Ultimate Guide to Making Orange Chicken Sauce Panda Express Recipe at Home

#### Orange Chicken Sauce Panda Express RecipeIf you’ve ever visited Panda Express, you know that their Orange Chicken is a fan favorite. The dish features……

#### Orange Chicken Sauce Panda Express Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Panda Express, you know that their Orange Chicken is a fan favorite. The dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that keeps customers coming back for more. The good news is that you can recreate this delicious Orange Chicken Sauce Panda Express Recipe right in your own kitchen. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make this mouthwatering dish, along with tips and tricks to ensure your homemade version is just as good, if not better, than the restaurant’s.

#### Ingredients for Orange Chicken Sauce

To make the Orange Chicken Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)

- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar

- 1 cup of sugar

- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

- 1 tablespoon of water

- 1 teaspoon of garlic (minced)

- 1 teaspoon of ginger (minced)

- Zest of one orange

- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

#### Preparing the Orange Chicken Sauce

1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

2. **Heat the Mixture**: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely.

3. **Thicken the Sauce**: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while continuously stirring. This will help thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency.

4. **Final Touches**: Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. Remove from heat and set aside.

#### Cooking the Chicken

Now that you have your delicious orange sauce ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken.

1. **Ingredients for Chicken**:

- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 cup of cornstarch (for coating)

- Oil for frying

2. **Frying the Chicken**:

- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.

- Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch, making sure to coat it well.

- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, usually about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

#### Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked and your sauce is ready, it’s time to combine them.

1. **Toss Chicken in Sauce**: In a large mixing bowl, add the fried chicken and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss gently to ensure each piece of chicken is well coated with the sauce.

2. **Serve**: Serve your homemade Orange Chicken over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.

#### Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken

- **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh ginger will enhance the flavor of your sauce.

- **Adjust Sweetness**: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar; if you prefer it tangier, reduce the sugar.

- **Crispy Chicken**: For extra crispy chicken, consider double frying the chicken pieces. Fry them once, let them rest for a few minutes, and then fry them again until golden brown.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy a delicious Orange Chicken Sauce Panda Express Recipe that rivals the original. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress!