Delicious Orange Chicken: A Panda Express Copycat Recipe

Oh my goodness, if you’ve ever had that golden, crispy Orange Chicken from Panda Express, then you know what I’m talking about! It’s one of those dishes that, well, just kind of makes you happy, doesn’t it? The crunchy chicken paired with that tangy, sweet orange sauce—oh, it’s a flavor explosion that’s just so comforting! And guess what? You can totally make it at home! Seriously, it’s easy and super satisfying! So, let’s jump into this delicious Orange Chicken recipe, shall we?

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside… just like you want it!
• The sauce is sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying… once you start, it’s hard to stop!
• Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in—everyone loves it!
• You can adjust the spice level… make it as mild or zesty as you like!
• It’s a fun way to bring a taste of takeout right to your kitchen! Seriously, you’ll feel like a pro chef.

I’ll be honest… my family fights over the last piece every single time!

What You’ll Need

• Chicken breast: about 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces—make sure to get nice, juicy ones!
• Cornstarch: 1 cup, because we want that perfect crisp!
• Egg: 1, beaten—acts as the glue for the coating!
• Vegetable oil: enough for frying—use a good amount, we want it to sizzle!
• Green onion: 2, sliced for garnish—adds such a nice pop of flavor!
• For the orange sauce:
• 1 cup of fresh orange juice—don’t skimp, fresh is best!
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce—adds that beautiful depth of flavor!
• 1/4 cup of sugar—to give that sweet kick!
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar—for a bit of zing!
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced—because garlic makes everything better!
• 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated—gives it that warm undertone!
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil—trust me, it adds magic!
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening)—we want our sauce just right!
• 1 tablespoon of water (for dissolving cornstarch)—to help it mix smoothly!

Easy How-To

Get That Chicken Ready

First things first—let’s cut the chicken. So, take that chicken breast, slice it into those nice bite-sized pieces… this is key for even cooking and crispy texture later on! Now, grab a bowl and mix together some soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. Toss in your chicken and let it marinate for about… oh, 15 minutes is great. This step really packs in that flavor!

Good to Know

• If you’re really pressed for time, you can skip marinating… but seriously, it’s better if you don’t!
• Adjust the sugar to your preference—sweet tooth or not, it’s all good!
• Leftovers? They keep in the fridge for about 3 days… though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it over fluffy, steaming rice… or maybe some stir-fried noodles for an extra treat!

Top Tricks

• Always test the oil temperature before frying… you want it hot enough to get that crispy goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chicken?

You bet! Boneless chicken thighs work great too… they’re super juicy. It’s all about what you prefer!

How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days… just remember to reheat gently to keep that crisp!

Can I make this dish healthier?

Absolutely! Baking the chicken instead of frying is a great option… still delicious without the extra oil!

What can I serve with orange chicken?

It pairs perfectly with some steamed veggies or even fried rice for a complete meal… yum!

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, totally! Just swap out the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. It’ll be fabulous!

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I hope this looks like something you’d want to try! Making your own Orange Chicken at home is such a treat. Plus, the satisfaction of crafting this dish from scratch… it’s a lovely feeling! Enjoy it with loved ones, and don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfect on the first try. It’s all about the journey—and tasting along the way, of course!