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To make Panda Express Orange Chicken, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred) - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening) - Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - Chicken: Use tofu or shrimp for a different protein. - Soy Sauce: Try tamari for a gluten-free option. - Sugar: Honey or agave syrup work well too. - Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can replace it. - Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder if you have it. Add some flair with these garnishes: - Sliced green onions for a fresh taste. - Toasted sesame seeds for crunch. - Fresh cilantro for a pop of color. - Orange slices for a pretty presentation. These ingredients and their substitutes will help you create a tasty and easy Orange Chicken dish. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. To start, gather your chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This blend gives the chicken a nice flavor. In another bowl, place 2 large beaten eggs. Set up your breading station. First, dip each chicken piece in the flour mix. Next, coat it in the eggs. Finally, cover it with 1 cup of cornstarch. This step helps create the crispy texture we love. Now, it’s time to fry! Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Be sure to not overcrowd the pan. After frying, remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. This helps keep your chicken crispy. For the orange sauce, take a separate saucepan. Combine 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, the zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Simmer this mix on low heat for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. To thicken the sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, combine the crispy chicken with the orange sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss it well to coat the chicken evenly. For a beautiful touch, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This makes it look as good as it tastes! To make the chicken crispy, start with dry pieces. Pat them with a paper towel. Use a three-step breading process: flour, eggs, and cornstarch. This helps create a great crunch. Make sure your oil is hot before frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will be soggy. Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps with even cooking. For a tasty orange sauce, use fresh orange juice. This makes a big difference in flavor. Add orange zest for more brightness. Mix soy sauce and sugar with the juice. The sugar balances the tartness. Don't forget the garlic and ginger; they add depth. Let the sauce simmer. This helps the flavors blend well. If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. Serve your orange chicken over steamed rice. The rice soaks up the sauce nicely. You can also add stir-fried veggies for color and crunch. Green onions and sesame seeds make great garnishes. They add a nice touch of flavor. For a fun twist, serve with crispy noodles on the side. This adds a nice texture and complements the dish perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Orange Chicken Delight. {{image_2}} You can make a baked version of orange chicken. It cuts down on oil. Here’s how: - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Coat the chicken pieces with the same flour mix. - Instead of frying, place them on a baking sheet. - Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray. - Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. This method gives you a lighter dish that's still tasty. You can easily change the flavor of your orange chicken. If you like heat, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the orange sauce. For a sweeter taste, increase the sugar or add honey. Here are some ideas: - Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha for heat. - Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - Use brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor. Feel free to play with these flavors to match your taste! Pair your orange chicken with tasty sides to make a complete meal. Here are some great options: - Serve over steamed white or brown rice. - Try it with lo mein or fried rice for added flavor. - Add a side of stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for crunch. These sides not only enhance the dish but also add nutrition. You can find the full recipe for more details on making this dish delicious! After you enjoy your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken crispy for a day or two. Place the chicken and sauce together, or keep them separate if you want better texture. If stored properly, your Orange Chicken will taste great for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the orange sauce separately, too. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish for up to three months. When it's time to eat again, reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy. You can also reheat the sauce on the stovetop in a small pot. Stir it well to ensure it warms evenly. If you want, you can add a splash of water or orange juice to help it blend. Panda Express Orange Chicken is made from chicken, a sweet orange sauce, and spices. The chicken is coated in a crispy batter and then fried. The sauce has orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. It has a nice blend of sweet and tangy flavors that many enjoy. For a homemade version, check the Full Recipe. To make the sauce less sweet, cut down on sugar. You can replace some sugar with soy sauce for a saltier taste. Adding more orange juice can also help balance the sweetness. If you prefer a tangy flavor, increase the rice vinegar. Taste as you mix to find your perfect balance. Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use plant-based egg substitutes for the batter. For the sauce, ensure the soy sauce is vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a tasty vegan Orange Chicken dish without losing flavor. You can buy Panda Express Orange Chicken at any Panda Express location. They also offer delivery through their app or various food delivery services. If you want to enjoy it at home, you can try making it yourself with the Full Recipe. In this article, we covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making orange chicken. You learned about ingredient swaps and how to achieve crispy chicken. You also discovered variations and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Make it your own and share it with friends. Your take on orange chicken can be a fun twist on this classic dish!

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Zesty Orange Chicken Delight that will elevate your dinner routine! This recipe features crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce made from fresh juice and vibrant zest. Perfectly paired with rice or veggies, it's a feast for the senses. In just 50 minutes, you can impress family and friends with this delicious dish. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to savor the zest!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs. Set up a breading station with the chicken pieces first dipped in the flour mixture, then in eggs, and finally coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture.

    Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

      Make the orange sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

        Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, and continue to cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

          Combine chicken and sauce: In a large serving bowl, combine the crispy chicken with the orange sauce. Toss until the chicken is well coated.

            Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a beautiful and colorful plate.