Get ready to unleash a flavor explosion right in your own kitchen with this homemade version of Panda Express’ Orange Chicken recipe. We’re talking crispy, golden chicken, perfectly coated in that zesty orange glaze that’ll make your taste buds scream with joy. No wok required!
In the realm of Chinese-American cuisine, there’s a dish that captures the soul with its bold, tangy, and downright addictive flavors. You know it, I know it, and Matty Matheson sure as heck knows it—PF Chang’s Orange Chicken.
PF Chang’s Orange Chicken has become an iconic dish loved by many, with its crispy chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce that packs a citrusy punch. If you’ve ever craved the irresistible combination of tender chicken and zesty orange flavors, you’re in luck because I’ve recreated it in a healthier version with this copycat recipe.
INGREDIENTS
What Makes Chinese Orange Chicken so Dang Good?
Orange chicken, is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a little dance of joy. What makes it so dang good? Well, let me break it down for you.
First off, we’ve got that crispy, golden-brown chicken. Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside—pure fried chicken bliss!
Then it’s thoroughly coated in a magical orange sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that will blow your mind. Fresh orange juice, tangy rice vinegar and good ole’ brown sugar. And let’s not forget the fragrant garlic and ginger, kickin’ up the flavor.
How to Make The Best Orange Chicken
- Prep the Chicken
- We’re gonna mix up that marinade and get our chicken all nice and cozy. Grab yourself a big bowl and toss in all those flavorful ingredients. Give it a good stir until everything’s well combined.
- Add those bite-sized pieces of chicken into the bowl and give them a good toss, making sure each one gets a generous coating of that marinade.
- Cover it up with some plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for a little while—30 minutes to two hours, to be exact. Let that magic happen!
2. Time to Dredge!
- Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it gets a thorough coating. We want that chicken to be fully dressed for the occasion.
- Once it’s all eggy and ready, toss it into the cornstarch and give it a good shake, making sure that chicken is evenly coated. We’re creating a beautiful, crispy armor for our fried chicken here, folks.
3. Time to bring in the skillet.
- Carefully place those coated chicken pieces in the skillet, making sure they’re not too crowded. Fry them up until they turn a glorious golden brown from both sides.
- Once they’re crispy and irresistible, transfer them onto some paper towels to drain off any excess oil. No one likes soggy chicken.
4. Now, let’s talk sauce.
- In the same skillet—because we love those flavor remnants—add some oil, minced garlic, and sliced green onion. Stir that for a couple of minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing all those wonderful aromas.
- Bring in the remaining sauce ingredients. Pour them in and let it all simmer over medium heat.
- Here comes the grand finale. Bring back that crispy chicken and gently toss it into the skillet. We want every piece to get a luscious coating of that sauce. Let the flavors meld together.
When it’s time to serve, get yourself some individual bowls. Fill ’em up with a portion of cooked rice—white, brown, or whatever floats your boat.
Sprinkle some sliced green onion and sesame seeds on top, like confetti celebrating this glorious creation. Add a side dish of steamed broccoli and dig in, my friends. Take a bite, savor the flavors, and let that crispy, saucy goodness transport you to food heaven.
Enjoy!
LOOKIN’ FOR SOME MORE CHICKEN RECIPES THAT PACK A PUNCH?
- Bang Bang Chicken – just like the infamous Bang Bang shrimp, only with chicken.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – tender grilled chicken, bathed in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce.
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders – crispy, fiery-coated strips of chicken that’ll set your taste buds ablaze.
CRISPY ORANGE CHICKEN RECIPE
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Panda Express’ Copycat Recipe – Orange Chicken
Description
A copycat version of the chicken that put Panda Express on the map – Crispy Orange Chicken. Golden bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a thick, sweet and tangy citrus sauce.Â
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Chicken breast, cubed
- 1 ½ Cup Organic Cornstarch
- 2 Large Eggs
- Oil for frying
Marinade:
- ½ Cup Fresh Orange juice (approx 2 medium oranges)
- â…“ Cup White vinegar
- ÂĽ Cup Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Orange zest
- Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp. Oil
- 2 Clove Garlic, minced
- 2 Green Onions, sliced
- ÂĽ Cup Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Soy sauce
- ½ Cup Fresh Orange juice
- 1 Tbsp. Fresh Ginger, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (or chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp. Organic Cornstarch
- ½ Cup Water
To serve:
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
- 1 Green onion, sliced
- 2 Cups Cooked Rice
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients of the marinade into a large bowl. Then, add the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to two hours.
- Remove the chicken pieces and discard the marinade liquid.
- Beat two eggs in a small bowl, and put the cornstarch into another bowl. Dip each piece of chicken in the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, and then toss it in the cornstarch, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. This process creates a crispy outer layer when fried.
- Add enough oil to skillet to cover the bottom of the skillet. Heat the oil to 350°F and carefully cook the chicken in batches until golden brown from both sides. Place the chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- To make the sauce – Drain any excess oil, leaving 1-2 Tbsp. Add the minced garlic, and sliced green onion into the skillet. Stir for two minutes until soft and fragrant. Then incorporate the remaining sauce ingredients and simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously. Taste and adjust the spiciness.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
- Serve in individual bowls with a portion of cooked rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.
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