Orange chicken is a dish that has captured the attention and taste buds of food enthusiasts all over the world. Its unique combination of tangy and sweet flavors, coupled with succulent pieces of chicken, makes it an irresistible meal for any occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or simply craving something delicious, orange chicken is the perfect choice. Its versatility and flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.
What is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its unique flavor and versatility. It is a sweet and tangy dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sticky orange sauce.
The origin of orange chicken is widely disputed, with some claiming that it was first created in Hunan Province, China, while others attribute its creation to Panda Express, a popular fast-food chain in the United States. Regardless of its origin, orange chicken has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
The dish is typically made using chicken thighs or breast that are cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in a batter made from cornstarch and egg whites. The chicken is then fried until it is crispy and golden brown. The sauce is made using orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and garlic, which is then thickened with cornstarch to create a sticky and flavorful sauce.
Variations of Orange Chicken
While the traditional recipe for orange chicken includes chicken coated in batter and fried to perfection, there are several variations of this dish that add unique twists and flavors. One variation is to add vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers to the dish, creating a more well-rounded meal. Another variation is to use tofu instead of chicken, creating a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version of the dish.
Regardless of the variations, the common factor in all orange chicken recipes is the irresistible flavor that makes it a fan favorite.
How to Make Orange Chicken at Home
Orange chicken is a delicious Chinese-American dish that you can easily make at home. This recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of orange with crispy fried chicken, making it a favorite for many. Follow these simple steps and impress your guests with your own homemade orange chicken.
Ingredients
| For the chicken: | For the sauce: |
| 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1/2 cup orange juice |
| 1/2 cup cornstarch | 1/2 cup water |
| 1/4 cup all-purpose flour | 1/2 cup sugar |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | 2 tablespoons soy sauce |
| 1 egg | 1 tablespoon cornstarch |
| Oil for frying | 2 teaspoons orange zest |
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, water, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and orange zest until well combined.
- In a large pan, heat the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. Add the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat.
- Serve the orange chicken with steamed rice and vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade orange chicken, a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Panda Express is a fast-food chain that specializes in Chinese-American cuisine. It was founded in 1983 in California and has since become a household name in the United States. One of the most popular dishes on their menu is orange chicken, which has gained a cult following among foodies.
If you’re a fan of Panda Express’ orange chicken, you’ll be happy to know that you can make it at home with this easy recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
| 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces |  |
| 1 egg | |
| 1/2 cup cornstarch | |
| 1/4 cup all-purpose flour | |
| Oil for frying | |
| 1 tablespoon oil | |
| 1 teaspoon minced ginger | |
| 1 teaspoon minced garlic | |
| 1/4 cup soy sauce | |
| 1/4 cup water | |
| 1/2 cup brown sugar | |
| 1 orange, zested and juiced | |
| 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) | |
| 2 green onions, sliced |
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, flour, and enough water to make a thick batter. Add the chicken pieces to the batter and stir until each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the pan and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, orange zest and juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce and stir until each piece is coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
- Garnish the orange chicken with sliced green onions and serve.
Now you can enjoy the delicious taste of Panda Express orange chicken in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!
Tips for Serving Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for serving orange chicken:
Pairing with Side Dishes
Orange chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a healthy option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or carrots. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, try pairing it with fried rice or chow mein. For a balance between healthy and indulgent, consider serving it with brown rice or quinoa.
Another great side dish option is Chinese-style egg rolls. These crispy, fried appetizers are the perfect complement to the sweet and tangy flavor of orange chicken.
Presentation Ideas
When it comes to serving orange chicken, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some ideas for presenting your orange chicken:
- Serve it in a large, decorative bowl with chopsticks for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
- Garnish your orange chicken with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
- If you’re serving orange chicken as part of a larger meal, consider serving it in small, individual bowls for a creative and eye-catching presentation.
Remember, presentation is key when it comes to making your orange chicken stand out at any meal or event.
Image source: seowriting.ai
Tips for Serving Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some tips to make the most of this delicious dish:
Side Dishes
Orange chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Ramen noodle soup
Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
Presentation Ideas
Orange chicken can be presented in many different ways to create an impressive and visually striking dish. Here are some presentation ideas to try:
- Arrange the chicken on a bed of steamed rice and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
- Top the chicken with a drizzle of honey and serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- Serve the chicken in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers.
- Create a noodle bowl by serving the chicken over a bed of ramen noodles with sliced bok choy and a soft-boiled egg.
Get creative with your presentation ideas and impress your guests with a visually stunning dish.
Best Occasions to Serve Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a dish that can be served on any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. Here are some of the best occasions to serve orange chicken:
- Family dinners
- Potlucks
- Birthday parties
- Holiday celebrations
- Dinner parties
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, orange chicken is sure to please.