Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat

Introduction to Panda Express Orange Chicken

Hey there! I’m diving into the realm of bringing restaurant favorites right into our kitchens today, with a special shout-out to the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken. It’s fascinating how this dish has not only captured our taste buds but also taken TikTok and food bloggers by storm. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t relish the idea of whipping up that tangy, golden-brown delight amidst the comfort of their own kitchen?

This adventure is more than just about savoring Chinese cuisine; it’s about recreating those moments of joy and satisfaction we experience in food courts, but without stepping a foot outside. Bringing Panda Express’ Orange Chicken into our homes isn’t just about the cooking; it’s about transforming our kitchen experience into something joyful, personal, and utterly delicious.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the joy of homemade Chinese cuisine by mastering the iconic Panda Express Orange Chicken.
• Join the TikTok and food blogging sensation by bringing this fast-food favorite into your own kitchen.

Gathering Your Ingredients

When embarking on the aromatic journey of creating Panda Express Orange Chicken right in your kitchen, the symphony of ingredients plays a pivotal role. Imagine the vibrant citrusy notes from fresh orange zest and juice, melding perfectly with the rich sweetness of brown sugar, the sharp bite of red pepper flakes, and the depth of sesame oil.

Each element, from the tender bite-size pieces of chicken marinated in a whisked egg mixture to being dusted in a flour mixture, not just contributes to the texture but enriches the taste, crafting a crispy exterior to contrast the sticky, tangy orange chicken sauce. For the best results, I encourage you to gather these components into a small bowl ahead of time, allowing for a seamless culinary venture. It’s not just about tossing together corn starch and spices; it’s about layering flavors to recreate that iconic homemade orange chicken that even outshines the food court favorite.

Preparing the Chicken

Ever since diving into the world of homemade Chinese cuisine, perfecting my own version of Panda Express’ orange chicken recipe has been a journey of trial, error, and delicious success. Let me guide you through the steps I took to get those bite-size pieces just right, coated in a wet batter that’s key for that golden brown crunch we all love. One of my top tips? Opt for chicken thighs. I found they really do yield juicier and more flavorful results.

Starting with cutting the chicken into perfect bite-size pieces, each piece is then lovingly dipped into the egg mixture, ensuring each nook and cranny is well-coated. But the magic doesn’t stop there; next comes a generous coating in the flour mixture. This step is crucial. Trust me, achieving the perfect texture and that appetizing golden-brown finish all hinges on this process. It’s a simple step, but one that makes all the difference in bringing a taste of that beloved fast food chain into our kitchens.

Deep Frying vs. Air Frying

Now, let’s talk about a dilemma we all face at some point – choosing between deep frying and air frying when it comes to making that crispy, golden-brown Panda Express Orange Chicken we all crave. It’s not just about whether you want your kitchen to smell like a fast food joint (although, I’m not complaining), but it’s more about getting that perfect texture and ensuring it’s cooked safely.

Deep frying in hot oil is the traditional path to that iconic, crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy bite-size pieces. It creates a particular textural contrast that’s hard to mimic. The drawback? It can get messy, and there’s that extra calorie count from the oil. But, for the best results, ensuring your oil is at the right temperature, usually around 375 degrees F, is crucial. And don’t forget, hitting an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is non-negotiable for safety.

On the other side of the coin, using an air fryer offers a fantastic, healthier alternative with significantly less oil. While the air fryer can achieve a great texture, it might miss that deep-fried shell’s subtle crunch. However, for those of us keeping an eye on our health or just not looking forward to cleaning up after frying, it’s a worthy contender. Plus, ensuring that golden brown perfection and safe, internal temperature of 165 degrees F is easier than you’d think, making it a great option for a hands-off approach with less mess.

Hey there, foodie friends! It’s me, diving headfirst into the savory world of Chinese cuisine, specifically targeting the iconic Panda Express Orange Chicken. Imagine achieving that perfect golden brown crisp right in your own kitchen. Sounds like a dream, right? But with a little bit of patience and the right ingredients, I promise, it’s more than achievable!

