Panda Express Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious meal that brings the flavors of takeout right into your kitchen, you’ve landed in the perfect spot! This recipe for Panda Express Orange Chicken is an absolute favorite in my home. It’s crispy, sweet, and just tangy enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish fits the bill beautifully. Plus, it’s simple to whip up—trust me, you’ll love how easy it is!

The best part? Making this Panda Express Orange Chicken at home means you can enjoy it fresh out of your kitchen without any of the fuss. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: The sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike—everyone will want to dig in!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, so all you have to do is cook when you’re ready.
• Crispy goodness: The homemade coating gives each piece that satisfying crunch we all love in fried chicken.
• Customizable flavors: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your family’s taste buds perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and straightforward! You’ll find that the ingredients for this Panda Express Orange Chicken are simple and wholesome. Gather these goodies together, and let’s get started:

For the Chicken Coating

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp sunflower oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (heaping)

For the Orange Sauce

• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut liquid aminos)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 tsp zested ginger root (peeled)
• 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate (or 3 Tbsp orange juice)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice apple vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Variations

The beauty of this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist on this classic dish.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the cane sugar by half and add a splash more vinegar.
• Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat in your orange sauce.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat. In one bowl, whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. This two-step breading process creates that perfect crispy texture we adore.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this is key to achieving that golden crunch when frying!

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In another pot over medium heat, combine white distilled vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, zested ginger root, orange juice concentrate, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly; this forms that luscious glaze we love.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your sauce has thickened nicely, gently toss in those crispy chicken pieces until they’re fully coated. The warmth of the chicken will help absorb all those fantastic flavors from the sauce.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Watch as everyone digs in—this dish will surely become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Panda Express Orange Chicken

Creating your own version of Panda Express Orange Chicken at home can be a delightful adventure! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a world of difference in flavor. They enhance the aroma and provide a vibrant taste that dried spices simply can’t match.
• Double fry the chicken: For extra crunch, fry the chicken pieces twice. The first fry cooks them through, while the second fry gives that coveted crispy texture.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. This allows you to tailor the dish to your taste without losing its signature flavor.
• Let the chicken rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This helps maintain its crispiness by preventing steam from making it soggy.
• Experiment with sauces: For an added kick, mix in a bit of sweet chili sauce or sriracha to your orange sauce. This adds another layer of flavor and can cater to those who enjoy a little heat!

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serving your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your meal!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling chopped green onions over your orange chicken adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful nutty flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice serves as the perfect base for soaking up that delicious orange sauce, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas sautéed in sesame oil add freshness and nutrition to your meal, making it well-rounded.
• Fried rice: A side of fried rice mixed with peas and carrots provides additional hearty flavors that complement the orange chicken while adding texture.
• Crispy spring rolls: These crunchy bites filled with veggies offer a lovely contrast to the tender chicken and can be dipped in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for an extra flair.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful dining experience that mimics that beloved restaurant feel right in your home! Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the orange chicken cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Panda Express Orange Chicken:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and provide extra juiciness and flavor.

How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Is Panda Express Orange Chicken healthy?

While it’s a delicious comfort food, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can also adjust ingredients to make it healthier!

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut liquid aminos, and use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

How long does it take to prepare Panda Express Orange Chicken?

The total time is about 40 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken! It’s such a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving up a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it out!