Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magical world of Panda Express orange chicken! It’s one of those dishes that just hits the spot every time, right? The crispy chicken, smothered in that sweet and tangy orange sauce, is downright irresistible. I still remember my first bite—savoring that perfect balance of flavors, I was hooked! This recipe captures everything I love about that classic dish, making it super easy to whip up at home. You’ll have the same delightful crunch and mouthwatering sauce without the takeout wait. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for that perfect crispy coating
- 1 egg, lightly beaten to help the batter stick
- 1/2 cup water, to thin out the batter
- 1/2 cup cornstarch, adding extra crunchiness
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, for a savory depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh if possible for brightness
- 1/2 cup sugar, balancing that tangy orange goodness
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, because garlic makes everything better
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger, for a warm, zesty kick
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, adding a nice tang
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, enhancing the overall flavor
- Vegetable oil for frying, enough to fill your pan about 2 inches deep
How to Prepare Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Getting this Panda Express orange chicken recipe just right is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be a hit with everyone! Let’s dive into the steps so you can get that crispy, sticky goodness on your table in no time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First off, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, cornstarch, beaten egg, and water. You want a nice, smooth batter that’ll coat the chicken perfectly.
- Next, dip each piece of diced chicken into your batter, making sure it’s well-coated. This is what gives it that amazing crunch!
- Now, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact.
- Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 4–5 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be sure to drain them on paper towels afterwards to keep them from getting soggy.
- While the chicken is frying, let’s make that irresistibly tangy sauce! In another pan, combine soy sauce, orange juice, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens—this should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Finally, toss the crispy chicken into the sauce and stir until every piece is beautifully coated. Serve it hot over rice, and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious homemade version of your favorite takeout dish in no time!
- Easy Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t have to hunt down anything fancy.
- Delicious Taste: The combination of crispy chicken and that sweet and tangy orange sauce is simply mouthwatering—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Gluten-Free Options: By using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your other ingredients are gluten-free, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Tips for Success with Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
To make sure your Panda Express orange chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature, which ensures a crispy coating. If the oil temperature drops too much, the chicken can turn out soggy. Also, for the sauce, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste—add more sugar for a sweeter kick or a splash of soy sauce for extra umami flavor. Lastly, make sure to serve immediately after tossing the chicken in the sauce. This keeps everything crispy and delicious. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Nutritional Information for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
When it comes to enjoying the deliciousness of this Panda Express orange chicken, it’s good to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition! Here’s a typical breakdown per serving, keeping in mind these values are estimates based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish strikes a balance between indulgence and satisfaction, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy every flavorful bite, knowing it’s a treat worth savoring!
FAQ About Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Got questions about making this delicious Panda Express orange chicken? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and batter ahead of time, just keep them separate until you’re ready to fry. Store the battered chicken in the fridge for up to a day. However, I recommend making the sauce fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice to soak up all that amazing sauce! You can also serve it with some steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a little crunch and color on your plate. Yum!
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Of course! If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use potato starch or even a gluten-free flour blend. For the soy sauce, tamari is a great gluten-free option. And if you don’t have orange juice, a mix of lemon juice and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch. Get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
So, you’ve got some delicious leftovers of this amazing Panda Express orange chicken? Great choice! To store, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Just be sure to keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain that fantastic flavor!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to preserving that crispy goodness. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water to the pan to create some steam, cover it with a lid, and heat for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through. This way, the chicken stays nice and crispy instead of turning soggy. Trust me, it’s the best way to bring back that takeout vibe right in your kitchen!
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe: 5 Must-Try Secrets
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Panda Express-style orange chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, egg, and water to create a batter.
- Dip chicken pieces into the batter.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, combine soy sauce, orange juice, sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir until well coated.
- Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Panda Express orange chicken recipe
