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Panda Express Orange Chicken

Posted on February 18, 2025

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken drenched in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that makes my taste buds dance. The moment you take a bite of Panda Express Orange Chicken, your senses are treated to a symphony of flavors that sing “You’re gonna want more!”

I remember the first time I tried this dish; it was at my friend’s birthday party. She dedicated an entire table just for the food—yes, an entire table! As I savored each mouthful of that glorious orange goodness, I felt as if I had found culinary nirvana. It’s hard not to get excited about making this dish at home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make Panda Express Orange Chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking for a personal touch
The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes and perfect for entertaining
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish impresses every time

I remember serving this dish to my family; their faces lit up like kids on Christmas morning!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for juiciness and flavor; about 3-4 will do nicely.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your secret weapon for achieving that golden-brown crispy coating.
Eggs: A couple of beaten eggs act as glue for the flour to stick.
Vegetable Oil: Use enough oil for frying; the higher smoke point helps achieve that perfect crunch.

For the Sauce:

Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor compared to bottled juice—trust me on this!
Zest from Oranges: Zest adds an aromatic touch that takes the sauce up a notch.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Brown Sugar: Sweetness is key! Adjust based on how sweet you want your sauce.
Rice Vinegar: This balances out the sweetness and gives depth to the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger add aromatic depth that’s hard to resist.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare yourself; we’re diving into some culinary fun!

Prep Your Chicken!: Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximizes crispy goodness.

Breading Time!: Set up your breading station with flour in one bowl and beaten eggs in another. Dip each piece of chicken first in egg, then coat thoroughly with flour.

Heat Up That Oil!: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Fry Until Golden!: Carefully place your breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil—avoid overcrowding! Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes), then drain them on paper towels.

Create Your Magical Sauce!: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, mix fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until bubbling and slightly thickened.

Toss It All Together!: Add your crispy chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Toss gently until each piece is beautifully coated in that irresistible glaze.

And there you have it! Serve immediately over rice or with stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Enjoy every moment as you dive into this delightful Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe at home!

You Must Know

The Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors
The crispiness of the chicken combined with the luscious sauce creates an unforgettable dish
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in with comfort food

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Meanwhile, prepare your sauce and have everything ready to ensure smooth cooking. This sequence helps everything come together perfectly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a unique twist. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use high-quality soy sauce for richer flavor; it dramatically enhances the dish’s taste profile
Make sure you coat your chicken evenly for that perfect crunch after frying
Always taste your sauce before adding it to avoid over-sweetening or salting

Sharing this dish with friends always brings back memories of laughter and “who can eat more” contests, making me realize that good food truly brings people together.

FAQs

FAQ

What makes Panda Express Orange Chicken so popular?

The combination of crispy chicken and sweet-tangy orange sauce elevates it above typical takeout.

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for coating the chicken.

How do I make my Orange Chicken less sweet?

Reduce sugar in the sauce or incorporate more vinegar for added tanginess without sacrificing flavor.