Are you craving something crispy, sweet, and tangy all at once? Welcome to the world of 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken! This crowd-pleaser whips together tender chicken tossed in a luscious orange sauce that bursts with flavor, all in just half an hour. Imagine the aroma of tangy citrus combined with the succulent texture of chicken filling your kitchen—who wouldn’t want to dive into that? This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
Fun fact: Did you know that orange chicken doesn’t actually originate from China? It’s a creation that gained popularity in American-Chinese cuisine, particularly in restaurants like Panda Express. Now, you can recreate that magic at home with this quick and easy recipe. If you love this dish, consider checking out our equally wonderful General Tso’s Chicken recipe, which also combines sweetness with a bit of kick. Let’s get cooking and bring that delicious takeout right to your dining table!
What is 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken?
The name says it all! 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken refers to the quick preparation of a dish with its roots deeply embedded in American-Chinese cuisine. But, why “orange chicken,” you ask? Well, it’s really all about capturing the essence of fresh oranges in a sauce that just begs to be paired with crispy chicken pieces. Who knew such a simple name could hint at so many tantalizing flavors? It’s often said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this dish is certainly a step in that direction! So roll up your sleeves and give this quick and easy recipe a try; your tastebuds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken
You’ll fall head over heels for this dish because of its three standout features. First, the highlight of this meal is without a doubt the irresistible orange sauce: it’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of sticky. Secondly, cooking this at home not only saves your wallet but also allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Who wouldn’t want to save a few bucks while enjoying their favorite dish straight from the comfort of their home?
Lastly, the ingredients in this recipe—crunchy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and that irresistible orange sauce—elevate this dish to a culinary star. Similar to the classic sweet and sour chicken, this recipe brings a delightful twist with its zesty orange flavor. Ready to try it out? Let’s get started and bring this culinary masterpiece into your kitchen!
How to Make 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken
Quick Overview
This dish is the epitome of ease and deliciousness, making a perfect weeknight meal. With tender chicken pieces tossed in a vibrant orange sauce, you’ll find it’s packed with flavor and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish!
Key Ingredients for 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken
For this delightful scrumptious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest of one orange
- Green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set them aside while you prepare the coating.
- Make the Coating: Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally in all-purpose flour. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss it Together: Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is well coated in the luscious orange sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your homemade 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken with steamed rice or your choice of sides!
What to Serve 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken With
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this mouthwatering orange chicken with some steamed jasmine rice, fluffy fried rice, or even a fresh veggie stir-fry. For a complete meal, consider serving a light salad with ginger sesame dressing or some egg rolls. And don’t forget a refreshing drink—it complements this sweet and zesty meal perfectly!
Top Tips for Perfecting 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Double the Sauce: If you love a saucy dish, consider doubling the sauce recipe for more flavor and stickiness.
- Simple Substitutions: Can’t find fresh oranges? Orange juice works just as well; just reduce the sugar to taste.
- Keep the Chicken Crispy: Serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce to maintain that delightful crispiness!
- Avoid Burning the Sauce: Keep an eye on the heat when cooking the sauce; too high, and it may burn before thickening.
- Customize It: Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a pop of color and flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store the orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, avoid using the microwave if possible, as that can make the chicken soggy. Instead, try reheating on the stovetop in a non-stick pan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of fresh orange juice for extra flavor.
In conclusion, making 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. Get ready to impress your family with this delightful dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! So roll up those sleeves and enjoy the satisfying experience of an irresistible homemade meal.
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 units eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set them aside while you prepare the coating.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally in all-purpose flour. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken to the pan and toss until every piece is well coated in the luscious orange sauce.
Serving
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your homemade 30-Minute Panda Express Orange Chicken with steamed rice or your choice of sides!
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