Craving that sweet and savory, crispy goodness of Panda Express Orange Chicken but don't want to leave the house? This copycat recipe lets you recreate that iconic dish in your own kitchen, with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying homemade meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the chicken and toss until it's evenly coated.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a pinch of flour should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This prevents the chicken from steaming instead of frying.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Orange Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking by adding more or less sugar and red pepper flakes.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and then combine them just before serving. This is a fantastic time-saving tip for busy weeknights.
Delicious Variations:
- Add vegetables: Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas would be delicious additions to this dish. Stir-fry them along with the chicken or add them to the sauce at the end.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
- Use different citrus: Experiment with lemon or lime juice for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Let us know how yours turns out in the comments below!