Panda Express Orange Chicken

Try this tangy and flavorful copycat recipe from Panda Express! It's sure to be a hit with your family.

Steps for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here's a step-by-step instructions for making Panda Express Orange Chicken:

Place chicken pieces in a large bowl, set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil and mix well, set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of the cornstarch and the flour.
Heat oil for deep-frying in wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Add chicken to wok in small batches and fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
(Do not overcook chicken).
Remove chicken from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set aside.
FOR THE SAUCE:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar and orange zest. Set aside.
Clean wok and heat 15 seconds over high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon oil, the gingerroot, garlic, crushed red chili pepper flakes and green onions and stir-fry for just a few seconds until fragrant.
Now, add the rice wine and the soy sauce mixture you set aside above.
Add cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed.
In a small bowl, stir together the water and cornstarch, then add it to the wok and stir until sauce has thickened. Add sesame oil if desired.
Serve over jasmine rice.

Delicious Flavor Profile: Panda Express Orange Chicken is renowned for its unique balance of sweet and savory flavors. The crispy chicken pieces are generously coated in a tangy orange sauce that combines citrusy brightness with a hint of soy sauce, creating an irresistible taste that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Convenient and Quick Meal Option: As a popular fast-casual dining choice, Panda Express offers Orange Chicken as a quick and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those on-the-go, whether dining in, taking out, or ordering online. The accessibility and speed make it a go-to option for busy individuals and families looking for a tasty meal without a long wait.
Customizable Serving Choices: When you order Orange Chicken, you have the flexibility to customize your meal based on your preferences. It can be paired with a variety of sides, such as fried rice, steamed vegetables, or chow mein, allowing you to create a satisfying plate that caters to your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Yield: 6 Servings

Total Time: 45

Place chicken pieces in a large bowl, set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil and mix well, set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of the cornstarch and the flour.
Heat oil for deep-frying in wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Add chicken to wok in small batches and fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
(Do not overcook chicken).
Remove chicken from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set aside.
FOR THE SAUCE:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar and orange zest. Set aside.
Clean wok and heat 15 seconds over high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon oil, the gingerroot, garlic, crushed red chili pepper flakes and green onions and stir-fry for just a few seconds until fragrant.
Now, add the rice wine and the soy sauce mixture you set aside above.
Add cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed.
In a small bowl, stir together the water and cornstarch, then add it to the wok and stir until sauce has thickened. Add sesame oil if desired.
Serve over jasmine rice.

Ensure to properly marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and achieve a crispy texture when fried; this step is crucial for replicating the signature taste and appearance of Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Prepare the orange sauce by combining fresh orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili flakes, then cook it until thickened; this balance of sweet and tangy flavors is essential to capture the iconic essence of the dish, so adjust the ingredients to your taste for the best results.