Is Orange Chicken From Panda Gluten Free? Here’s The Truth

Orange chicken, a tantalizing dish from the popular Chinese fast-food chain Panda Express, has sparked curiosity among diners with gluten sensitivities. The question of whether this delectable treat contains gluten has become increasingly prevalent. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on this topic, exploring the ingredients, preparation methods, and cross-contamination risks associated with orange chicken from Panda Express.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in Panda Express‘s orange chicken are:

• Chicken
• Orange sauce
• Breading mix

The orange sauce consists of:

• Orange peel
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Water

The breading mix, which coats the chicken, contains:

• Wheat flour
• Modified food starch
• Salt
• Sugar
• Baking powder

Gluten Status of Ingredients

• Chicken: Naturally gluten-free
• Orange sauce: Gluten-free
• Breading mix: Contains wheat flour, which is not gluten-free

Preparation Methods

Orange chicken is prepared through a multi-step process:

• Marination: The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
• Coating: The marinated chicken is then coated in the breading mix.
• Frying: The coated chicken is deep-fried in vegetable oil.
• Saucing: The fried chicken is tossed in the orange sauce.

Cross-Contamination Risks

Cross-contamination can occur when gluten-containing ingredients come into contact with gluten-free ingredients during preparation or storage. At Panda Express, the following factors may pose cross-contamination risks:

• Shared cooking surfaces: Orange chicken is fried in the same oil as other gluten-containing dishes.
• Shared utensils: Spoons, spatulas, and other utensils used to prepare orange chicken may also be used for gluten-containing items.
• Storage: Orange chicken may be stored in containers that have previously held gluten-containing foods.

Panda Express’s Gluten-Free Policy

Panda Express has a gluten-free policy that outlines the steps they take to minimize cross-contamination. However, they cannot guarantee that their food is completely gluten-free due to the potential for cross-contamination.

Recommendations for Gluten-Sensitive Individuals

• Avoid Orange Chicken: Due to the presence of wheat flour in the breading mix, orange chicken from Panda Express should be avoided by individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
• Consider Other Gluten-Free Options: Panda Express offers several gluten-free options, such as their grilled teriyaki chicken, steamed rice, and vegetable spring rolls.
• Inform the Staff: When ordering, inform the staff that you have a gluten sensitivity and request that they take precautions to minimize cross-contamination.

In a nutshell: Navigating Gluten-Free Dining at Panda Express

For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it is important to exercise caution when dining at Panda Express. While the chain has a gluten-free policy in place, the presence of wheat flour in the breading mix of orange chicken poses a significant cross-contamination risk. By avoiding orange chicken and opting for gluten-free alternatives, diners can enjoy a tasty and safe meal at Panda Express.

What You Need to Know

Q: Is orange chicken from Panda Express gluten-free?
A: No, orange chicken from Panda Express contains wheat flour in the breading mix and should be avoided by individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Q: What gluten-free options are available at Panda Express?
A: Panda Express offers several gluten-free options, including grilled teriyaki chicken, steamed rice, and vegetable spring rolls.

Q: How can I minimize cross-contamination when ordering from Panda Express?
A: Inform the staff that you have a gluten sensitivity and request that they take precautions to minimize cross-contamination.