Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

Craving a fiery feast that’s both sweet and spicy? Look no further! This Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends. The combination of crispy chicken in a tangy orange sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that stands out on any table. With its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet orange juice and spicy red pepper flakes delivers an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits everyone.
• Crispy Texture: The double coating of cornstarch and flour gives the chicken a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, offering all the flavors they love from takeout without leaving home.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: A good frying pan ensures even cooking while achieving that perfect crispiness for the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to prepare the dry ingredients separately from the wet ones, streamlining the process.
• Whisk: A whisk is great for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when preparing your egg wash or sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp oil, for egg wash
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp white pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 orange, zest of
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch, for sauce

For Stir-Frying

• 1 tbsp green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tbsp oil, for stir-frying
• ½ cup dried whole red chili peppers
• 6 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp sesame oil, for stir-frying
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated (optional)

How to Make Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and white pepper. In one bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs with oil to create an egg wash.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture first, then dip it into the egg wash. Return to the cornstarch mixture for a second coating. This double-dipping will give you that desired crunch!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until thickened; this should take about 5-8 minutes.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Together

In another pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add dried chili peppers along with minced garlic and ginger; sauté briefly until fragrant. Add fried chicken pieces and pour over your prepared sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot alongside steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this vibrant Hot Orange Chicken that brings Panda Express flavors right to your kitchen!

How to Serve Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

Serving your Hot Orange Chicken in an appealing way can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that complement the dish perfectly.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice allows the sauce to soak in, enhancing each bite with flavor.

With Fried Rice

• Pairing Hot Orange Chicken with fried rice adds texture and a savory element, making for a hearty meal.

On a Bed of Lettuce

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken on crisp lettuce leaves. This keeps it fresh and adds a nice crunch.

With a Side Salad

• A simple green salad with light dressing balances the richness of the chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas or lettuce wraps to create tasty wraps filled with Hot Orange Chicken. Add some veggies for extra crunch!

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for an added zing and vibrant color that enhances presentation.

How to Perfect Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Hot Orange Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right chicken: Using chicken thighs can add moisture and tenderness compared to breasts.

• Double breading: For extra crispiness, dip the chicken pieces in egg wash and coat them with cornstarch twice.

• Control the heat: Adjust the number of chili peppers and red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

• Let it rest: Allow fried chicken pieces to sit for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce. This helps maintain their crispiness.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried options.

• Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance so you can quickly toss it together when you’re ready to cook.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

Complementing your Hot Orange Chicken with tasty side dishes can make your meal complete. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice

2. A classic choice that can be customized with vegetables or protein for added depth.

3. Steamed Broccoli

4. This simple side adds color and nutrients while balancing out the flavors of the chicken.

5. Vegetable Stir-Fry

6. Quick-cooked mixed vegetables provide crunch and complement the spicy sauce beautifully.

7. Cucumber Salad

8. A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the heat of the chicken.

9. Egg Rolls

10. Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or chicken make for an excellent appetizer or side dish.

11. Noodles

12. Serve with lo mein or rice noodles tossed in soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

13. Sweet Potato Fries

14. These offer a sweet touch that pairs nicely with spicy flavors while adding extra nutrition.

15. Miso Soup

16. A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting start or side, enhancing your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) experience. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Marinate chicken in a mix of soy sauce and spices for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
• Neglecting the Sauce: Not thickening the sauce properly can leave it runny. Use cornstarch mixed with water to thicken your sauce for that perfect glaze.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can compromise flavor. Always opt for fresh, high-quality orange juice and spices for the best results.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden-brown color and ensure it’s cooked through without overdoing it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Hot Orange Chicken will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or additional sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat).

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Turkey works beautifully as a substitute, offering a similar texture and taste.

What is a good alternative to soy sauce?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives that provide similar flavor profiles.

How spicy is this Hot Orange Chicken?

The level of spiciness largely depends on how many red pepper flakes you use. Adjust according to your preference!

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What sides pair well with Hot Orange Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize the spice level or add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added crunch. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!