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 recipe is the answer! Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, fiery orange sauce make for an irresistible meal. Imagine tender chicken coated in a crunchy breading, drenched in a glistening, flavorful sauce with a kick of chili peppers. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or fun gatherings, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, even beginner cooks can master this dish quickly.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice and spices creates a unique blend of sweet and spicy that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Crispy Texture: The frying technique ensures every bite delivers that satisfying crunch we all love.
• Family Favorite: This homemade version is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or deep frying pan: Ideal for achieving high heat when frying, ensuring crispy chicken without excess oil absorption.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for preparing coatings and sauces separately, allowing for better mixing and ease of use.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing fried chicken from hot oil without excess grease, keeping your dish light and crispy.

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
• 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, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and oil to create an egg wash.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash first, then coat with the dry mixture. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in your wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Carefully add coated chicken pieces in batches; do not overcrowd.
3. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: 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 well until sauce thickens slightly; this takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. In a clean wok or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
3. Toss in fried chicken pieces along with dried chilies and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken; mix thoroughly to coat.

Step 5: Serve

• Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot over cooked rice or noodles! Enjoy your delicious homemade Hot Orange Chicken!

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

Serving Hot Orange Chicken is all about enhancing the flavors and textures of this delectable dish. The crispy chicken, combined with the tangy orange sauce, pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that elevate your meal experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice acts as a perfect base, soaking up the delicious orange sauce and balancing the heat.

Over Fried Rice

• For added flavor, serve your Hot Orange Chicken over fried rice. The mix of vegetables and soy sauce will complement the dish beautifully.

With a Side of Broccoli

• Steamed or sautéed broccoli adds a vibrant green touch to your plate while providing a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish.

As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter

• Include other stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to create a colorful and nutritious meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce leaves. This provides a refreshing crunch and makes for an interactive dining experience.

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

Perfecting your Hot Orange Chicken is key to achieving restaurant-quality flavor at home. Here are some tips to take your dish to the next level:

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to bottled alternatives.

• Adjust spice level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start low and add more as needed!

• Double fry for extra crispiness: Frying the chicken twice ensures an extra crunchy texture that holds up well against the sauce.

• Let it rest before serving: Allow the fried chicken pieces to rest on paper towels after frying to retain their crispiness before tossing them in sauce.

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

To make your meal complete, consider these side dishes that pair perfectly with Hot Orange Chicken. Each option brings something unique to your table.

1. Fried Rice
   A classic choice; fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs complements the flavors of orange chicken beautifully.

2. Spring Rolls
   Crispy vegetable spring rolls provide a satisfying crunch alongside your spicy main dish.

3. Sesame Noodles
   Cold sesame noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce add a refreshing contrast to the hot chicken.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich chicken.

5. Egg Fried Rice
   Egg fried rice is hearty and satisfying, making it an excellent side for soaking up any leftover sauce.

6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy
   Quick stir-fried bok choy brings a slight bitterness that balances out sweetness from the orange sauce perfectly.

7. Sweet Corn Fritters
   These tasty fritters add a sweet crunch that complements the flavors of Hot Orange Chicken well.

8. Mango Salsa
   Bright mango salsa enhances your dish with sweet-tart notes while adding vibrancy to your meal presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks face challenges when making Hot Orange Chicken. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate means missing out on deep flavor. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many chicken pieces in the frying pan can lead to soggy chicken. Fry in batches to achieve that desired crispiness.
• Not using enough oil: Using too little oil can make frying ineffective, resulting in uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for even frying.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: A watery sauce won’t cling well to the chicken. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water before adding it to thicken properly.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping out on garnishes like green onions can make your dish look less appealing. Always add fresh herbs or toppings just before serving for a vibrant finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

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

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for better tracking.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until hot. Use a microwave-safe dish.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of orange juice if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hot Orange Chicken.

What makes this Hot Orange Chicken a copycat recipe?

This recipe captures the same sweet and spicy flavors as popular takeout versions, focusing on easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.

Can I use different proteins for Hot Orange Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb while following the same preparation steps for delicious results.

How spicy is this Hot Orange Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference. Reduce red pepper flakes or chili peppers for a milder flavor.

How do I customize my Hot Orange Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during stir-frying. You can also experiment with different citrus juices if you want a unique twist!

Final Thoughts

This Hot Orange Chicken recipe offers an exciting mix of flavors that will please anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy your homemade feast!