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 a 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

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks at any skill level.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet orange juice and spicy chili peppers creates a unique taste that will excite your palate.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that fits any occasion.
• Crispy Texture: The double-breading method ensures your chicken stays crispy even after being tossed in sauce.
• Quick Cook Time: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the breading ingredients and marinating the chicken.
• Deep frying pan or wok: Provides enough space for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that perfect crispiness.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken safely while frying without breaking the coating.

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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

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and 2 tablespoons of oil to create an egg wash.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
2. Coat thoroughly in the dry mixture until fully covered.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
3. Remove from oil and place 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 well until mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

In the same pan:
1. Add fried chicken pieces to the sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with sauce.

Step 6: Stir-Fry with Spices

1. In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add dried whole red chili peppers and red pepper flakes; stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until aromatic.
4. Incorporate the coated chicken into this mixture and toss well.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot! Enjoy your homemade Hot Orange Chicken—perfectly sweet with just enough heat!

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

Serving Hot Orange Chicken is all about enhancing its flavors and making it a delightful experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that complement its spicy and sweet profile.

Garnish with Fresh Green Onions

• Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crunchy contrast that adds brightness to the dish.

Serve with Steamed Rice

• Pair with fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious orange sauce. This classic combination balances the heat and sweetness.

Add a Side of Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Create a colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added nutrition and flavor. The crunchiness will enhance your meal.

Offer Egg Rolls as an Appetizer

• Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or chicken make for a fantastic starter, setting the stage for your fiery feast.

Include a Fruit Salad

• A refreshing fruit salad can help cool down the spiciness of the chicken. Consider using oranges, pineapple, or mango for tropical vibes.

Accompany with Sweet Chili Sauce

• For those who enjoy extra heat, serve sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. It adds another layer of flavor to your fiery feast.

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

Perfecting Hot Orange Chicken involves attention to detail in both cooking techniques and ingredient selection. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh chicken breasts or thighs for tender meat that holds up well during frying.

• Coat Generously: Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated in cornstarch and flour for an ultra-crispy texture when fried.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep frying oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) to achieve golden-brown chicken without excessive oil absorption.

• Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce by adding more brown sugar or red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the overall flavor profile. Grated ginger adds warmth that complements the orange sauce beautifully.

• Garnish Smartly: Always garnish with green onions just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.

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

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Hot Orange Chicken experience even further. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   A fragrant option that perfectly absorbs the orange sauce, making every bite delightful.

2. Vegetable Fried Rice
   Packed with veggies like peas, carrots, and corn, this side adds texture and flavor while complementing the main dish.

3. Crispy Wontons
   These bite-sized treats filled with cream cheese or seasoned vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

4. Sautéed Bok Choy
   Lightly sautéed bok choy offers a refreshing crunch and mild bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the chicken.

5. Sesame Noodles
   Tossed in a sesame dressing, these noodles add an Asian flair that pairs nicely with Hot Orange Chicken’s bold flavors.

6. Cucumber Salad
   A light salad made with cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar provides a cooling effect against the spicy notes of the chicken.

7. Miso Soup
   This warm soup can be served as an appetizer that warms up your taste buds for the main course ahead.

8. Roasted Cauliflower
   Seasoned and roasted until golden, this veggie side adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Allow it to soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
• Inadequate oil temperature: If your frying oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350°F (175°C).
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, making them steam rather than fry. Fry in batches for crispy results.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Stale spices or old produce can dull the dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh ingredients, especially chili peppers and citrus.
• Neglecting garnishes: Failing to add sliced green onions or sesame seeds can make your dish look less appealing. A garnish adds color and freshness.
• Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Keep an eye on your frying time; it usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Hot Orange Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• You can freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

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

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in short intervals until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about this recipe? Here are some common questions:

What makes Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) so special?

Hot Orange Chicken combines crispy, tender chicken with a sweet and spicy orange sauce, making it irresistible and perfect for takeout cravings at home.

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb according to your preference while keeping the rest of the recipe intact.

How spicy is this Hot Orange Chicken?

The level of spiciness primarily depends on how many chili peppers and red pepper flakes you use. Adjust these ingredients based on your heat tolerance.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken beforehand. Just fry before serving for optimal crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Orange Chicken recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!