Crave-worthy orange chicken recipe: elevate your home cooking to panda express levels

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Panda Express’s signature dish with this tantalizing orange chicken recipe. Perfectly crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this homemade version will satisfy your cravings and leave you yearning for more.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (white, rice, or apple cider)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by at least 1/2 inch.
3. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Heat the Sauce: Pour the orange sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Serve: Serve the orange chicken immediately over rice or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger for the best results.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and chewy. Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, but not too long.
• Simmer the sauce: Simmering the orange sauce helps to concentrate the flavors and create a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
• Adjust the heat: The amount of red pepper flakes you add will determine the spiciness of the dish. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level.
• Serve immediately: Orange chicken is best served immediately after cooking. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so for the best texture and flavor, serve it while it’s hot.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Substitute honey for brown sugar in the orange sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the orange chicken before serving for an extra nutty flavor.

Final Note:

With this easy-to-follow orange chicken recipe, you can now recreate the beloved Panda Express dish in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy the crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and all the flavors that make this dish a culinary delight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Q: How do I make the orange sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the orange sauce, simmer it for a longer period of time. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while it is simmering.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the orange chicken ahead of time. Fry the chicken and make the sauce. Store both separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce and combine them.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans are all great options.

Q: How do I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.