How To Make Panda Express Orange Chicken At Home – A Step-by-step Guide

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Panda Express‘s iconic Orange Chicken? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the culinary journey of recreating this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions: A Culinary Symphony

1. Prepare the Chicken: The Foundation

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and chicken. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken: A Golden Crust

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.

3. Make the Orange Sauce: A Tangy Delight

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

4. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: A Flavorful Embrace

Transfer the fried chicken to the bowl with the orange sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Cook the Chicken in the Sauce: A Flavorful Transformation

Return the chicken to the skillet or wok and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve: A Culinary Masterpiece

Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the Orange Chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips for a Perfect Orange Chicken: Culinary Secrets Unveiled

• Use a neutral oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal for frying the chicken, as they have a high smoke point and won’t burn easily.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent it from steaming and becoming soggy.
• Cook the chicken until golden brown: This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and has a crispy exterior.
• Don’t overcook the sauce: The sauce should be slightly thickened but still have a slightly tangy flavor.
• Serve immediately: Orange Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

The Anatomy of Orange Chicken: A Culinary Deconstruction

• Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated in cornstarch and fried until golden brown, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior.
• Tangy Orange Sauce: The sauce is a harmonious blend of orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, providing a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
• Aromatic Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and sesame oil add a layer of depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• Vibrant Garnish: Chopped green onions provide a vibrant touch of color and freshness, adding a subtle crunch to each bite.

Orange Chicken Variations: A Culinary Canvas

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter and more caramelized sauce.
• General Tso’s Chicken: Use dark soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and add a few drops of sesame oil to the sauce for a more robust flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply thaw it completely before marinating and frying.

Q: How do I store leftover Orange Chicken?
A: Leftover Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Orange Chicken?
A: Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles are all excellent side dishes to complement the flavors of Orange Chicken.