Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with Panda Express Orange Chicken! The first time I tried it, I was blown away by that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. I remember sitting in the food court, savoring every crispy bite, and thinking, “I have to learn how to make this at home!” And guess what? Making this delicious dish at home is not only super convenient, but it also allows you to customize the flavor just the way you like it. You get that delightful crunch and the vibrant orange sauce without ever leaving your kitchen. Trust me, once you whip up this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe, you’ll want it on repeat! The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone running to the table!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
How to Prepare Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing Panda Express Orange Chicken! It’s a simple process, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful dish that rivals the restaurant version!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, grab a medium bowl and mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. It should look nice and fluffy! Now, take your diced chicken breast and dip each piece into the beaten eggs, coating it well. Then, roll it around in that cornstarch mixture until fully covered. This is key for that delicious, crispy texture! Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat—make sure it’s hot enough so that when you drop a piece of chicken in, it sizzles! Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to avoid burning, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Making the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up that mouthwatering sauce! In another pan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. You’ll want to cook it for about 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens up a bit. Just be careful not to let it burn; the aroma will be incredible!
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Once your chicken is perfectly fried and your sauce is thickened, it’s time for the best part! Gently add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss everything together until each piece is well coated. Look for that shiny, glistening finish on the chicken—this means you’re ready to serve! Garnish with chopped green onions for that pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken, here are some tips to elevate your dish! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of the sauce—if you like it a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar, or if you prefer a tangier flavor, squeeze in a bit more orange juice. It’s all about finding that perfect balance for your taste buds!
Also, serving suggestions are key! This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice, which helps soak up that amazing orange sauce. You can even toss in some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken? Here’s a handy overview to help you keep track of what’s in your meal. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 20g
With this recipe, you’re getting a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion. Just remember, if you’re adjusting ingredients or portion sizes, the nutritional values will change, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For the soy sauce, look for a gluten-free version, like tamari, which works perfectly in this dish. Trust me, you won’t miss a thing, and your gluten-free friends will thank you!
How can I store leftovers?
If you find yourself with some tasty leftovers (which is a win!), let the orange chicken cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just a heads up, the chicken might lose some of its crispy texture, but it will still be delicious! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I use other proteins?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. If you want to switch things up, try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. For shrimp, just cook them until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes. For tofu, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture, then cube it and fry until golden before adding it to the sauce. Both options will soak up that delicious orange flavor beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special. Here’s why you’ll be head over heels for it:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 40 minutes!
- Easy to Cook: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a stress-free cooking experience.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy flavors, and it’s a great way to get everyone excited about dinner.
- Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness or add veggies to suit your family’s tastes!
- Restaurant-Quality: You’ll impress everyone with this homemade version that tastes just like the takeout favorite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’ll want to complement those vibrant flavors with some tasty sides! My go-to is always a big bowl of fluffy steamed rice. It’s perfect for soaking up all that amazing orange sauce, and who doesn’t love a little extra rice to scoop up every last bite? If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try some fried rice for an added kick!
For some color and nutrition, I highly recommend adding in some stir-fried vegetables—think broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. They not only look beautiful on the plate but also add a nice crunch that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal and make it feel like a feast! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore Forever
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious copycat recipe for Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch and flour in a bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in eggs, then coat with cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden brown.
- In another pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook until thickened.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
