Jake Harper
Panda Express's signature orange chicken is a popular dish among customers. The dish consists of crispy chicken coated in a zesty, tangy, and sweet orange sauce. While the exact recipe is not publicly available, copycat recipes online suggest that the dish is made by frying bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flour and cornstarch mixture. The sauce is made by combining orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and red chili peppers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken thighs, Chicken breasts |
| Chicken Preparation | Cut into 1x1-inch cubes, bite-sized pieces |
| Coating | Cornstarch, Flour, Egg, Salt, Pepper, Oil |
| Sauce | Orange juice, Orange zest, Brown sugar, Soy sauce, Vinegar, Red chilli peppers, Ginger, Garlic |
| Cooking Method | Deep-fried, Shallow-fried |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken preparation
Firstly, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ideally 1x1-inch cubes. This step ensures even cooking and allows for a more appetizing presentation. It is recommended to use chicken thighs or white meat chicken, as they are juicier and result in a more authentic Panda Express experience.
Next, season the chicken pieces with salt and white pepper. This step enhances the natural flavour of the chicken and adds a savoury note to the dish. After seasoning, the chicken pieces are dipped in an egg mixture, which typically includes whisked eggs, oil, and sometimes water. This egg wash helps the coating adhere to the chicken and provides a moist texture.
Following this, the chicken pieces are coated with a dry mixture. This mixture typically includes cornstarch, flour, and sometimes additional seasonings like garlic powder. Coating the chicken in this dry mixture creates a crispy exterior when fried. It is important to shake off any excess coating to ensure a light and even layer.
Once the chicken pieces are coated, they are ready for frying. Heat oil in a wok, deep fryer, or heavy-bottomed pan to temperatures ranging from 350°F to 375°F. Gently place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan to maintain a consistent temperature. Fry the chicken in small batches if needed. Cook the chicken until it reaches a golden brown colour and a crispy texture, typically achieved within 3 to 6 minutes.
Finally, remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. It is important to ensure the chicken is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for food safety. These crispy chicken pieces are now ready to be tossed in the signature orange sauce, creating the beloved Panda Express orange chicken.
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Sauce ingredients
The sauce is what gives Panda Express's orange chicken its signature sweet and tangy flavor. While the exact recipe is not publicly available, some have attempted to recreate it at home.
The sauce ingredients typically include orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and red chili peppers. Some recipes also include ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The sauce is cooked until it boils, and then cornstarch is added to thicken it.
Some people who claim to have worked at Panda Express have commented that the sauce comes pre-made and includes corn syrup and vinegar. They also suggest adding rice vinegar to enhance the flavor.
The sauce is what gives the dish its unique flavor, and it is described as tangy, salty, and sweet. The orange zest and juice provide a strong orange flavor, while the brown sugar and soy sauce add depth and a savory note. The vinegar and chili peppers contribute to the tanginess and spiciness of the dish.
The sauce is an essential component of the dish, and getting the right balance of flavors is key to recreating the signature taste of Panda Express's orange chicken.
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Frying instructions
Frying the chicken is an important step in making Panda Express orange chicken. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to frying the chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ideally 1x1-inch cubes. Using chicken thighs will make the recipe more authentic, but chicken breasts can also be used. Season the chicken pieces with salt and white pepper, and set them aside.
In a separate bowl, prepare the batter by combining cornstarch, flour, egg, water, and oil. Whisk until the mixture reaches a pancake batter consistency. Dip the chicken pieces into this batter and coat them evenly. Refrigerate the battered chicken for at least 30 minutes.
For frying, heat oil in a wok, deep fryer, or heavy-bottomed pan to a temperature of around 350˚F (180˚C). You can use a deep fryer or a Dutch oven for a more authentic, less messy experience. Alternatively, shallow frying with a smaller amount of oil is also an option.
Once the oil is hot, gently place the battered chicken pieces into it. Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Cook the chicken for about 3 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.
When the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This frying process ensures that the chicken is cooked through, retaining a juicy texture while achieving a crispy, golden exterior.
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Sauce preparation
To prepare the sauce for Panda Express' orange chicken, you will need a combination of orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and red chilli peppers.
Begin by heating some canola oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crushed red pepper, ginger, and garlic, and cook while stirring constantly for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Next, stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring often.
In a separate small bowl, combine cold water and cornstarch, stirring until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil again, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and keep the sauce warm while you cook the chicken.
Some variations and additional tips for the sauce include using rice vinegar or white vinegar for added tanginess, and adding the white parts of scallions to enhance the flavour. You can also substitute water and vinegar with orange juice for an enhanced orange flavour.
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Serving suggestions
Panda Express's signature orange chicken is a popular dish that can be recreated at home with a variety of serving suggestions. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious dish:
Rice
A common and classic pairing for orange chicken is a bowl of steamed rice. This can be plain white rice or, for a more nutritious option, try brown rice. The rice complements the crispy chicken and tangy sauce, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Asian-Style Sides
The zesty and tangy orange chicken goes well with a variety of Asian-style sides. Try serving it with stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, carrots, string beans, or cabbage. You can also add a side of crispy, wok-fried tofu, eggplant, or bell peppers in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Noodles
For a heartier meal, serve the orange chicken with a portion of noodles. You can choose from a variety of Asian noodles like ramen, udon, or rice noodles. Prepare the noodles with a simple sauce, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, and top them with chopped green onions or scallions for added flavor and freshness.
Salad
For a lighter option, serve the orange chicken on a bed of mixed greens or an Asian-inspired slaw. Top the salad with sliced almonds or chopped peanuts for some crunch and extra texture. You can also add mandarin orange segments or other fresh citrus fruits to complement the flavors in the chicken.
Appetizers and Sides
Create a full Panda Express-inspired meal by serving the orange chicken with some of their other popular dishes. Start with appetizers such as Cream Cheese Rangoons or Kung Pao Shrimp. For a side dish, try their signature General Tso's Chicken or Grilled Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce.
With these serving suggestions, you can create a delicious and memorable meal centered around Panda Express's iconic orange chicken. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your own unique variations!
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients used to make orange chicken at Panda Express include chicken, egg, oil, cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and red chili peppers.
The process to make orange chicken at Panda Express involves cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, coating them in a flour and cornstarch mixture, deep frying or shallow frying the chicken, and then tossing the cooked chicken in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
The secret to making orange chicken taste like Panda Express is to use a combination of orange juice, orange zest, and other ingredients to create a tangy and flavorful sauce. Some have also suggested using MSG powder to enhance the flavor.
The orange chicken at Panda Express contains a lot of additives and proprietary ingredients. However, when making it at home, you can control the ingredients and make healthier choices, such as using chicken breasts instead of dark meat chicken.
