Have you ever craved the sweet and tangy flavors of Panda Express Orange Chicken? Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly battered and fried until golden brown, all smothered in a luscious orange sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines textures and flavors in every bite.

This recipe allows you to recreate that beloved restaurant dish right in your kitchen. With its juicy chicken coated in a crispy shell and enveloped in a zesty orange glaze, it brings the essence of takeout dining into your home. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this Panda Express Orange Chicken will surely impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this dish. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors brings an exciting twist to your ordinary meal routine.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it versatile for everyone.

Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Using thighs adds juiciness and flavor; about 1 pound is ideal for serving four people.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is used for coating the chicken, giving it that crunchy exterior.
• Eggs: Two beaten eggs help the flour adhere better to the chicken for maximum crispiness.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need enough oil for frying; peanut oil works great as well due to its high smoke point.

For the Sauce:

• Fresh Orange Juice: Use juice from fresh oranges for the best flavor; about half a cup should suffice.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances out the acidity of the orange juice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting about one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up crispy.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one bowl, whisk together two beaten eggs. In another bowl, place about one cup of all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, allowing excess liquid to drip off before coating it thoroughly with flour.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

In a large skillet or wok, heat at least two cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (around 350°F/175°C).

Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through (about five minutes). Remove them from oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine half a cup of fresh orange juice, three tablespoons of soy sauce, and three tablespoons of brown sugar. Simmer until slightly thickened before tossing in the fried chicken.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh oranges provide superior flavor compared to bottled juice; choose ripe ones for sweetness.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on oil temperature while frying; too cool will result in soggy chicken while too hot will burn it.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli during frying for added nutrition and color on your plate.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: One common mistake when making Panda Express Orange Chicken is overcooking the chicken. This can lead to dry and tough meat, which ruins the dish’s overall texture. To avoid this, ensure you cook the chicken just until it is golden brown and cooked through. Using a meat thermometer can help; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Keep an eye on the chicken while frying, as it cooks quickly.
• Ignoring the Sauce Ratio: The sauce is what gives Panda Express Orange Chicken its signature flavor. A common error is not balancing the sauce ingredients properly. Too much sugar can make it overly sweet, while too little soy sauce can leave it bland. Aim for a balance by adjusting your ingredients carefully. Taste as you go to achieve that perfect tangy sweetness characteristic of this beloved dish.
• Not Preparing Ingredients in Advance: Another pitfall is not prepping your ingredients before cooking. This can lead to chaos in the kitchen and mistakes in timing. Chop your vegetables, measure out sauces, and have everything ready to go before you start cooking. This method allows you to focus on cooking instead of scrambling for ingredients while trying to keep an eye on your chicken.
• Skipping Marination: Failing to marinate the chicken is a significant mistake that many make when attempting Panda Express Orange Chicken at home. Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, making every bite delicious. Spend at least 30 minutes marinating your chicken in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking for optimal taste results.
• Using Low-Quality Oil: Choosing the wrong oil for frying can impact both flavor and healthiness. Many people opt for low-quality oils that don’t withstand high heat well. Always use oils with high smoke points like peanut or canola oil for frying your chicken. These oils will enhance the crispiness of your chicken without imparting unwanted flavors.

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Serving Suggestions

This Panda Express Orange Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed Rice: A classic combination, serving orange chicken over fluffy steamed rice absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly, making each bite a delight.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: For a colorful and nutritious side, consider a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas stir-fried in sesame oil. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal.
• Fried Rice: Upgrade your meal by serving it alongside fried rice. The savory flavors complement the sweetness of the orange chicken beautifully.

FAQs

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?

Panda Express Orange Chicken features crispy chunks of chicken breast that are battered and fried until golden brown. The dish is then coated in a tangy orange sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. This combination results in a deliciously sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile that has become a favorite among many.

How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?

To create a healthier version of Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content. Substitute the sugar in the sauce with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. Additionally, serving it with steamed vegetables instead of fried rice can significantly cut down on calories while still providing great taste.

Can I freeze Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Panda Express Orange Chicken! To do this, allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’s best to store the sauce separately if possible to maintain texture upon reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

What sides go well with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides. Popular choices include steamed jasmine rice for soaking up the sauce or lo mein noodles for added texture. You might also serve it with egg rolls or spring rolls for an appetizer that complements the main dish nicely. For something lighter, vegetable stir-fry brings a fresh crunch that balances out the meal’s richness.

Conclusion for Panda Express Orange Chicken

In summary, Panda Express Orange Chicken is an irresistible dish known for its crispy chicken and vibrant orange sauce. With simple ingredients like chicken breast, soy sauce, and fresh oranges, you can recreate this beloved recipe at home easily. Pairing it with sides like steamed rice or vegetable stir-fry enhances its flavor while keeping your meal balanced.

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Panda Express Orange Chicken

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. This easy-to-follow recipe features succulent chicken thighs coated in a crispy batter and drenched in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, creating an explosion of flavor with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish not only satisfies cravings but also impresses family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 beaten eggs
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
2. Set up a breading station: whisk together beaten eggs in one bowl and place seasoned flour in another.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with flour.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
6. In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar; simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Toss fried chicken in the sauce before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.- Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during frying for extra nutrition.