Unveiled: the secret recipe for panda express’s legendary orange chicken, revealed!
Craving the irresistible taste of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken? Now you can recreate this iconic dish at home with this comprehensive guide on how to make orange chicken with orange sauce from Panda Express.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
#1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg, then coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
#2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
#3. Make the Orange Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
#4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
#5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the Orange Chicken with fresh orange slices, sesame seeds, or green onions.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken
- For crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet or wok when frying the chicken.
- To adjust the sweetness of the sauce, add more honey or brown sugar to taste.
- Serve the Orange Chicken with your favorite sides, such as fried rice, steamed broccoli, or egg rolls.
Variations
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Sriracha to the orange sauce for a kick of heat.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the Orange Chicken before serving.
- Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of garlic powder to the orange sauce for a sweeter and more savory flavor.
Conclusion: Master the Art of Orange Chicken
With this step-by-step guide, you can now enjoy the delicious taste of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination of flavors. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before frying.
Q: How do I store leftover Orange Chicken?
A: Store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make the Orange Sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the Orange Sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, reheat it over medium heat until warmed through.
