Unveiling the secrets: master the art of orange chicken from panda express

Orange chicken, a beloved dish from Panda Express, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy texture and tangy orange sauce. Recreating this culinary masterpiece at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish. Follow this comprehensive guide and master the art of making orange chicken from Panda Express in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

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

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
• Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the fried chicken pieces to the orange sauce and stir to coat.
• Simmer for 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 fresh cilantro or scallions for extra flavor.

Tips for Success:

• For extra crispy chicken, double the amount of cornstarch in the coating.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
• Teriyaki Orange Chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce in the orange sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey to the orange sauce for a touch of sweetness and a golden color.

Orange Chicken Nutrition Facts:

A serving of orange chicken from Panda Express contains approximately:

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 20g

Ending on a Flavorful Note:

Recreating the iconic orange chicken from Panda Express is a culinary adventure that will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. With its crispy texture, tangy orange sauce, and customizable variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps meticulously, and embark on a journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Yes, you can store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.