Is Orange Chicken From Panda Express Dairy-free? Here’s The Answer!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Panda Express‘s iconic Orange Chicken? But hold on, if you’re dairy-intolerant or vegan, you may wonder, “Does Orange Chicken from Panda Express have dairy?”

Ingredients Breakdown: Dairy Detective Work

To unravel this culinary mystery, let’s dive into the ingredient list of Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken:

• Chicken
• Orange sauce (water, sugar, soy sauce, distilled vinegar, orange peel, salt, modified food starch, natural flavor, caramel color, potassium sorbate)
• Cooking oil
• Breading (wheat flour, water, salt)

Dairy-Free Verdict:

As you can see, the ingredient list doesn‘t explicitly mention any dairy products. This means that Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken is dairy-free.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

However, it’s important to note that cross-contamination can occur in restaurant kitchens. If dairy products are being used in other dishes, there’s a slight possibility that traces of dairy could end up in your Orange Chicken.

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, consider the following precautions:

• Inform the staff of your dairy allergy or vegan status.
• Order your Orange Chicken as a separate dish, away from other dairy-containing items.
• If you’re highly sensitive to dairy, consider avoiding Orange Chicken from Panda Express.

Substitutes for Orange Chicken: Dairy-Free Delights

If you’re craving the flavors of Orange Chicken but want to avoid dairy completely, here are some delicious alternatives:

• Homemade Orange Chicken: Create your own dairy-free Orange Chicken using plant-based chicken and a dairy-free orange sauce made with coconut milk.
• Tofu Orange Chicken: Replace chicken with tofu for a protein-packed, dairy-free version of Orange Chicken.
• Vegetable Orange Chicken: Omit the chicken and use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, to create a colorful and dairy-free stir-fry.

Dairy-Free Sides: Perfect Pairings

To complement your dairy-free Orange Chicken, consider these side dishes that are also free from dairy:

• Fried Rice: Enjoy a classic Chinese side dish made with rice, vegetables, and eggs (omit the eggs if you’re vegan).
• Chow Mein: Savor this stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and a savory sauce.
• Super Greens: Get your daily dose of veggies with a side of Panda Express’s Super Greens, which features broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.

Wrap-Up: Embracing Dairy-Free Orange Chicken

Whether you’re dairy-intolerant, vegan, or simply curious about dairy-free options, Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken is a delicious and satisfying choice. By taking precautions to minimize cross-contamination and exploring dairy-free substitutes and sides, you can enjoy the flavors of this iconic dish without compromising your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken sauce dairy-free?
A: Yes, the Orange Chicken sauce is dairy-free.

Q: Are there any hidden dairy ingredients in Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken?
A: According to the ingredient list, there are no hidden dairy ingredients.

Q: Can I request a dairy-free Orange Chicken order?
A: Yes, you can inform the staff of your dairy allergy or vegan status, and they will take precautions to minimize cross-contamination.

Q: What are some dairy-free sides that pair well with Orange Chicken?
A: Fried Rice, Chow Mein, and Super Greens are all dairy-free side dishes that complement Orange Chicken.

Q: Can I make my own dairy-free Orange Chicken at home?
A: Yes, you can create a dairy-free version of Orange Chicken using plant-based chicken and a dairy-free orange sauce made with coconut milk.