Introduction: the Best Orange Chicken Sauce

Are you a fan of the beloved Panda Express Orange Sauce, or maybe you're looking to try making your own version at home? Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, this guide will walk you through the simple process of creating a mouthwatering orange chicken dish. From the perfect sauce to the marination and cooking techniques, we've got you covered!

Ingredients and Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sauce Making Process

To start, gather your ingredients:

1 cup orange juice 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1 orange, zested 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 cup water 1 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon raw ginger 1 tablespoon raw garlic 2 tablespoons spring onions 1/2 teaspoon dried pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sauce Pan Preparation: In a medium saucepan, combine your orange juice, white sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. If you're using red pepper flakes, add them now. Whisk until the sugar and ginger are fully dissolved. Heating and Thickening: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Storage Tips: If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain it through a sieve before using. Store any extra sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Marinating the Chicken

Cutting the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Always wash your hands and use a dedicated cutting board. Sealing the Bag: Arrange the chicken pieces in a sealable plastic bag and pour in the cooled-down orange sauce, making sure all pieces are coated thoroughly. Marinating: Refrigerate the bag for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Coating and Cooking the Chicken

Preparing the Breading: In a separate bag, mix 1 cup of flour with 1.25 g of salt and 0.6 g of pepper. Coating the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the breading mixture, shaking it until all pieces are evenly coated. Cooking: Heat a medium skillet or wok with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes each. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Finishing the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the remaining orange sauce and bring it to a boil. Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Serving: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade orange chicken!

Tips and Variations

To make your orange chicken even more delicious:

Use Store-Bought Citrus Juices: If squeezing fresh juice is too time-consuming, you can use store-bought varieties. Adjust Spice Levels: Omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. Substitute Cornstarch: If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder for the same thickening effect.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Orange Chicken

Now that you have the recipe, you're ready to indulge in a delicious and easy-to-make orange chicken dish at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a must-try! Share your creations with friends and family and enjoy the compliments!