This Panda Express Recipe is Almost Easier Than Take-Away

If you’ve ever had a hankering for the savory, saucy goodness of Panda Express, you know the thrill of walking into their restaurant. But what if you could recreate that same thrilling taste from the comfort of your own kitchen? Not only that, what if this homemade rendition was even quicker and tasted a million times better? This article unveils a Panda Express-inspired recipe that’s so sinfully easy; you might just skip the take-away line next time.

The Magic Behind Panda Express Flavors

The allure behind Panda Express isn’t just its convenience, but the combination of robust flavors, crispy textures, and luscious sauces that tantalize our taste buds. From the iconic Orange Chicken to the lesser-known but equally scrumptious Sweet Fire Chicken, Panda Express has a knack for delivering mouth-watering dishes. By combining fresh ingredients with authentic Asian cooking sauces, you too can create a deliciously memorable meal.

Tip: Always use fresh ingredients. They make a world of difference in taste and texture.

Whipping Up a Quick Panda Express Dish

Today, we’re diving into a Panda Express favorite: Orange Chicken. Think tender chicken pieces, fried to perfection and smothered in a tangy orange sauce. The key? It’s all about the sauce. It’s a mix of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory – a roller coaster for the palate.

Tip: Opt for boneless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and pack more flavor than chicken breasts.

The Not-So-Secret Orange Sauce

Let’s start with the star of our dish: the orange sauce. To make this, you’ll need the zest and juice of one orange, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, brown sugar, and a dash of red chili flakes. Mix these ingredients in a saucepan and let it simmer until it thickens into a luscious glaze. Adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking.

Tip: If you’re in a hurry or want to get adventurous, try experimenting with orange marmalade for added texture and flavor.

Frying the Chicken to Perfection

For the chicken, begin by cutting your boneless thighs into bite-sized pieces. Dredge them in a mix of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until it’s golden and crispy. Once done, drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain that perfect crispiness.

Finally, toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles, sprinkle with some sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and there you have it – a Panda Express masterpiece in less time than it’d take to drive to the nearest outlet!

So, the next time that Panda Express craving hits, remember this quick and easy recipe. With a bit of preparation and a passion for good food, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Trust us; this is one homemade dish that might just make you forget the allure of take-away!

Quick Panda Express-Inspired Orange Chicken

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Chinese-American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

70

minutes

Recreate the iconic Panda Express Orange Chicken at home. This quick and easy recipe delivers juicy chicken smothered in tangy orange sauce!

Ingredients

• Zest and juice of one orange

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, minced

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• Boneless chicken thighs

• Flour, cornstarch, and seasonings for dredging

Directions

• In a saucepan, combine orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, vinegar, brown sugar, and red chili flakes.
• Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens into a glaze. Adjust sweetness and spice level according to preference.
• Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
• Dredge each piece in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings ensuring they’re well-coated.
• Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Drain the fried chicken pieces on a paper towel.
• Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated.
• Serve with steamed rice or noodles, sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.

Notes

• Adjust the chili flakes based on your heat preference.
• Using orange marmalade can add extra texture and flavor.
• Ensure to use fresh ingredients for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer breasts, you can use them but adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Q: How long can I store the leftover orange chicken?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it up before using.

Q: What can I serve with the orange chicken apart from rice or noodles?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, salads, or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.