Today, we’re journeying through the realms of tangy, spicy, and utterly mouthwatering homemade orange chicken. This isn’t just about mimicking a fast food favorite; it’s about elevating it. From the essential kick of red pepper flakes to the sublime zestiness of orange zest and juice, each element plays a pivotal role in crafting that unforgettable taste.

Let’s talk technique

whether you’re team deep fryer or air fryer, aiming for the best results means paying attention to the little details like internal temperature and the crispiness of the coated chicken. But what truly brings this dish together is the orange chicken sauce, a perfect harmony of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of sesame oil, thickened to perfection with corn starch.

Believe me, once you’ve tried this homemade orange chicken, the food court version will be a thing of the past! So, grab your rice vinegar, make sure those chicken thighs are chopped into bite-size pieces, and let’s turn your kitchen into the best Chinese food spot in town. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some green onions or sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds and maybe even snag some rave reviews? Let’s make some delicious memories together!

Ever since stumbling upon a TikTok trend featuring homemade orange chicken, similar to what you might savor in a bustling food court or at a renowned fast food chain like Panda Express, I’ve been on a culinary quest. With orange juice and zest sparking the tangy sauce, and sesame oil adding that unmistakable aroma, this recipe brings the essence of Chinese cuisine right into my kitchen. Diving into each step, from coating bite-size chicken pieces in a perfect blend of egg mixture and flour mixture to achieving that golden brown perfection, it’s not just cooking; it’s creating memories.

Let’s talk technique – whether you’re team deep fryer or air fryer, aiming for the best results means paying attention to the little details like internal temperature and the crispiness of the coated chicken. But what truly brings this dish together is the orange chicken sauce, a perfect harmony of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of sesame oil, thickened to perfection with corn starch.

And whether opting for the deep fryer or giving it a healthier twist in an air fryer, the goal remains the same – to envelop those crispy chicken pieces in a tantalizing orange chicken sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet and spicy, thanks to a dash of red pepper flakes. This journey, from small bowl prep to savoring each spicy kick alongside a serving of white rice, isn’t merely about replicating a fast food favorite; it’s about crafting a dish that resonates with the soul, guaranteeing to delight the whole family and leaving your taste buds craving for more.

Ever since I stumbled upon Panda Express’ Orange Chicken at a bustling food court, it’s been a love affair for the ages. There’s something about that tangy orange sauce, combined with the golden brown, crispy chicken that just captivates your taste buds. So, I set out on a mission: to recreate this fast food chain classic in the comfort of my own kitchen. Armed with a splash of orange juice, a hint of orange zest, and a dash of sesame oil, I began.

The key, I found, was in the small batches—frying the chicken to a perfect golden brown and then coating every bite-sized piece in that spicy orange sauce that Panda Express has made so famous. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, serve it over a bed of steaming white rice, and there it is: a homemade orange chicken that not only rivals but perhaps even surpasses the original.

Hey there! I’m on a mission to bring the irresistible taste of Panda Express Orange Chicken right into your kitchen, and guess what? It’s totally doable and incredibly rewarding. Ever scroll through TikTok or binge food blogger posts and think, “I wish I could whip up that golden brown, tangy, and spicy delight”? Well, you’re in the right place because this homemade orange chicken guide is about to kick those food court cravings to the curb.

We’ll dive into the juicy details, from slicing chicken breasts into bite-size pieces to making that iconic orange chicken sauce sparkle with orange zest, brown sugar, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Whether you’re reaching for the deep fryer, trying out the air fryer for a healthier spin, or stirring up a tangy orange sauce in a large pan, I’ve got your back. With simple ingredients, a little kitchen confidence, and a sizzle of sesame oil, your taste buds are in for a treat. And when your crispy chicken masterpiece is ready, serve it over steaming white rice or nutty brown rice to complete this culinary win. Let’s not just make it; let’s make it magnificent.

If you love Chinese food check out my Bang Bang Chicken Recipe!