Easy Recipe: How To Make Panda Express Orange Chicken At Home

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken without the need to leave the comfort of your home? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the delectable steps of recreating this beloved dish, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.

Ingredients: A Culinary Symphony

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 egg white

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation: The Art of Culinary Precision

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and egg white in a medium bowl. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Orange Sauce:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

3. Fry the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch.

When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

4. Prepare the Orange Sauce:

Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat. Pour in the orange sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Serving: A Culinary Crescendo

Serve the Orange Chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Culinary Perfection:

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying.
• If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• Serve the Orange Chicken with your favorite sides, such as steamed broccoli, brown rice, or egg rolls.

In a nutshell: A Culinary Symphony for Your Taste Buds

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the culinary prowess to recreate the beloved Orange Chicken from Panda Express in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that will tantalize their taste buds and leave them craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

Q: How can I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of sugar in the orange sauce to taste.

Q: What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
A: You can add sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the orange sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and orange sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce and combine them.

Q: How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
A: Double-coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.