Elevate your home cooking: try this simple and delicious panda express orange chicken recipe

Craving the irresistible flavors of Panda Express’s iconic Orange Chicken? Look no further! Our comprehensive recipe empowers you to recreate this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Join us on a culinary adventure as we unveil the secrets behind this beloved dish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice vinegar preferred)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Create the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken and fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the same skillet used to fry the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
6. Serve: Serve the Orange Chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips for Perfection:

• To ensure crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of orange juice or water to thin it out.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve the Orange Chicken with your favorite sides, such as fried rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Teriyaki Orange Chicken: Replace the soy sauce in the sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.

Healthier Options:

• Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Whole Grain Orange Chicken: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier base.
• Reduce Sugar: Use less brown sugar or honey in the sauce to reduce the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cutting and coating it.

Q: How long can I store the Orange Chicken?
A: Store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What sides go well with Orange Chicken?
A: Fried rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or egg rolls are all great side dishes for Orange Chicken.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make Orange Chicken in a slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours, then add the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 hours.

Q: How do I make the Orange Chicken sweeter?
A: Add more brown sugar or honey to the sauce to make it sweeter.