What To Know
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of rice, noodles, or a salad.
- Serve the orange chicken over a bed of noodles for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or hoisin sauce.
Craving the deliciousness of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken without leaving the comfort of your home? Look no further! This blog post presents an easy-to-follow orange chicken recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and transport you to the flavors of the popular Chinese restaurant chain.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the fried chicken to the skillet or wok.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has caramelized.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately for the best taste and texture.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave the orange chicken in a covered container until heated through.
- You can also reheat the orange chicken in a skillet or wok over medium heat until warmed through.
Variations:
- Try using different types of chicken, such as thighs or wings.
- Add some vegetables to the orange sauce, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding a touch of ginger, garlic, or chili sauce.
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of rice, noodles, or a salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair the orange chicken with steamed rice for a classic Chinese meal.
- Serve the orange chicken over a bed of noodles for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Enjoy the orange chicken as a main course or as an appetizer.
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or hoisin sauce.
“Orange You Glad You Tried This Recipe?”
This orange chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Panda Express at home. With its crispy chicken, tangy orange sauce, and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, give this orange chicken recipe a try and satisfy your taste buds without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just thaw the chicken completely before cooking.
2. How can I make the orange sauce spicier?
To make the orange sauce spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a touch of chili sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. What are some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken?
Some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken include steamed rice, noodles, a salad, or roasted vegetables.
5. How long can I store leftover orange chicken?
Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
