Oh my gosh, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re like me and can’t resist the tantalizing allure of Panda Express’ Orange Chicken, you’ll absolutely love this homemade version. I can still remember my first bite of their crispy, tangy, sweet Orange Chicken. It was an explosion of flavors that left me smiling like a kid in a candy store. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to perfect my own rendition at home.
Not only do I get to indulge in all that zesty goodness, but making it myself means I can control the ingredients and make extra just for leftovers (if there are any, that is!). Plus, it’s so fun to gather everything in my kitchen and whip up this delightful dish. Let’s dive into why this recipe has a special place in my heart and in my stomach.
## What’s in Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken?
Now, before we get our hands dirty, let’s chat about what goes into this mouth-watering dish. Here’s a little breakdown of the ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Trust me, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the stars of this recipe. They provide just the right amount of tenderness when cooked and get beautifully crispy when fried.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: This dynamic duo is what gives our chicken that heavenly crunch. I swear, cornstarch is the secret ingredient to achieving that restaurant-quality texture.
Vegetable Oil: We’ll use this for frying! I prefer canola or peanut oil for their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is always a treat, but store-bought works just fine too. The more citrusy goodness, the better!
Sugar & Soy Sauce: These two work together to create that classic sweet-and-sour taste that we all know and love.
Rice Vinegar & Sesame Oil: Adding a little depth and tang to our sauce, these ingredients round out the flavor beautifully.
Orange Zest: This is where the magic happens! Adding zest from the orange elevates the citrus notes to new heights.
Grated Ginger: Optional but oh-so-nice! It adds warmth and complexity to our sauce.
And let’s not forget the garnish— sesame seeds and sliced green onions bring that nice fresh pop at the end.
## Is Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken Good for You?
You might be wondering, “Is this dish actually good for me?” Well, let’s break it down a bit.
The main ingredient here is **chicken**, which is a great source of protein and keeps you feeling full longer. It’s low in calories, especially when you make it at home! The **orange juice** brings in the vitamin C boost, helping to keep our immune systems in check.
Now for a quick reminder: frying does add some extra calories and fat, so if you’re looking to cut back, consider baking the chicken or using an air fryer! We can make healthier swaps without losing that crispy goodness.
While the **sugar** and **soy sauce** do add calories and sodium, they’re quite balanced by the freshness of the other ingredients. Just keep moderation in mind, and try to pair the chicken with steamed veggies or brown rice to amp up the nutrient density!
## Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
**For the Orange Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional)
**For Garnish**:
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, sliced
*Serves: 4*
## How to Make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s jump right into it!
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **cornstarch**, **salt**, **black pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **onion powder**. This will be our crispy coating!
2. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. We want that perfect balance of crispy without being too heavy.
3. Heat the **vegetable oil** in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. It’s important that the oil is hot enough to get that crispy coating, so don’t jump in too early! Carefully add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine the **orange juice**, **sugar**, **soy sauce**, **rice vinegar**, **sesame oil**, and **orange zest**. Bring to a simmer over medium heat—your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
5. Once the sauce gently bubbles, add the **ginger** (if using) and slowly stir in the **cornstarch mixture**. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Toss the fried chicken in the saucepan, making sure every piece is beautifully coated in the orange sauce. This is the part where the magic really happens!
7. Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with **sesame seeds** and sliced **green onions**. Pair it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
## A Little Extra Love for Your Orange Chicken!
– For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce, depending on your spice preference. Not too spicy, just enough to give it a zing!
– Serve with steamed broccoli or your choice of veggies for a complete feel-good meal. I love adding some bright veggies; it just makes the dish pop!
I hope you give this recipe a try because nothing beats the satisfaction of creating this deliciously sweet and tangy dish right in your own kitchen. I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out—enjoy!
