Panda Express’s Orange Chicken is a beloved dish known for its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Perfect for dinner, this recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1-2 cups self-rising flour
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• Juice of 1 large orange (approximately 3/4 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Place 1 cup of self-rising flour in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with flour. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring pieces don’t touch, for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, red pepper flakes or Sriracha, minced garlic, cornstarch, and ground ginger. Whisk until cornstarch is fully dissolved. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens, approximately 7 minutes.
3. Combine and Serve: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to ensure even coating. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional orange zest or green onions.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 5.7 oz (approximately 162 grams)
• Calories: 370
• Calories from Fat: 155
• Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 19g
• Protein: 25g

The History of Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is one of the most famous dishes in American-Chinese cuisine. While many assume it has roots in traditional Chinese cooking, it is actually an American creation inspired by flavors from Hunan and Sichuan cuisine. The dish was popularized by Panda Express in 1987 when their executive chef Andy Kao developed a recipe that blended crispy battered chicken with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Unlike classic Chinese stir-fries, which use lightly coated or uncoated proteins, Orange Chicken is deep-fried for an extra crispy texture. The sauce, made from orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices, provides a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that appeal to a wide audience.

Why Make Orange Chicken at Home?

While Panda Express serves delicious Orange Chicken, making it at home has several benefits. First, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, spice level, and even the frying method. Homemade versions can also be healthier since you can use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid excessive sodium or preservatives. Another reason to make Orange Chicken at home is the cost-effectiveness. A single serving at a restaurant can be pricey, but making a large batch at home is more budget-friendly. Plus, you can double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd, making it an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Orange Chicken

1. 1. Use Dark Meat for Better Flavor
   Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this dish because they stay juicy and tender even after frying. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out faster and may not be as flavorful.
2. Frying at the Right Temperature
   For a crispy coating, ensure the oil is heated to around 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy instead of crispy. A thermometer can help you maintain the right frying temperature.
3. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch in the Sauce
   Cornstarch is a key ingredient that thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the fried chicken pieces. Without it, the sauce may become too runny and fail to coat the chicken properly.
4. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness
   For an extra crunchy texture, fry the chicken once until golden, remove it from the oil, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and then fry it again for another minute or two. This technique helps create a light, crisp coating that stays crunchy even after being coated in sauce.

Variations and Customizations

1. Healthier Baked Orange Chicken
   For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of deep-frying. Simply coat the chicken in flour and egg as usual, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also air-fry the chicken for a crispy finish with less oil.
2. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
   To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
3. Spicy Orange Chicken
   If you love heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce. You can also stir in chopped fresh chilies for an extra fiery kick.
4. Honey Orange Chicken
   For a slightly different twist, swap out the granulated sugar for honey. This will give the sauce a richer, deeper sweetness while still maintaining its signature tangy flavor.
5. Orange Chicken with Vegetables
   To make this a complete meal, toss in some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. The veggies add color, texture, and extra nutrients, making the dish even more satisfying.

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some classic and creative serving ideas:

• Steamed White Rice: The mild flavor of white rice balances the bold flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Fried Rice: For a restaurant-style meal, serve it with classic fried rice made with eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce.
• Lo Mein or Chow Mein: Noodles tossed with a light soy-based sauce complement the crispy chicken.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots adds a fresh and crunchy contrast.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works well with this dish.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Chicken

1. Storing Leftovers
   Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, store the chicken and sauce separately if possible.
2. Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Stovetop: Warm the sauce separately, then toss the chicken in the pan just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh oranges?
   Yes, but fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice often contains added sugars and preservatives that may alter the taste of the sauce.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   If the sauce is too thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then whisk it into the sauce and cook for another minute or two until thickened.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance, but it’s best to combine them right before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
4. Is Orange Chicken the same as General Tso’s Chicken?
   No, while both dishes are deep-fried and coated in a sweet-savory sauce, General Tso’s Chicken is spicier and has a soy-based sauce with more vinegar, while Orange Chicken has a stronger citrus flavor.

Conclusion

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. By following this homemade recipe, you can customize the flavors, control the ingredients, and even make healthier versions that suit your dietary preferences.