Introduction
Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and Panda Express has perfected the recipe. The tangy and sweet sauce has made Panda Express’s orange chicken a fan favorite. It’s a dish that is enjoyed by all ages and can be easily prepared at home. Here is the recipe for Panda Express’s Orange Chicken.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
-1/2 cup of orange juice
-1/4 cup of white sugar
-1/4 cup of white vinegar
-1/4 cup of soy sauce
-1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
-1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
-1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
For the chicken:
-2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
-1 large egg, lightly beaten
-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
-1 tablespoon of cornstarch
-1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
-1/4 teaspoon of salt
-1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
-1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set aside.
2. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the chicken cubes, egg, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add the reserved sauce to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Orange chicken is delicious served over a bed of steamed white rice or chow mein noodles. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. For a complete meal, serve the orange chicken alongside egg rolls or wontons.
Variations
For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or substitute the white pepper with cayenne pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken coating for an extra kick. For a sweeter dish, increase the amount of sugar in the sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a richer flavor.
Tips
-For best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought juice.
-Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding the sauce to avoid foodborne illnesses.
-For a thicker sauce, mix together a tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens.
Conclusion
Panda Express’s orange chicken is a delicious and easy to make dish. With the right ingredients and instructions, you can recreate the classic restaurant dish in the comfort of your own home. The tangy and sweet sauce makes this dish a fan favorite that can be enjoyed by all ages. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
