Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Copycat

The Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is a beloved dish enjoyed by people of all ages. Its unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors has made it a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout. The dish consists of crispy fried chicken coated in a delicious orange sauce, and is often served with steamed rice or noodles.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make the Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe at home. We will cover everything from the ingredients you need to the step-by-step instructions, as well as some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect dish.

Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce: 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Instructions for Panda Express Orange Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, and orange zest.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the orange sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is evenly coated, about 2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken:

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
3. Coat the chicken in cornstarch and flour before frying. This will help the chicken to become crispy.
4. Fry the chicken in hot oil. This will help the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.
5. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. This will help the chicken to cook evenly.
6. Make the orange sauce while the chicken is frying. This will help the sauce to thicken and become flavorful.
7. Add the chicken to the orange sauce and cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is evenly coated. This will help the chicken to absorb the flavor of the sauce.
8. Serve the Panda Express Orange Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles. This will help to keep the chicken crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Panda Express Orange Chicken

Q: What is the secret to making Panda Express Orange Chicken?

The secret to making Panda Express Orange Chicken is in the sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, and orange zest. This combination of ingredients gives the sauce its unique sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.

Q: Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken without frying the chicken?

Yes, you can make Panda Express Orange Chicken without frying the chicken. To do this, simply bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Q: What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Q: How can I store Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can make the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken at home.

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