How To Make Panda Express Orange Chicken At Home – A Step-by-step Guide

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Panda Express‘s iconic Orange Chicken? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the secrets to recreating this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. With step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks, you’ll be a Panda Express Orange Chicken maestro in no time.

Ingredients: Gather the Symphony of Flavors

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Create the Orange Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over it. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Orange Chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips and Tricks: Elevate Your Culinary Creation

• For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it. Fry the chicken once for 3-4 minutes, then remove it from the oil and let it cool. Fry it again for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Add a touch of heat by adding 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• For a sweeter flavor, add an extra tablespoon of honey to the sauce.
• Serve the Orange Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables.

Variations: Customize Your Orange Chicken Experience

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to the sauce.
• Thai Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of Thai chili paste and 1/4 teaspoon of lemongrass powder to the sauce.

What People Want to Know

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will be slightly more tender than chicken breasts.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and cook until thickened.

3. Can I freeze Orange Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Orange Chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

4. What are some good side dishes to serve with Orange Chicken?
Rice, noodles, steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls are all great side dishes for Orange Chicken.

5. How can I make a vegetarian version of Orange Chicken?
Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken. Follow the same frying and sauce-making instructions.