Satisfy Your Cravings: How To Make Panda Express’ Orange Chicken In Just 5 Easy Steps!

Craving the mouthwatering, crispy goodness of Panda Express‘s iconic Orange Chicken? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you on a culinary journey, revealing the secrets behind this beloved dish, so you can recreate the Panda Express experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Mastering the Perfect Crispy Coating

1. Ingredients for the Coating:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2. Technique for Crispy Coating:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Crafting the Sweet and Tangy Sauce

3. Ingredients for the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

4. Technique for the Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a few tablespoons of water.
3. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Assembling the Orange Chicken

5. Combining the Components:

1. Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet or wok.
2. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
3. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is evenly coated.

Garnishing and Serving

6. Finishing Touches:

• For an authentic touch, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
• Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Success

7. Choosing the Right Chicken:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

8. Achieving the Perfect Crisp:

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.
• Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
• Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

9. Balancing the Sauce:

• Adjust the amount of orange juice, soy sauce, and honey to suit your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Recommendations: Orange Chicken Mastery

With this step-by-step guide, you now possess the culinary knowledge to recreate the delectable Orange Chicken from Panda Express in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and satisfying dish, and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering a restaurant-quality meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be slightly drier than thighs.

Q: What if I don’t have cornstarch?
A: You can substitute all-purpose flour for cornstarch in both the coating and the sauce.

Q: How can I store leftover Orange Chicken?
A: Store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.