The aroma of crispy chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe captures that iconic fast-food flavor, bringing it straight to your kitchen with a dash of love and a sprinkle of humor. Grilled Chicken Burrito.
Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, glossy glaze that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this dish shines as the star of the meal. Get ready to relish an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Its vibrant orange hue makes it visually appealing on any dinner table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even veggies!
Ingredients for Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 1 pound; they provide juicy bites that absorb the sauce beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: This will create the crispy coating for the chicken, giving it that delightful crunch.
- Eggs: One or two eggs are essential for binding the flour to the chicken and getting that golden-brown exterior.
- Vegetable Oil: Use enough for frying; this oil helps achieve that coveted crispy texture while keeping the chicken moist.
For the Sauce:
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it gives the sauce a bright and zesty flavor without any artificial taste.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works wonders in balancing flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness and balances the tanginess of the orange juice.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce—because who doesn’t love garlic?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures every piece is flavorful from start to finish.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk together eggs. In another bowl, add flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then dredge in flour until fully coated.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously. Heat until shimmering—test if it’s ready by dropping in a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Fry Your Chicken
Carefully add your breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and some red pepper flakes if you like a kick! Stir occasionally until everything is well mixed and heated through.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once your chicken is fried and crisped up nicely, add it directly into your saucepan with the orange sauce. Stir gently until all pieces are coated in that glorious sticky goodness!
Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress! Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
There you have it! A homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken that’s not just easy but also tastes better than takeout (well, at least you can say so when you’re serving it). Enjoy this culinary adventure as you savor every bite—who knew cooking could be so much fun?
You Must Know
- This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor. Next, sear the chicken until golden brown, then prepare the sauce while it cooks. Finally, toss everything together for a mouthwatering finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for alternatives. Add some crushed red pepper for heat or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Customize according to your palate!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, ensuring it stays juicy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For crispy chicken, coat it lightly in cornstarch before frying to achieve that perfect crunch.
- Don’t skip marinating; it enhances flavor immensely!
- Serve with steamed rice or veggies for a balanced meal.
I remember the first time I tried making this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe; my friends raved about it as if I had just won a Michelin star! The secret? A touch of love and a hefty splash of orange zest!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for the Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe?
To make this delicious Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe, you’ll need chicken thighs, cornstarch, eggs, and some basic seasonings. The sauce requires soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and fresh orange juice. This combination creates a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that mimic the original dish perfectly. Chicken Caesar Wrap Ensure you have enough oil for frying to achieve that crispy texture. Preparing these ingredients will set you up for a fantastic cooking experience!
How long does it take to prepare the Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken?
The total time required for the Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is around 30 to 40 minutes. You can expect about 15 minutes for preparation and another 15 to 25 minutes for cooking. This makes it a great option for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. With this quick recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality orange chicken in your own kitchen in no time. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Can I make the Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe healthier?
Yes! To make the Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe healthier, consider baking instead of frying the chicken. You can also use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs and reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce. Incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the dish adds nutrition without compromising on flavor. These adjustments allow you to enjoy a lighter version while still savoring that iconic taste.
What should I serve with my Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken?
For an excellent meal pairing with your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe, consider serving it with steamed rice or fried rice. These sides complement the dish well and help soak up the flavorful sauce. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad You might also include a side of stir-fried vegetables or an Asian-style salad for added freshness. Flavorful Antipasto Salad This combination creates a balanced meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.
Conclusion for Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s both crispy and rich in flavor. Remember to adjust cooking times based on your equipment and preference for crispiness. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe will surely impress everyone at your table! Enjoy your homemade version today! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the deliciousness of this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe, where succulent chicken is enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, combining crispy texture with vibrant flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: whisk the eggs in one bowl and combine flour with salt and pepper in another. Dip chicken pieces first into the egg mixture, then dredge in flour until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Test readiness by dropping in a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles, it’s ready for frying.
- Fry chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic over medium heat, stirring occasionally until well mixed and heated through.
- Toss fried chicken in the saucepan until evenly coated with the sauce. Serve warm over steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 170g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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