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

Craving some spicy and sweet takeout? This Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy is the answer! Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, fiery orange sauce make for an irresistible meal. Imagine tender chicken coated in crunchy breading, drenched in a glistening, flavorful sauce with a kick of chili peppers. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering. This easy recipe is ideal for beginner cooks, requiring minimal ingredients and delivering maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet orange juice, soy sauce, and spicy chili peppers creates a mouthwatering balance that satisfies every palate.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish pairs well with rice or noodles, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Crispy Texture: The unique breading technique ensures each bite is crunchy and satisfying, reminiscent of your favorite takeout.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh chicken and natural sauces, this recipe is both tasty and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Hot Orange Chicken, gather your tools. Having the right kitchen equipment makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or wok: Essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture when frying your chicken pieces.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients like egg wash and sauces without creating a mess.
• Whisk: Helps to mix eggs evenly for a smooth coating on the chicken.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping chicken pieces in hot oil safely while avoiding burns.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Coating

• 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

For Frying

• Oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 orange, zest of
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp rice apple 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 Coating

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash followed by the dry mixture to ensure an even coating.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Fry each batch until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Remove fried chicken pieces with tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice apple vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
2. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. In a clean wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté briefly until fragrant.
3. Toss in dried whole red chili peppers and red pepper flakes; stir-fry quickly.
4. Add fried chicken pieces into the skillet followed by the orange sauce; mix thoroughly until well-coated.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
2. Enjoy your homemade Hot Orange Chicken with rice or noodles!

This Hot Orange Chicken recipe will bring excitement to your dinner table with its fiery flavors!

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

Serving Hot Orange Chicken is an opportunity to get creative and elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, making it a hit for any occasion.

Over Rice

• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a filling meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.

With Noodles

• Toss in some lo mein or rice noodles for a twist on traditional serving, adding extra texture.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle sliced green onions on top to add a fresh crunch and enhance the dish’s visual appeal.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Pair with steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious plate that balances the flavors of the chicken.

Wrapped in Lettuce

• For a fun, low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. It’s an interactive way to enjoy this spicy dish.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a platter combining Hot Orange Chicken with egg rolls, spring rolls, or dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast that satisfies all cravings.

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

To achieve the best results with your Hot Orange Chicken, consider these tips to enhance flavor and texture while keeping it easy.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in soy sauce and orange juice for at least 30 minutes intensifies the flavor.

• Use Cold Oil for Frying: Start frying in cold oil to help create a crispier coating as the temperature rises gradually.

• Double Coat Your Chicken: For extra crunch, coat the chicken pieces twice—first in cornstarch and then in egg wash before frying.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference; this dish can be as spicy as you like!

• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh garlic for brighter flavors that make a significant difference.

• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Hot Orange Chicken right after cooking for maximum crispiness and flavor.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Hot Orange Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its sweet and spicy profile perfectly.

1. Fried Rice
   A classic choice, fried rice adds texture and flavor, especially when tossed with vegetables and scrambled eggs.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   This green veggie offers a healthy balance and bright color that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant orange sauce.

3. Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy
   Quick stir-fried bok choy brings a mild crunch and garlic aroma, enhancing your meal’s overall taste.

4. Vegetable Spring Rolls
   Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful crunch alongside your spicy chicken.

5. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad can cool down the heat while adding a zesty tang through vinegar dressing.

6. Quinoa Salad
   This protein-packed option combines well with citrus dressings, complementing the flavors of the orange chicken.

7. Egg Drop Soup
   Silky egg drop soup provides warmth and comfort, making it perfect as a starter before diving into the main course.

8. Asian Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame vinaigrette adds brightness to each bite of chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hot Orange Chicken can be simple, but a few common mistakes can spoil your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong chicken parts – Opt for chicken breasts or thighs to ensure tenderness. Avoid using larger cuts which may not cook evenly.
• Overcrowding the frying pan – Fry in batches. Overcrowding can reduce oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken rather than crispy bites.
• Neglecting to coat properly – Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the cornstarch and flour mixture. This step is crucial for that perfect crunch.
• Ignoring sauce consistency – Make sure to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly, particularly the cornstarch, to achieve a smooth texture without lumps.
• Skipping the zest – Don’t skip adding orange zest! It enhances the flavor profile significantly and adds aromatic notes that elevate the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

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

• Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

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

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until heated through.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hot Orange Chicken.

What makes this Hot Orange Chicken so special?

This Hot Orange Chicken stands out due to its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, combined with a crispy texture that mimics restaurant-style dishes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

How spicy is this Hot Orange Chicken?

The spice level can vary based on your preference. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and dried chili peppers to suit your taste.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use turkey or even beef as alternatives if you want a different flavor profile while maintaining similar cooking methods.

How do I make it less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, cut back on the brown sugar or replace it with a lesser quantity of honey or agave syrup according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition. Give it a try—this fiery feast is sure to impress at any dinner table!