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To make Panda Express Orange Chicken, you need some key ingredients. These ingredients give the dish its delicious flavor and texture: - 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor) - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Zest of 1 orange - Vegetable oil (for frying) These ingredients work together to make the chicken crispy and flavorful. The fresh orange juice and zest add a bright, zesty kick. You can add some extra touches to your Orange Chicken. These garnishes not only look nice but also enhance the flavor: - 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds (optional) Adding sliced green onions brings a fresh taste. Sesame seeds can give a nutty crunch. This meal packs a punch in flavor but also has calories. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content per serving: - Calories: Approximately 400 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 15g This dish is hearty but serves well with veggies or rice for balance. If you want to know how to make this dish, check the Full Recipe. Start by gathering your chicken thighs. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend will coat the chicken and give it a nice crunch. Toss the chicken pieces in this dry mix until they are well coated. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the coating stick better when cooking. While your chicken rests, it’s time to make the orange sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and orange zest. Mix until everything blends well. This sauce gives the chicken its sweet and tangy flavor. It’s the star of the dish, so take your time to get it just right. Next, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pot or deep pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of batter. If it sizzles and rises, you’re good to go. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for 5 to 6 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps drain any excess oil. Once all the chicken is fried, pour out most of the oil from the pot, leaving about a tablespoon. Add your pre-made orange sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it thicken a bit. Then, toss the fried chicken in the sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, making sure every piece is hot and well coated. Your crispy orange chicken is now ready to serve! Enjoy it hot, garnished with sliced green onions for that extra touch. To get that perfect crunch, use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Coat the chicken well with the dry mix. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the batter stick better when frying. The longer it sits, the crisper it becomes. Fry in small batches to avoid steaming. This keeps each piece crispy and golden. Heat the oil to the right temperature. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add chicken. You can test it with a small piece of batter. Use a deep pot for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pot. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy. Once fried, drain the chicken on a paper towel. This removes excess oil. To boost the orange flavor, use fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness. Zest an orange for extra aroma. You can also add red pepper flakes for heat. If you like a sweeter sauce, add more honey. For tang, adjust the rice vinegar. Always taste and tweak the sauce to your liking. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe above. {{image_2}} You can make Orange Chicken healthier. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts have less fat. Use air frying instead of deep frying. This cuts down on oil. You can also use a mix of orange juice and low-sodium soy sauce. This change adds flavor without the extra salt. Adding veggies like broccoli or bell peppers boosts nutrition. They add crunch and color to your meal. To make a vegan version, use tofu instead of chicken. Firm tofu works best. Press it to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes. Coat the tofu in the same batter. Fry it until golden and crispy. You can also try seitan or tempeh. These alternatives provide great texture. Use the same orange sauce to keep the flavor strong. This way, you still get that tasty orange punch! If you love heat, try spicy orange chicken. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the orange sauce. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños while cooking. This will give your dish a nice kick. Pair it with steamed rice to balance the spice. This will make your meal exciting and bold! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Orange Chicken Delight. Store leftover Panda Express orange chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the chicken soggy. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it might get soggy. If you choose the microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts until warm. You can freeze orange chicken for later use. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven for best texture. For quick meals, you can also use the Full Recipe to make a fresh batch anytime! You can find Panda Express Orange Chicken at any Panda Express restaurant. They serve it fresh daily. Many locations also offer online ordering. You can pick it up or have it delivered. If you want to enjoy it at home, you can try making the dish yourself. The Full Recipe is a great starting point. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour. You can use gluten-free flour blends instead. Also, choose a gluten-free soy sauce. Many stores sell this option. Always check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free. Orange Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice with vegetables - Broccoli or mixed stir-fried vegetables - Egg rolls or spring rolls - A light salad with sesame dressing These sides will complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken, shared step-by-step cooking instructions, and offered tips for perfecting the dish. We also discussed variations, like healthier and vegan options, and helpful storage techniques. By following these steps, you can enjoy a tasty meal at home. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in flavor. Happy cooking!

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Savor the mouthwatering flavors of Crispy Orange Chicken Delight that you can easily recreate at home! This delightful recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a perfectly crispy batter, all tossed in a luscious orange sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Zest of 1 orange

2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your batter for the chicken.

    Toss the chicken pieces in the dry mixture until thoroughly coated, then set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to stick.

      While the chicken rests, prepare the orange sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and orange zest until well combined.

        Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of batter into it; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

          In batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

            Once all the chicken is fried and crispy, discard excess oil from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon.

              Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

                Add the fried chicken to the pot and toss well to coat each piece with the sauce.

                  Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is hot and well coated.

                    Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

                      Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4