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Orange Chicken Panda Express: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Introduction
Imagine the tantalizing aroma of sweet and tangy orange sauce wafting through your kitchen, paired with crispy bites of tender chicken—this is the magic of Orange Chicken. A favorite at Panda Express and a popular dish among Chinese food enthusiasts, Orange Chicken combines the zesty flavor of oranges with the savory goodness of fried chicken. In this article, we will explore how to recreate this delectable dish at home, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best features of Orange Chicken is its perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. This recipe offers a homemade version that is easy to make and healthier than takeout options. By preparing this dish at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Additionally, Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by individuals following different dietary preferences. Whether you are a meat lover, a vegetarian, or someone looking for a gluten-free option, this recipe can be adapted to meet your needs.
Ingredients
For this Orange Chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup of cornstarch
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– For the orange sauce:
– 1 cup of orange juice
– 1/2 cup of soy sauce
– 1/3 cup of rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– Optional: orange zest for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the fried chicken to the sauce, coating each piece evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the Orange Chicken hot, garnished with orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect Orange Chicken, ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior. Additionally, do not overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken pieces, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. When making the orange sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
For a healthier version of this dish, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken in cornstarch, place it on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until cooked through. Toss the baked chicken in the prepared orange sauce before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer a vegetarian version of Orange Chicken, you can substitute tofu or cauliflower for the chicken. Simply follow the same steps for coating and cooking the protein of your choice, then proceed with making the orange sauce as directed. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to create a colorful and nutritious dish.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that all other ingredients are free from gluten contaminants. You can also replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for thickening the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Orange Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or fried rice, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce with each bite. For a complete meal, serve the Orange Chicken alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. To enhance the citrus flavors, consider serving a refreshing glass of iced green tea or a citrus-infused cocktail.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in this dish.
Q: How can I make the orange sauce spicier?
A: To add heat to the sauce, you can include red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Orange Chicken Panda Express is a beloved dish that brings together the bright flavors of citrus and the comforting taste of fried chicken. By following this easy and flavorful recipe, you can recreate the essence of this popular Chinese takeout dish in your own kitchen. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, Orange Chicken is sure to impress with its delightful combination of sweet and savory notes. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the goodness of homemade Orange Chicken!
Orange Chicken Panda Express: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Recreate the magic of Panda Express’ Orange Chicken at home with this delicious and easy recipe. Tender chicken coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, smothered in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Orange zest for extra flavor (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, coating each piece evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Orange Chicken hot, garnished with orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
