Panda Express Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly balances sweetness and zest. This recipe features tender, crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and zesty orange sauce. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the iconic flavors of this popular dish without the wait at the restaurant. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is within your reach. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken
This flavorful dish is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly delicious with its sweet and tangy orange sauce that complements the crispy chicken perfectly. Second, it’s easy to make; even novice cooks can create this dish with confidence. Third, you can enjoy it at home, saving money and avoiding long lines. Additionally, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is also versatile, allowing for variations based on your taste. Lastly, it pairs excellently with sides, enhancing your meal experience.
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
Gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons white vinegar
- Orange zest from 1 large orange
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided, plus more for frying
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons rice wine, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 10 tablespoons sugar, 10 tablespoons white vinegar, and orange zest from one large orange. Whisk well to dissolve all ingredients and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until blended.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly.
- Step 4: In a large frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C), ensuring there is enough oil for frying the chicken pieces evenly.
- Step 5: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the cornstarch and flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Step 7: Transfer the fried chicken to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the coating and frying process with remaining chicken pieces.
- Step 8: Drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly minced ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 9: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with aromatics and bring to a boil, stirring frequently to thicken the sauce.
- Step 10: Turn off the heat, add all the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan, and stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with the orange sauce.
- Step 11: Serve the orange chicken hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Pro Tips for the Best Panda Express Orange Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to get that crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; it can lower the oil temperature.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar in the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
Best Ways to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed white rice for a classic combination.
- Fried rice for a more filling meal.
- Vegetable stir-fry to add some greens to your plate.
How to Store and Reheat Panda Express Orange Chicken
To store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals until hot. If you’re meal prepping, this is an easy Panda Express Orange Chicken meal prep option that stays delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Orange Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken?
The secret lies in achieving that perfect crispy texture before coating it with the delicious orange sauce. Ensure the oil is hot enough and fry in small batches to maintain the ideal crunch.
Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and combine right before serving for the best taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Panda Express Orange Chicken?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your oil temperature is correct, do not skip marinating the chicken, and be cautious not to burn the garlic and ginger when sautéing them.
Variations of Panda Express Orange Chicken You Can Try
Consider these exciting twists:
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Try adding broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a unique flavor.
- Make it spicy by incorporating chili paste or sriracha into the sauce.
For more delicious recipes, check out this easy ice cream recipe or these calzones. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try this strawberry cheesecake or these sweet potato fries. For a hearty meal, consider this shepherd’s pie.
For more information on the health benefits of orange, you can visit Healthline. Additionally, to learn about the history of orange chicken, check out The Spruce Eats.
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken: 10 Amazing Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe features tender, crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and zesty orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons white vinegar
- Orange zest from 1 large orange
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided, plus more for frying
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons rice wine, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 10 tablespoons sugar, 10 tablespoons white vinegar, and orange zest from one large orange. Whisk well to dissolve all ingredients and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly.
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C), ensuring there is enough oil for frying the chicken pieces evenly.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the cornstarch and flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the coating and frying process with remaining chicken pieces.
- Drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly minced ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with aromatics and bring to a boil, stirring frequently to thicken the sauce.
- Turn off the heat, add all the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan, and stir thoroughly to coat the chicken with the orange sauce.
- Serve the orange chicken hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 501
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg