Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with Panda Express Orange Chicken! It’s one of those dishes that just hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. I’ve spent countless evenings trying to recreate that perfect balance at home, and I finally nailed it! This recipe brings the *essence* of the original dish right into your kitchen, and trust me, you’re going to want to make it again and again. With my love for Chinese-American cuisine, I can assure you that this Orange Chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s gather everything you need for this mouthwatering Panda Express Orange Chicken! Here’s the lineup of ingredients that’ll make your dish shine:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (don’t skimp on the size—bite-sized means easy to eat!)
- 1 cup cornstarch (this is key for that crispy coating)
- 2 eggs, beaten (they help the cornstarch stick, so don’t skip this step)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying, you want it nice and hot)
- 1/2 cup sugar (this brings that sweetness we love)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best, but bottled works too)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (for that savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds a nice tang)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger (for that warm, spicy kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
Once you have all these goodies, you’re ready to start cooking up some magic!
How to Prepare Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the exciting part—preparing this delicious Orange Chicken! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is:
- First, grab a large bowl and coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch. Make sure every piece is well covered; this is what gives it that irresistible crunch!
- Next, dip those coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs. This step is crucial for holding that crispy layer together.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles when it hits the oil—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan!
- While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a separate pot, combine sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once your chicken is perfectly fried, toss it in the orange sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot over rice, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Easy to follow steps that even beginners can master
- Deliciously crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend dinner
- Customizable spice level to suit your taste
- Great for serving family or impressing guests with minimal effort
This recipe truly captures the magic of Panda Express, making it a go-to for any occasion!
Tips for Success with Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s make sure your Orange Chicken turns out *perfectly*! Here are my top tips:
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good test is to drop a tiny piece of chicken in; if it sizzles, you’re ready! This ensures that you’ll get that golden, crispy coating.
- Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, let it simmer a little longer. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Adjusting Spice Level: Feel free to tweak the red pepper flakes to match your taste. If you like it spicy, go for more; if you prefer mild, just leave it out.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair it with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and nutrition!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Nutritional Information for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delightful Panda Express Orange Chicken! Each serving is roughly estimated to contain:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But don’t worry; it’s all about enjoying this tasty dish in moderation!
FAQ About Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Got questions about making this Panda Express Orange Chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a variation.
What if I don’t have orange juice? You can substitute it with lemon juice for a different, yet still delicious, citrus flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat for best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with it? Serve it over rice or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Serving Suggestions for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Now that you’ve got this delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! I love pairing it with fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that sweet and tangy sauce beautifully. You can also serve it over brown rice for a heartier option. For a pop of color and nutrition, steamed broccoli or snap peas make fantastic accompaniments. If you’re feeling fancy, try adding a side of crispy egg rolls or a fresh garden salad to round out the meal. Trust me, you’ll want a little something to balance out that bold flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Got leftovers? No problem! To keep your delicious Orange Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in a pan over low heat. This helps maintain that crispy texture while warming it through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just be careful, as it can make the chicken a bit soggy. A quick blast for about 1-2 minutes should do the trick. Enjoy every last bite!
Imprimer
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe: 7 Simple Secrets
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious copycat recipe for Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a separate pot, combine sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce.
- Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: panda express orange chicken recipe
