Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

If you’re craving that irresistible blend of crispy chicken and zesty, sweet-tangy sauce that defines Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’re in the right place. This homemade version brings the iconic flavors of your favorite fast-food dish straight to your kitchen, without the need for takeout. Imagine biting into perfectly fried, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a glossy orange sauce that’s bursting with fresh citrus notes and a hint of spice—it’s the ultimate comfort food upgrade. As the go-to expert at cookingwithemy.com, I’ve perfected this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe to ensure it’s authentically delicious and easy to master, making it the single best resource for home cooks seeking that restaurant-quality taste at home.

The aroma of fresh orange zest mingling with garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that promises a meal worth savoring. Each bite offers a symphony of textures: the satisfying crunch of the crispy chicken exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat inside, all enveloped in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. This recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of real orange juice and zest, balanced perfectly with savory soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar, resulting in a dish that’s not just tasty but also visually appealing with its glossy sheen and vibrant color.

What sets this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe apart on cookingwithemy.com is our commitment to making it foolproof and exceptional, drawing from thorough testing and real-world feedback. You’ll discover the “Chef’s Secret” that elevates the sauce to new heights, along with step-by-step guidance that builds your confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide covers everything from ingredient selection to storage tips, ensuring your dish turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in and make your next meal unforgettable.

Why This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret to this Panda Express Orange Chicken lies in the fresh orange zest and juice, which infuse the sauce with an irresistibly zesty twist that mimics the restaurant’s signature flavor while adding a homemade brightness. This technique not only enhances the tanginess but also balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a sauce that’s more vibrant and less artificial than typical takeout versions. By using freshly minced garlic and ginger, we ensure a depth of flavor that elevates the dish from good to extraordinary, making it a standout for any occasion.

Unbeatable Texture: The key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior comes from double-coating the chicken in egg and flour, which creates a barrier that locks in moisture while frying. Scientifically, this method promotes even browning through the Maillard reaction, resulting in a golden crunch that stays intact even after tossing in the sauce, unlike many recipes that leave the chicken soggy.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen at cookingwithemy.com to guarantee consistent results, no matter your skill level. We’ve fine-tuned measurements and steps to account for common variables like oil temperature, ensuring your Panda Express Orange Chicken comes out perfectly crispy and flavorful every single time.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Start with 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts—these form the heart of your Panda Express Orange Chicken. High-quality chicken ensures tender, juicy pieces that absorb flavors well without becoming tough. Opt for organic or free-range options for better texture and taste. If you’re looking for a substitution, turkey breast can work, but it might alter the classic flavor slightly due to its milder profile.

All-purpose flour is essential for the crispy coating, providing a light, airy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sauce. Using unbleached flour maintains the integrity of the breading, avoiding any off-flavors from chemicals. For a gluten-free twist, substitute with almond flour, but note that it may result in a softer texture, so adjust frying time accordingly.

Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the flour adhere to the chicken for that perfect golden crust in your Panda Express Orange Chicken. Fresh eggs from pasture-raised hens yield better results with their richer yolks. If you’re vegan, aquafaba (chickpea liquid) is a great egg substitute, ensuring the coating sticks without compromising the dish’s structure.

Vegetable oil for frying is crucial for achieving the ideal crispiness; choose one with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil to prevent burning and maintain a neutral taste. Quality matters here to avoid rancid flavors, and if you’re health-conscious, avocado oil can substitute for a heart-healthy option, though it might add a subtle nutty note.

Fresh orange juice brings the signature citrusy tang to your Panda Express Orange Chicken, delivering vibrant, natural sweetness that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor—quality fresh oranges make all the difference. As a substitute, store-bought 100% orange juice works in a pinch, but it may lack the intensity, so add a bit more zest to compensate.

Orange zest adds an aromatic, oily essence that intensifies the flavors in the sauce. From a fresh orange, it provides essential oils that enhance the zesty twist; always use organic to avoid pesticides. There’s no great substitute, but lemon zest can mimic the citrus note, though it will shift the recipe towards a more tart profile.

Low-sodium soy sauce balances the sweetness with its umami depth, making your Panda Express Orange Chicken savory and addictive. Choose a reputable brand for authentic flavor without overwhelming saltiness. For a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent substitute, maintaining the same richness without altering the overall taste.

Brown sugar contributes the perfect caramelized sweetness to the sauce, creating that glossy finish. Use light brown sugar for a milder taste; dark can make it richer. If you’re watching sugar intake, coconut sugar is a natural alternative, though it might introduce a slight earthiness to your Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Rice vinegar provides the tangy backbone that cuts through the richness, ensuring the sauce isn’t overly sweet. High-quality unseasoned rice vinegar is key for its clean flavor. Apple cider vinegar can substitute, but use less to avoid overpowering the orange notes in the dish.

Fresh garlic, minced, infuses a pungent warmth that elevates the entire recipe. Fresh cloves are superior for their robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use half the amount to prevent bitterness.

Fresh ginger, minced, adds a spicy, warming element that complements the citrus in your Panda Express Orange Chicken. Opt for young ginger for a milder taste. Ground ginger is a substitute, but it lacks the fresh zing, so fresh is always recommended for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Cut the 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to cook quickly and absorb the sauce later.

Pro Tip: Chill the chicken in the refrigerator for 10 minutes after cutting to help the breading adhere better, resulting in extra crispy Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Step 2: Setting Up the Breading Station

Set up a breading station with one bowl containing 1 cup of all-purpose flour and another with 2 beaten eggs. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess for an even layer.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the bowls; bread in batches to keep the flour dry, as moisture can make the coating clump and lead to uneven frying in your Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Step 3: Frying the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy). Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Pro Tip: Maintain the oil temperature to avoid greasy chicken; if it drops, the coating absorbs more oil, compromising the crispy texture of your Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Step 4: Making the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it comes to a gentle bubble and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overheat the sauce, as it can become too thick or burn; stir constantly and remove from heat once bubbling to preserve the fresh flavors in your Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Step 5: Tossing the Chicken in Sauce

Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, add the chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss them gently until they’re evenly coated in the sauce. Remove from heat immediately to keep the chicken crispy.

Pro Tip: Toss quickly to coat without letting the chicken sit in the sauce too long, ensuring it retains its crunch in the final Panda Express Orange Chicken dish.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Panda Express Orange Chicken, serve it on a bed of steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and added crunch, elevating the dish from simple to stunning. Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy to balance the richness, creating a complete meal that’s both visually appealing and nutritionally balanced.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For make-ahead strategy, prepare the chicken pieces and breading up to 3 days in advance: cut and refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container, and mix the dry ingredients separately. When ready, proceed with frying and sauce for fresh results. To store leftovers, let the Panda Express Orange Chicken cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags to maintain texture. The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture, or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, ensuring the crispy exterior returns without sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Panda Express Orange Chicken

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• Author: Chef mia

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Description

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish featuring crispy, golden chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cupall-purpose flour
• 2eggs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cupfresh orange juice
• Zest of1orange
• 1/4 cuplow-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cupbrown sugar
• 2 tablespoonsrice vinegar
• 2cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoonfresh ginger, minced

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl and beaten eggs in another.
3. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat with flour.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes), then drain on paper towels.
6. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger; heat until bubbling.
7. Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 17g