Panda Express Orange Chicken

Picture this: You’re gathering around the dinner table with family or friends after a long week. Someone says those magic words “Let’s have Panda Express Orange Chicken!” Everyone’s eyes light up as they imagine that delightful crunch followed by a burst of citrusy goodness. It’s an occasion for laughter, stories, and perhaps a little too much indulgence who’s counting calories when this dish is on the table?

My cousin Sarah first introduced me to Panda Express Orange Chicken during one of our chaotic family gatherings. With kids running around and adults chatting over too many plates of takeout, she revealed her secret weapon—a homemade version that knocked our socks off! Everyone clamored for seconds while I discreetly jotted down her tips on napkins.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender cuts work best for frying; they add rich flavor.
• Cornstarch: This creates a lovely crispy coating; essential for that crunch!
• Eggs: Helps bind the cornstarch to the chicken; adds richness.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for that bright citrus flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity with sweetness; adds depth to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness; choose low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on it!
• Ginger: Adds warmth and complexity; fresh ginger is preferable.
• Rice Vinegar: Brightens up flavors with its tangy profile; crucial in Asian cooking.
• Green Onions: For garnish and added crunch; they bring freshness to every bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Lets Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on clean surfaces so you won’t scramble later. Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces—aim for uniformity so they cook evenly.

Create Your Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into egg first then coat it in cornstarch thoroughly.

Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add breaded chicken pieces one by one without overcrowding them. Fry until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes—flipping halfway through.

Make That Delicious Sauce: While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely and mixture thickens slightly.

Add Crispy Chicken: Once your chicken pieces are perfectly fried and golden brown, remove them from oil and drain excess grease on paper towels. Toss them gently in your flavorful sauce until well-coated.

Serve Up Your Creation: Transfer your Panda Express Orange Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color before presenting it proudly at your dinner table!

Now that you’ve created your very own version of this beloved dish, watch as everyone dives in with delight! Enjoy every crunchy bite coated in that sweet-tangy glaze while basking in compliments from family and friends—it’s bound to be an unforgettable meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then fry until golden brown before adding the zesty sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a twist. Add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the chicken crispy.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first cooking attempt when my friends devoured it, begging for more!

FAQ

What makes Panda Express Orange Chicken so popular?

Its sweet and tangy sauce combined with crispy chicken makes it irresistibly delicious.

Can I make this Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry while cooking; it’ll give your sauce that desired thickness!

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Panda Express Orange Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Panda Express Orange Chicken is your ticket to a flavor fiesta! Imagine crispy chicken pieces dancing in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, and we promise it’s easier than explaining why you can’t have just one piece. Grab your apron, channel your inner chef, and get ready to impress!

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Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Orange juice
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Set up a breading station: whisk eggs in one bowl and mix cornstarch with salt and pepper in another.
3. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat; fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
5. While frying, combine orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
6. Remove fried chicken from oil, drain on paper towels, and toss with the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve on a platter garnished with sliced green onions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (178g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 80mg