Unlock the flavor: how to create restaurant-quality orange chicken at home

The tantalizing aroma of Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken has captivated taste buds worldwide. This beloved dish combines crispy chicken, a tangy orange sauce, and a hint of spice for an unforgettable culinary experience. While enjoying it at the restaurant is always a treat, recreating this iconic dish at home is not as daunting as you might think. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll master the art of making Orange Chicken by Panda Express in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 egg, beaten

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and egg. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

• In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce.
• Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the Orange Chicken immediately over rice or noodles.
• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. This will prevent it from getting crispy.
• Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
• If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can pan-fry the chicken in a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil.

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 the brown sugar in the orange sauce with honey for a sweeter flavor.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the Orange Chicken before serving for an extra nutty flavor.

The Secret to the Panda Express Flavor:

The key to replicating the authentic Panda Express flavor lies in the balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy elements. The orange sauce is a harmonious blend of orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of ginger. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly absorbing the flavorful sauce.

A Culinary Adventure:

Recreating the Orange Chicken recipe by Panda Express at home is a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. By following the simple steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but they will take slightly longer to fry.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch to the orange sauce mixture before cooking.

Q: What can I serve with Orange Chicken?
A: Orange Chicken is traditionally served over rice or noodles. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Q: Can I make the Orange Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can fry the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Reheat them together before serving.

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