Panda Express-Inspired Orange Chicken Recipe
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Are you craving fast-food fried chicken with a sweet and sour twist? Then you have to try the orange chicken of Panda Express fame. An executive chef from the chain – himself inspired by flavors from Hunan, China – first developed the dish in the ‘80s. Almost 40 years later, it has remained an icon of American-Chinese cuisine and has even gained fans around the world.
This orange chicken recipe is known for its juicy, boneless meat, crisp coating, and orange-infused sticky glaze. Chef Wang of Panda Express shares that it “hits all the senses and taste buds in your mouth.” Others describe the sauce as a “yin and yang” of flavors. Curious now?
Preparation time
30Min.
Feeds
5People
Easy
Average
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thigh fillets, cubed
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 pc egg, beaten
- oil, for deep-frying
- For the breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- pinch of salt and pepper
- For the orange sauce:
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 pc Knorr Chicken Cube
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Cooking Method
Now that you know how to cook orange chicken at home, you may want to have it for every meal. If so, try experimenting with other cooking methods and ingredients to keep your orange chicken interesting – and maybe even healthier! Panda Express uses thighs (like in this recipe) for maximum flavor and juiciness, but chicken breast also works as a lean alternative. Adding veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and green beans can bring heft and nutrients. Do you want a vegan option? Try firm tofu, coated and fried until crispy like breaded chicken!