How To Make Panda Express Orange Chicken At Home – A Step-by-step Guide

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the secrets of how to make Panda Express Orange Chicken, a beloved dish that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide.

Ingredients: Assembling the Palette of Flavors

To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Frying the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, add the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Combining the Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken back to the skillet with the orange sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 5: Sautéing the Bell Peppers

Add the green and red bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Garnish and Presentation: Enhancing the Visual Appeal

For a vibrant presentation, garnish your Panda Express Orange Chicken with fresh cilantro, scallions, or sesame seeds. Serve with a side of fortune cookies for a complete culinary experience.

Tips and Tricks: Elevating Your Culinary Skills

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Add a touch of Sriracha or chili flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Serve your Panda Express Orange Chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.

Variations: Exploring Culinary Creativity

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy variation.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweeter and more savory flavor.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving for an extra nutty flavor.

The Bottom Line: A Culinary Symphony That Delights the Senses

Congratulations! You’ve successfully mastered the art of how to make Panda Express Orange Chicken. This dish is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this recipe will empower you to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Answers to Your Questions

• How can I make my orange chicken extra crispy? Double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch and flour mixture for a crispier texture.
• Can I use a different type of vinegar in the orange sauce? Yes, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar.
• How do I store leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken? Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze Panda Express Orange Chicken? Yes, you can freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• What are some side dishes that complement Panda Express Orange Chicken? Rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and fortune cookies are all great side dishes for this dish.