Panda Express Orange Chicken

Name: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Chicken Breast; All-Purpose Flour; Eggs; Fresh Orange Juice; Low-Sodium Soy Sauce; Brown Sugar; Garlic Cloves; Fresh Ginger; Cornstarch; Vegetable Oil

Published: February 17, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish is easier to make than you think; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
With its perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor, it will satisfy any craving for Asian cuisine.
The vibrant color of the sauce makes it visually stunning on any dinner plate.
Versatile enough for meal prep or special occasions, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Every time I whip up this dish, my friends rave about it—honestly, I should charge them for cooking lessons!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast: Choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Use this to coat the chicken for that irresistibly crispy texture when fried.
Eggs: These help the flour stick to the chicken; use large eggs for best results.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness; avoid concentrated juice for better flavor.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during cooking; don’t skip it!
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; grate it finely for even distribution in the sauce.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce nicely; mix well with liquid ingredients for smoothness.
Vegetable Oil: Use this for frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up all that glorious sauce later.

Dredge in Flour: In one bowl, beat two eggs until fluffy. In another bowl, add flour mixed with salt and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken in egg first then coat in flour thoroughly.

Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy—about 4-5 minutes per side should do it.

Create Your Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir until thickened and bubbly—a heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen!

Add Chicken to Sauce: Once your sauce reaches that perfect consistency (think syrupy), add your fried chicken pieces directly into the pan. Toss everything together until each piece glistens with that tasty glaze.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your masterpiece onto plates over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy—it’s all about presentation!

This homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken combines convenience with culinary delight—trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

You Must Know

Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors
Fresh veggies and chicken make a world of difference in texture and taste
I once used wilted veggies and learned my lesson—nothing says “meh” like sad stir-fry!
Adjust the sweetness to your liking
If you prefer a tangy kick, reduce sugar and enhance the flavor
My grandma always says, “Life’s too short for bland food!”
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes
This allows the flavors to soak in, making each bite deliciously memorable
I’ve forgotten this step before, and let’s just say the chicken tasted more “blah” than “wow.”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while you prepare the sauce, then cook it until golden brown. Finally, toss everything together for a delightful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli for bell peppers or add crushed red pepper flakes if you crave spice. Experimenting has led me to some unexpected but delicious combinations!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a pan until warmed through to retain its crispy texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always double-check your soy sauce; low-sodium varieties can prevent a salty disaster
Use cornstarch to create a perfect crispy coating on your chicken
Don’t rush the marinating process; patience is key for flavor penetration!

Sharing this recipe with my friends turned into an impromptu dinner party. Everyone was raving about how close it tasted to their favorite takeout!

FAQ

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?

It consists of battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet orange sauce.

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for frying.

How long does it take to prepare Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Preparation and cooking time is roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.

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