What To Know
- To add a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the orange sauce.
- Store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Yes, you can reheat the Orange Chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.
Craving the tantalizing flavors of Panda Express’s iconic Orange Chicken? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will empower you to recreate this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and master the art of making Orange Chicken with Orange Sauce from Panda Express.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Ingredients for Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Oil:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the chicken cubes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove the Chicken:
- Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine all the orange sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering orange sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
7. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over it. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
8. Serve Immediately:
- Serve the Orange Chicken with Orange Sauce hot, over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
- For a crispier chicken, double the amount of cornstarch in the chicken coating.
- To make the sauce sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little bit of orange juice or water.
- To add a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the orange sauce.
- For a healthier version, bake the chicken instead of frying it.
Variations
- Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the orange juice in the sauce with honey.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the chicken coating.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the Orange Chicken before serving.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What if I don’t have orange juice?
A: You can substitute orange juice with equal parts pineapple juice and lemon juice.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before using.
Q: How long can I store the Orange Chicken?
A: Store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I reheat the Orange Chicken?
A: Yes, you can reheat the Orange Chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.
Q: What sides go well with Orange Chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or egg rolls are all great sides to serve with Orange Chicken.
