How To Make Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Step-by-step Guide

Craving the irresistible flavors of Panda Express’s iconic Orange Chicken? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will empower you to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. With step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you’ll soon be savoring the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crispy goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside for 15 minutes.

2. Heat the Oil:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Fry the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Orange Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the Orange Chicken with fresh orange slices or chopped green onions. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become tough.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or orange juice.
• If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet with high sides.
• Serve the Orange Chicken hot for the best experience.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
• Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to the orange sauce.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Chicken:

• Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the Orange Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for Orange Chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it is important to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and frying.

Q: What can I serve with Orange Chicken?
A: Orange Chicken can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or egg rolls.

Q: How do I make the Orange Chicken sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while it is simmering.