Hot Orange Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) is a delightful dish that boasts a vibrant, zesty flavor profile alongside a satisfying crunch. If you’ve ever indulged in this dish from Panda Express, you know just how addictive it can be. The combination of tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even when you want a comforting meal at home. This ultimate copycat recipe brings the flavors of the restaurant directly to your kitchen, providing an incredible cooking experience.
What makes Hot Orange Chicken so appealing is not only its taste but also its versatility. You can easily pair it with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or chow mein noodles, allowing for a variety of meal options. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just satisfy your cravings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. As you read on, you’ll discover why this dish deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.
The essence of Hot Orange Chicken lies in its perfect balance of heat and sweetness. A crispy exterior wraps around succulent chicken, while a mouthwatering orange sauce contributes the right amount of zing. This Asian-inspired dish brings excitement to any table and is surprisingly simple to replicate at home. Get ready to explore the incredible flavors and textures that will transport you straight to your favorite takeout spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also has several factors that make it a standout recipe in your kitchen. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
1. Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. You can make it quickly yet impressively.
2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy in the orange sauce stands out, offering a delightful taste experience.
3. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish. It’s a surefire hit, ensuring there won’t be leftovers.
4. Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice according to your preference. Leave out the heat for a milder version or add more chili flakes for an extra kick.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it great for leftovers or meal preparation for the week.
6. Restaurant Quality: You can create that incredible takeout flavor from the comfort of your home without needing to step out.
These reasons make Hot Orange Chicken a must-try recipe that will surely become a staple in your culinary lineup.

Preparation and Cooking Time

The total time to prepare and cook Hot Orange Chicken is approximately 1 hour, broken down as follows:
– Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
– Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
– Resting Time: 10-15 minutes (optional, but recommended for letting the flavors meld)
These time estimates may vary slightly depending on your cooking speed and kitchen setup. However, you can expect to serve this delicious dish in about an hour.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– ½ cup cornstarch
– Oil, for frying
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 orange, juiced (about ½ cup)
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– ¼ cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
– Green onions, sliced, for garnish
– Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the perfect Hot Orange Chicken is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for an incredible dish:
1. Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to season.
2. Coat Chicken: In one bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it in the flour-cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat for frying.
4. Fry Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine: Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the fried chicken to the pan, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is coated in the sauce.
7. Garnish: Remove from heat. Transfer the hot orange chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
8. Serve Hot: Enjoy your homemade Hot Orange Chicken immediately while it’s hot and crispy!
These straightforward steps will have you serving up a restaurant-quality dish in no time.

How to Serve

To make your Hot Orange Chicken truly special, consider these serving suggestions:
1. Pair with Rice: Serve it hot over fluffy jasmine or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
2. Add Vegetables: Consider alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snow peas, for a balanced meal.
3. Accompaniments: A side of egg rolls or spring rolls can complement this dish well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
4. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle additional green onions or sesame seeds just before serving for added color and texture.
5. Meal Presentation: Serve in a large dish or individual bowls for a family-style meal, creating an inviting atmosphere at your table.
6. Heat Levels: Provide extra chili flakes or hot sauce on the side for those who like even more heat.
These tips will not only enhance the presentation of the Hot Orange Chicken but also elevate the meal, making it memorable for you and your guests. Enjoy this amazing dish that’s sure to impress!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh orange juice and zest. The brightness of fresh citrus significantly enhances the taste.
– Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot while frying. If the temperature drops too low, the chicken will absorb too much oil and lose its crispiness.
– Prepare Sauce in Advance: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before tossing with the chicken.
– Optional Garnishes: Consider adding fresh cilantro or sliced red chili for an additional burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative with your Hot Orange Chicken! Here are some variations to consider:
1. Orange Chicken with Pineapple: Add diced pineapple to the sauce for an extra tropical twist.
2. Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Mix in some sweet and sour sauce for a different flavor profile that balances sweetness with tang.
3. Crispy Orange Chicken: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for an even crispier texture.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store leftover Hot Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Place them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

For making Hot Orange Chicken, you will need the following tools:
– Large mixing bowls
– Frying pan or deep skillet
– Tongs for flipping chicken
– A whisk for mixing the sauce
– A slotted spoon for draining excess oil
– Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and provide a richer flavor due to their higher fat content.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch or arrowroot powder. Both will help to achieve a crispy coating.
Is Hot Orange Chicken spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted. Reduce the amount of chili flakes for a milder flavor or increase it for extra heat.
How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?
Serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce. If the chicken sits in the sauce for too long, it can lose its crispiness.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine them just before serving for optimal texture.

Conclusion

Hot Orange Chicken is a fantastic dish that captures the essence of your favorite Chinese takeout right in your kitchen. With its wonderful balance of flavors and delightful crunch, you’ll find it irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this copycat recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the fun of replicating this restaurant classic and savor each delicious bite.

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