Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Delicious Guide to Making It at Home

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This iconic recipe combines tender, crispy chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, creating a delightful explosion of flavors that is hard to resist. Originating from the fast-casual dining chain, this dish has become a staple in American Chinese cuisine, showcasing the fusion of traditional Chinese cooking with American tastes.

What I love most about Panda Express Orange Chicken is its perfect balance of taste and texture. The crunchiness of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the sticky, citrusy sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly convenient to prepare at home, allowing you to enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime you crave it. Join me as we dive into the world of Panda Express Orange Chicken and learn how to recreate this delightful dish in your own kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. I prefer using thighs for their juiciness, but you can use chicken breast if you like.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. This will be the dry mixture for coating the chicken.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until well combined. This will be your wet mixture.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the wet mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the dry mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered for that perfect crunch!

Frying the Chicken

1. In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re good to go!
2. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. I usually do this in two or three batches.
3. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken crispy!

Making the Orange Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! The aroma of the orange will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to taste it.
3. Once simmering, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely.
4. Finally, stir in the sesame oil for that extra depth of flavor. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it!

Assembling the Dish

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fried chicken pieces with the orange sauce. Gently toss until all the chicken is well coated. I like to do this in batches to ensure every piece gets that delicious sauce.
2. Once the chicken is coated, transfer it to a serving platter. You can also serve it directly from the mixing bowl if you prefer.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. This adds a nice touch and a bit of crunch!

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce!


Conclusion:

In summary, this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The crispy chicken, coated in a tangy orange sauce, is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables to bring in some color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with the sauce by adding a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience! I would love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Your feedback is invaluable, and sharing your culinary journey can inspire others to whip up their own version of this delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every bite! Print

Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Delicious Guide to Making It at Home
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade version of Panda Express-style orange chicken, featuring crispy, tender chicken thighs coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
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Instructions
1. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until well combined.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the wet mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the dry mixture.
5. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
6. In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
7. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
10. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
11. Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce, stirring continuously until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
12. Stir in the sesame oil for added flavor.
13. Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and gently toss until well coated in the sauce.
14. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to reach desired consistency.
15. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
16. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or fried rice and stir-fried vegetables.
17. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express-style orange chicken!
Notes
• For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest before frying.
• Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
• This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice and vegetables.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes