Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Secret to That Perfect Crispy Coating
- How to Make the Best Orange Sauce
- Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- FAQs About Orange Chicken
Key Takeaways
This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe is the perfect choice for dinner recipes when you’re craving a sweet, tangy, and crispy dish. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love dinner recipes that are easy, delicious, and restaurant-quality, then this Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat is for you. With its crispy battered chicken coated in a rich and tangy orange sauce, it tastes just like the original but with a homemade touch. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying.
The Secret to That Perfect Crispy Coating
The key to getting that signature crunch in your orange chicken is in the double-coating process. By dredging the chicken in cornstarch and flour, followed by an egg dip and another coating, you create a crispy and golden crust that holds up well in the sauce. Using fresh oil and frying at the right temperature also ensures that the batter remains light and crunchy.
How to Make the Best Orange Sauce
The heart of this recipe lies in the orange sauce. Using fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of red pepper flakes creates a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Simmering the sauce until it thickens helps it cling to the crispy chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with bold flavor.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, but you can also enjoy it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a more complete meal, serve it with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. The combination of crispy chicken and fresh veggies makes this an ideal dinner recipe for the whole family.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Have leftovers? No problem! Store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven to crisp up the chicken again before tossing it in the sauce. This way, your meal stays as fresh and flavorful as the first time.
FAQs About Orange Chicken
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How spicy is this dish? The spice level is mild, but you can adjust it by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
For more delicious dinner recipes, visit Betty Cooks for a variety of easy and flavorful meals!
Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat – Dinner Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
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