If you’re a fan of Chinese-American cuisine, you probably know and love the Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe—one of the most popular dishes from the famous fast-food chain. This dish combines crispy fried chicken pieces with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce. The good news? You can easily recreate this dish in your own kitchen!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make the Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe at home, along with tips, common mistakes to avoid, and exciting variations.
Why Make Panda Express Orange Chicken at Home?
While Panda Express is convenient, making this dish at home offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: The ingredients are affordable and can yield multiple servings, making it much more economical than takeout.
- Control Over Ingredients: You can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, such as reducing sugar or using healthier cooking methods like air frying.
- Satisfaction of Homemade Cooking: There’s a special joy in recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home.
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
To make the Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- White pepper to taste
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (peanut oil is preferred for extra flavor)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (or store-bought)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or rice wine
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ½ cup water (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Panda Express Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg, salt, and white pepper until well coated.
- In another bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the cornstarch-flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or wok to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and orange zest. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and simmer until the sauce thickens. Add sesame oil at the end for extra flavor.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Once the chicken is fried and the sauce has thickened, toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over jasmine rice.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Double the Sauce: Many people enjoy extra sauce to pour over rice or vegetables. Feel free to double the sauce recipe!
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier version, air fry the chicken at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and orange zest provide a more robust flavor than store-bought alternatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying too many chicken pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken soggy instead of crispy.
- Skipping the Orange Zest: Orange zest adds crucial citrus flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Not Thickening the Sauce: Ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken properly by using the cornstarch mixture.
Variations of Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Vegan Orange Chicken: Substitute tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: Use only cornstarch and replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add Sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions for Panda Express Orange Chicken
Serve your Panda Express Orange Chicken with one or more of these delicious sides:
- Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the sweet orange sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or bok choy add a healthy balance to the dish.
- Fried Rice: For an indulgent meal, serve the chicken with fried rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well because they tend to stay juicier after frying.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat the chicken and toss in the sauce just before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Making your own Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe at home is simple, cost-effective, and just as delicious as the original. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some variations, you’ll have a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time.
Pair it with steamed rice or fried rice and some vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken!