Transform your kitchen into a panda express paradise: how to make orange chicken at home

The tantalizing aroma of Panda Express Orange Chicken has captivated taste buds worldwide. This beloved dish, with its crispy exterior and tantalizing orange glaze, is a culinary masterpiece that can now be recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a culinary journey to unveil the secrets behind this iconic dish and provide you with a foolproof recipe to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Other Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. 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 about 1 inch.

3. Fry the Chicken

• Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Make the Orange Glaze

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

5. Combine the Chicken and Glaze

• Return the fried chicken to the skillet. Pour the orange glaze over the chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and coated the chicken.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken, if desired. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Success

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the pieces in the cornstarch mixture.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• If the glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of orange juice or water.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, as it will become tough.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the glaze and reduce the soy sauce to 1/8 cup.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.

Cooking Time and Yield

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 25g

What to Serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Jasmine rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Chow mein noodles
• Spring rolls
• Fortune cookies

Wrapping Up: A Culinary Masterpiece Unlocked

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the culinary prowess to recreate the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken at home. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe will empower you to impress your taste buds and tantalize your senses. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before frying.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
A: Double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture and fry them in hot oil.

Q: What is a good substitute for orange juice?
A: If you don’t have orange juice, you can use pineapple juice or apple juice.

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can use white vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar.