Looking for a tasty way to make Panda Express’ famous Orange Chicken at home? You’ve come to the right place! In this simple recipe, I’ll guide you through each step to recreate this beloved dish with its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family or craving a delicious meal for yourself, let’s dive in and bring that restaurant taste to your kitchen!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Flavoring and Sauce Components
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnishing Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 2 green onions
The main ingredients for this dish focus on chicken thighs, which are juicy and perfect for frying. Cornstarch and flour create a crispy coating. You will also need eggs to bind everything together.
For flavor, garlic powder and ginger bring warmth and aroma. The sauce gets its sweetness from honey and a bright taste from orange juice. Soy sauce adds depth, while rice vinegar balances the flavors. Crushed red pepper adds a kick, and sesame oil gives a nutty finish.
To garnish, you will need sesame seeds and green onions. They not only look nice but also add texture and flavor. This mix of ingredients makes a delicious orange chicken that tastes just like the restaurant version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, you need to season the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with garlic powder and ginger. This adds great flavor. Let this sit for 15 minutes to marinate. This step is key for tasty chicken.
Breading the Chicken
Next, set up your breading stations. Use three bowls: one for cornstarch, one for beaten eggs, and one for flour. Start with the chicken pieces. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with cornstarch. This technique helps make the chicken crispy.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken in batches. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and crispy. After frying, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels. This drains excess oil.
Making the Sauce
For the sauce, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes. You want it to thicken slightly.
Final Assembly
Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken into the pan. Toss the chicken with the sauce to coat it evenly. Cook for an extra 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well.
Serving Suggestions
To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken. Also, garnish with chopped green onions. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your dish!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crispiness
To get that perfect crunch, marinate the chicken first. I like to use garlic powder and fresh ginger for flavor. Let the chicken sit for 15 minutes. This step makes a big difference.
When breading, use a three-bowl setup. Use cornstarch, beaten eggs, and flour. Dredge each piece in flour first, then egg, and finally coat with cornstarch. This method ensures a crispy crust.
For frying, heat vegetable oil to medium-high. The right temperature is key. If it’s too cool, the chicken will turn soggy. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Enhancing Flavor
If you love heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon. You can add more if you want it spicier. Adjust to your taste.
Always use fresh ingredients when you can. Fresh ginger and orange juice will give the best flavor. If you must, you can use substitutes like dried ginger or bottled juice, but fresh is better.
Presentation Tips
Serving style matters! I love to serve this chicken over white rice or with steamed veggies. It looks great and tastes even better.
For a pop of color, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This small touch adds visual appeal. A beautiful dish makes the meal more special.
Variations
Different Proteins
You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Chicken thighs work well, but chicken breasts are a leaner choice. If you prefer seafood, shrimp adds a nice touch. For a plant-based option, tofu is a great substitute. Just press the tofu to remove extra water before cooking. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture, making the dish unique.
Sauce Alterations
Want to change the sauce? You can add more citrus flavors. Try adding lemon or lime juice for a fresh zing. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. To lower the sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy the taste without the extra salt.
Dietary Modifications
If you are gluten-free, use alternative flours like rice flour or almond flour for breading. This keeps the crunch while being safe for your diet. For a vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps all the flavors while fitting different diets perfectly.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your orange chicken fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for storage. This will help prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. When you store it, let it cool down to room temperature first. This prevents steam, which can make the chicken soggy.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save your orange chicken for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it crispy and tasty.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your orange chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Always check for any bad smells or changes in texture before eating.
FAQs
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
You can adjust the honey levels in the sauce. Start by using less honey. Try using 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup. You can also add more soy sauce or vinegar. These will balance the sweetness and add flavor.
Can I use a different kind of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use different oils for frying. Good options include canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. These oils have high smoke points and work well for frying. They also have a neutral taste that won’t overpower your dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also add sriracha or chili paste for more heat. Mix these in with the sauce while it simmers.
What sides pair well with Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken?
I recommend serving this dish with steamed rice or fried rice. Broccoli or snap peas make great sides, too. You can also try it with a simple salad. These sides complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken.
Can I make this recipe without frying?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. For air-frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.It includes all the steps you need to make this delicious dish.
This blog post covered the key steps to make delicious orange chicken at home. You learned about the main ingredients, how to prepare and cook the chicken, and the best way to make a tasty sauce. We also discussed tips for crispiness and various recipe variations.
Cooking this dish brings joy and flavor to your table. With simple steps, you can impress family and friends. Enjoy your tasty creation!
