Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

 

Quick Overview

If you’re craving the delicious taste of Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken but want to make it at home, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe captures the vibrant flavors and crispy texture of the beloved takeout dish while being straightforward enough for any home cook. With a few staple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have this mouthwatering dish ready in no time. Let’s dive into making this delectable meal!

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken Breast

For this recipe, you will need about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for frying. The chicken breast is lean and absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for this dish.

Cornstarch

You will require ½ cup of cornstarch to coat the chicken pieces before frying. This ingredient creates that coveted crispy texture that mimics restaurant-quality orange chicken.

Vegetable Oil

Use 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying the coated chicken. A high smoke point oil is essential as it allows thorough cooking without burning.

Orange Juice

You will need 1 cup of fresh orange juice for the sauce. Freshly squeezed juice gives a vibrant flavor that bottled juices often lack.

Soy Sauce

Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to your sauce mixture. The soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice.

Sugar

Incorporate ½ cup of granulated sugar into the sauce. Sugar is crucial in achieving that sweet-and-sour taste characteristic of orange chicken.

Rice Vinegar

Use 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar for acidity in your sauce. It balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Garlic

One minced clove of garlic adds aroma and richness to your dish. Fresh garlic gives a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder.

Green Onions

Finally, you’ll need sliced green onions for garnish. They add freshness and color to your completed dish.

Step By Step Recipe: Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken

Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into small pieces about 1-inch in size. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper to season lightly. This step ensures your chicken has flavor from the start.

Coat with Cornstarch

Next, pour cornstarch over the seasoned chicken pieces in the bowl. Toss until each piece is evenly coated with cornstarch. This coating is vital as it provides that crunchy exterior when fried.

Heat Oil in a Pan

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking—approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of cornstarch; it should sizzle immediately upon contact with the oil.

Fry the Chicken

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding them; fry them in batches if necessary. Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and set them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until combined completely. This flavorful mixture will create that signature sauce we all love on our orange chicken.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once all your fried chicken is ready, pour your prepared sauce over them in a large skillet over low heat. Stir gently to coat each piece thoroughly with sauce while heating everything together for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.

Garnish and Serve

After combining everything well, remove from heat and transfer your orange chicken onto serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions on top for added color and flavor before serving hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken over steamed white rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal experience. The blend of textures complements this dish beautifully while soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Storage Guidelines

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again without losing its crispy texture entirely.

Freezing Option

If you wish to freeze this dish instead, allow it to cool completely first before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers where it can last up to three months without quality loss.

With these simple steps and tips, you’ll enjoy making Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken at home whenever cravings hit!

Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when preparing Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken is not marinating the chicken long enough. Marinating infuses flavors and helps tenderize the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for maximum taste.

Another frequent error is using low-quality soy sauce. The flavor of your dish relies heavily on soy sauce, so choosing a good, flavorful brand can significantly enhance the overall taste of your orange chicken.

Overcooking the chicken can lead to a dry texture. Monitor the cooking time carefully to ensure it remains juicy and tender. Cooking until golden brown without letting it become overly crispy is essential.

Additionally, forgetting to balance sweetness and acidity in the sauce can result in an unbalanced flavor profile. Taste your sauce as you go, adjusting sugar or vinegar levels until it meets your expectations.

Lastly, skipping the garnish can make your dish look less appealing. Adding green onions or sesame seeds not only enhances presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Tips and Tricks

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken in your Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider double-frying the pieces. First, fry them briefly at a lower temperature to cook through, then remove them and let them rest. Increase the oil temperature before giving them a final fry for that perfect crunch.

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add more spices and aromatics to your sauce base. Incorporating ingredients like garlic and ginger will provide depth and complexity that makes your orange chicken stand out from typical recipes.

Using fresh oranges instead of bottled juice will elevate your dish significantly. Freshly squeezed orange juice not only tastes better but also brings natural sweetness and acidity that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Make sure to keep an eye on your cooking temperatures while making the sauce for your Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken. If the heat is too high, you might risk burning the sugar in your sauce, which can lead to bitterness rather than a sweet glaze.

Finally, serve your orange chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal experience. This pairing not only balances flavors but also adds nutritional value to your dish.

Suggestions for Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken

Consider substituting regular flour with cornstarch when coating the chicken pieces. Cornstarch creates an even crispier texture while being lighter than traditional flour coatings, resulting in a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the sauce.

If you’re looking to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor, try air frying instead of deep frying the chicken. This method uses less oil while still achieving that satisfying crispiness everyone loves in orange chicken.

Experimenting with different citrus fruits can add unique twists to this classic recipe. Lemons or limes can be used alongside oranges for a zesty kick, giving your dish an exciting new flavor profile that may surprise family and friends.

Adding vegetable stir-fry elements such as bell peppers and broccoli into your orange chicken mix not only makes it healthier but also provides extra colors and textures that enhance visual appeal.

Lastly, consider making a larger batch of orange sauce to keep on hand for quick meals later in the week. This allows you to whip up easy dinners in no time while still enjoying homemade flavors that are far better than takeout options.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken?

To create Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken at home, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, fresh orange juice (or bottled if necessary), sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch for coating, and some vegetable oil for frying. Optional ingredients include green onions and sesame seeds for garnishing purposes. These components work together to create a deliciously balanced dish full of rich flavors.

Can I make Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare elements of Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken ahead of time without compromising quality. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about three days. However, if possible, store the sauce separately until you’re ready to serve; this helps maintain crispy texture when reheated.

Is there a vegetarian version of Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian alternative to Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken, substitute tofu or tempeh in place of chicken. Press tofu before use to remove excess moisture for better texture when frying. The same flavorful orange sauce works perfectly on these substitutes while providing a delicious plant-based meal option everyone will enjoy.

How spicy is Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken typically has mild spice levels since it focuses more on sweetness from oranges rather than heat from chilies. However, if you prefer some kick in your dish, you can easily incorporate red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce into the marinade or glaze according to personal preference without overwhelming its core flavors.

What sides pair well with Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides like steamed jasmine rice or fried rice loaded with vegetables for added nutrition. Additionally, serving it alongside stir-fried bok choy or snow peas enhances both color and texture while complementing its delicious citrus flavors beautifully!

Can I freeze leftovers from Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Yes! Leftovers from Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken freeze quite well if stored properly in airtight containers or freezer bags after cooling completely down first—this ensures optimal freshness upon reheating later on! When ready to enjoy again later down the road just thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating thoroughly either on stovetop or microwave!

Summary

In summary, mastering Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken requires attention to detail but rewards you with vibrant flavors and textures that delight any palate. Avoid common mistakes like under-marinating chicken or overcooking sauces while implementing helpful tips like double-frying techniques and incorporating fresh ingredients. With careful preparation and thoughtful suggestions provided above along with answers addressing frequently asked questions about this beloved dish’s versatility—your journey into homemade Asian cuisine will surely impress family members around dinner tables!

 

 

Print