How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken at Home
Standing in the food court, I caught the scent of Panda Express’ orange chicken. It brought back joyful memories of my childhood.The dish’s sweet-and-sour taste always made me happy.
Today, I’m excited to share how to make this favorite dish at home. It’s easy and quick, ready in under an hour. This homemade version captures the essence of Panda Express orange chicken without leaving your house.It’s ideal for a quick dinner or a family gathering.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Panda Express Orange Chicken
Panda Express orange chicken is a favorite dish in the United States. It was created in 1987 by Taiwanese-born chef Andy Kao. He made it while working at Panda Express.
Origins of the Famous Dish
Kao was inspired by a sour tangerine chicken from China’s Hunan province. His dish mixed East and West, showing the best of Chinese American cuisine. By 2013, Panda Express had sold over 65 million pounds of it.
What Makes It So Popular
The dish’s unique taste is a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. Its crispy chicken in orange sauce is a hit. It’s a favorite in Panda Express, loved by many.
Restaurant vs Homemade Version
The restaurant version is known for its special texture and taste. Making it at home allows you to customize it to your liking. You can make it healthier and still enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors.
Orange chicken was inspired by a tangy tangerine chicken dish from China’s Hunan province.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Orange Chicken
To make perfect homemade Panda Express-style orange chicken, you need the right ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenderloins. They give the dish great flavor and texture. You’ll also need flour, cornstarch, and eggs for the batter.
Peanut or canola oil is best for frying. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty smell. These ingredients help create a crispy exterior.
The orange sauce is key. It’s made with fresh orange juice, zest, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Brown sugar and white vinegar balance the flavors. Red pepper flakes add a touch of spiciness. Using fresh orange juice and garlic and ginger is important for the authentic taste.
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt content in check. With these orange chicken ingredients, you can make a delicious Asian takeout dish at home.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenderloins | 1-1.5 lbs |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs, beaten | 2 |
| Peanut or canola oil for frying | as needed |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Orange juice, freshly squeezed | 1/2 cup |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce, low-sodium | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| White vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
With these orange chicken ingredients, you can make a tasty Asian takeout dish at home.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make the famous Panda Express orange chicken at home, you’ll need some key tools. From cookware to measuring tools, the right setup is key. It makes your homemade dish as tasty as the original chinese food near me favorite.
Essential Cookware
Start with the right cookware for your orange chicken. A large skillet or wok is needed for frying the chicken. Also, a deep saucepan is useful for heating the oil. And remember, you’ll need mixing bowls for the batter and sauce.
Measuring Tools
Getting the flavors right is all about precise measurements. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
Additional Equipment
- A wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for draining excess oil from the fried chicken
- A reliable food thermometer to ensure the oil temperature is just right
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for gently transferring the chicken in and out of the hot oil
- Whisks, spatulas, and other utensils for stirring, mixing, and tossing the chicken and sauce
With the right tools and equipment, you’re ready to make homemade Panda Express orange chicken. Enjoy this chinese food near me classic in your own kitchen.
Preparing the Perfect Chicken Batter
Making the perfect batter is crucial for a great Panda Express orange chicken recipe at home. It’s all about finding the right mix of ingredients. This mix should make the coating crispy and golden, while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
To create the batter, you’ll need flour, cornstarch, salt, white pepper, eggs, and cold sparkling water. The flour and cornstarch help prevent the batter from becoming tough. The eggs and water mix together to make the batter thick and sticky.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg and then whisk in 1 1/4 cups of cold sparkling water until well combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until a thick, pancake-like batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough, chewy coating.
- Cover the batter and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, allowing the starches to fully hydrate and the ingredients to meld together.
The batter should stick well to the chicken, making it crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This is the secret to a great Panda Express orange chicken.
“The secret to the perfect orange chicken batter lies in the balance of flour, cornstarch, and cold liquids. It’s all about creating a coating that fries up golden and crisp, while keeping the meat tender and juicy.”
With this batter recipe, you’re ready to make delicious homemade Panda Express orange chicken. Next, learn how to fry the chicken perfectly. Stay tuned for the next section!
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
Want to make Panda Express Orange Chicken at home? This guide will show you how. You’ll learn to prepare the chicken and make the special sauce. It’s a simple way to enjoy fast food chinese cuisine at home.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by cutting 1-2 pounds of chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Then, mix 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1-1/2 cups flour, 1 egg, 1-1/4 cups sparkling water, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil for the batter.Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the batter.
Making the Signature Sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for spice. Whisk together 1 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons each of rice vinegar, soy sauce, white sugar, and light brown sugar. Simmer for 7-10 minutes until it thickens, stirring often.
Frying Techniques
Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 375°F in a large pot or Dutch oven. Fry the battered chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels. Next, toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce. Serve hot for a great chinese food near me taste.
Follow these steps to make Panda Express Orange Chicken at home. It’s a delicious fast food chinese cuisine dish that will please everyone.
Creating the Signature Orange Sauce
Making the perfect orange chicken recipe at home begins with the orange sauce. This sauce is key to the asian takeout dish from Panda Express. You’ll need a few ingredients to get the right flavor.
The sauce starts with orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. These mix together for a sweet, tangy, and savory taste. Orange zest adds a fresh citrus smell.
Garlic and ginger add depth to the sauce. Brown and granulated sugar balance the acidity. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat.
To get the right consistency, thicken the sauce with cornstarch. This makes it smooth and sticky, perfect for the fried chicken. You can adjust the thickness by adding more orange juice or water.
With a bit of practice, you can make the orange chicken sauce just like Panda Express. You’ll get a dish that tastes like real asian takeout.
Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Results
To get that perfect, crispy texture like Panda Express orange chicken, focus on temperature and battering. These pro tips will help your homemade dish match the famous Chinese restaurant chain’s quality.
Temperature Control
Keep the oil between 350-375°F for crispiness. Too hot, and the chicken browns too fast, staying raw inside. Too cool, and the batter gets soggy.
Battering Secrets
Let the battered chicken chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the batter stick better, making it crispier. Velveting the chicken also tenderizes it, making it soft like Panda Express.
Timing Guidelines
Fry chicken in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Cook it to 155°F. It will cook more while resting, staying juicy.
With these tips, you can make orange chicken at home that’s crispy and juicy. Paying attention to detail will bring the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant into your kitchen.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve homemade Panda Express-style orange chicken. Try it over steamed rice or with fresh broccoli for a classic taste. For something different, pair it with udon noodles or homemade fried rice for a unique Asian meal.
Want to get creative? Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce wraps or warm tortillas for a fun twist. Add scallions, Thai basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it later.
However you serve it, the bold, tangy flavors of the orange chicken are key. Try different sides and garnishes to make your dish unforgettable. It’s a great way to enjoy panda express menu flavors at home.
