Orange Chicken, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s look at them in detail.
Chicken: I prefer boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender when cooked.
Flour and cornstarch: These create a crispy coating. The mix gives a great crunch.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help the flour and cornstarch stick to the chicken pieces.
Soy sauce: This adds saltiness and depth to the dish.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings bright, zesty flavor.
Brown sugar: It provides sweetness and balances the tang from the orange juice.
Rice vinegar: This adds a light tang that enhances the sauce.
Sesame oil: A small amount adds a nutty flavor.
Ginger and garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic bring aromatic undertones to the sauce.
Garnishes and Extras
– Sliced green onions
– Sesame seeds
Garnishes make the dish look nice and add flavor.
Sliced green onions: They add a fresh crunch and color.
Sesame seeds: These give a nutty touch and enhance the overall appearance.
With these ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, you need to coat the chicken well. First, mix the flour and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This mix gives the chicken a nice crunch. Take your chicken pieces and dip them in the beaten eggs. Make sure each piece is fully coated. After the egg wash, roll the chicken in the flour-cornstarch mix. This step is key for a crispy texture.
Frying the Chicken
Next, it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. The oil should be hot, about 350°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. Add the chicken pieces in small batches. Fry them until they are golden brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure not to crowd the pan. This helps the chicken fry evenly and stay crispy.
Making the Orange Sauce
In a separate saucepan, mix the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it well to combine. As it heats, it will start to thicken. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes to get the right consistency. Be careful not to overcook it.
Combining and Serving the Dish
After frying and making the sauce, it’s time to combine everything. In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the orange sauce. Make sure each piece is coated well. For a nice touch, transfer the Orange Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. This dish looks as good as it tastes!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crispiness
To get that perfect crispiness, coat the chicken well. Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for a light, crunchy exterior. After dipping the chicken in egg, roll it in the coating mix. This helps the crust stick better.
When frying, heat the oil to medium-high. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will soak up too much oil. Fry the chicken in small batches to keep the temperature consistent. Overcrowding will lead to soggy chicken. Watch closely and fry until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Flavor Enhancements
Fresh ingredients make the dish taste great. Use fresh orange juice instead of bottled juice. It gives a brighter flavor. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give your Orange Chicken some heat and depth.
Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs or spices. Fresh ginger and garlic boost the flavor even more. Don’t shy away from adding a bit of zest from the orange peel too; it brightens the dish!
Cooking Equipment Recommendations
A good frying pan or wok is key. I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pan. This helps distribute heat evenly. Non-stick pans are also great for frying, as they keep the chicken from sticking.
Using a thermometer is important. It helps you check the oil’s heat. Aim for around 350°F (175°C) when frying. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through without burning.
These tips will help you make a delicious homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter take on the classic dish, try baking the Orange Chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken pieces in the flour and cornstarch mix, then place them on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This method reduces oil and fat while still giving you a crispy result.
You can also switch up the protein. Instead of chicken, use tofu or shrimp. Tofu absorbs flavors well and offers a great vegetarian option. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice twist. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.
Flavor Variations
To spice up your Orange Chicken, consider adding different spices. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cumin can elevate the flavor profile. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a fresh twist. Just substitute them in the sauce for a unique taste.
Incorporating vegetables makes this dish more nutritious. Adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas brings color and crunch. Simply sauté the veggies briefly before tossing them with the chicken and sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Orange Chicken with ideal side dishes like steamed rice or fried rice. Both absorb the sauce well and enhance the meal. You might also serve it with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Get creative with plating. Use a large, flat plate and arrange the chicken in a circular pattern. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top for a pop of color. You can even place a small bowl of extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Storage Info
Proper Storing Methods
To keep your Orange Chicken fresh, follow these tips:
– Refrigerating leftovers: First, let the chicken cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact while minimizing waste.
– Freezing Orange Chicken for future meals: If you want to save some for later, freeze it. Put the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date.
Reheating Guidelines
To enjoy your Orange Chicken again, reheating is key.
– Best methods to retain crispiness: The oven works best to keep the chicken crispy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
– Time and temperature recommendations for reheating: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. However, the microwave may make the chicken less crispy compared to the oven.
Following these storage and reheating tips will help you enjoy your Panda Express Orange Chicken just like the first time.
FAQs
What is the nutritional information for Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Panda Express Orange Chicken packs a punch in flavor, but it’s good to know the numbers. A typical serving size is about 5.5 ounces. This serving contains around 490 calories. You get about 24 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbs, and 21 grams of protein. Watching your intake? Keep in mind that this dish is higher in sugar and sodium.
Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so that’s a plus! These swaps let you enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.
How does homemade compare to Panda Express version?
Homemade Orange Chicken tastes fresher and has a crispier texture. When you make it yourself, you control the flavors. The sauce can be as sweet or tangy as you like. Plus, using fresh ingredients boosts the taste. While the restaurant version is great, the homemade one can feel more special and unique.
This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make Panda Express Orange Chicken. You learned about the right frying techniques and how to create a delicious sauce. Plus, I shared tips for crispiness and healthier variations. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can even customize the dish to suit your taste. When storing leftovers, follow best practices to keep them tasty. Enjoy making this dish your own, and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
