Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

September 28, 2025

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The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken dances through the air, teasing your taste buds and promising a flavor explosion like no other. Imagine each bite of Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken as a delicious burst of sweet and tangy goodness that makes you feel like you’ve just won the culinary lottery.

Now, picture this: you’re at home, wearing your favorite sweatpants—yes, the ones with questionable stains—and suddenly, you crave that irresistible orange chicken from your local takeout spot. But why settle for delivery when you can whip up this delightful dish in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the world of flavors that will make your taste buds sing and your heart dance!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors will have everyone asking for seconds
Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching plate that’s sure to impress guests
This dish is versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even on its own!

Ingredients for Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal, but you can adjust based on your hunger levels.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps give the chicken that irresistible crispy coating we all love.
Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind the flour to the chicken and create that crunchy exterior.
Vegetable Oil: For frying; use an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

For the Sauce:

Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for flavor; it adds that bright citrus zing!
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage saltiness while still packing in flavor.
Brown Sugar: This balances out the tanginess with a touch of sweetness that makes the sauce addictive.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings depth and warmth to your sauce—don’t skimp on it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken

How to Make Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. This ensures that every piece gets crispy and coated in sauce.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Set up a dredging station with a bowl of beaten eggs and another bowl filled with flour. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture and then coat it generously with flour.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to fry but not so hot that you create smoke signals.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Carefully add your coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove them from oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and a touch of ginger if you’re feeling adventurous! Stir until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the fried chicken back into the pan with your sauce. Toss well until every piece is coated in that luscious goodness!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Serve alongside fluffy white rice or steamed broccoli for balance!

Now you’ve got yourself a plateful of Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken! Enjoy digging into this delightful meal while basking in self-satisfaction—you just saved time AND money while treating yourself to something truly scrumptious!

You Must Know

This incredible Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken not only packs a flavor punch but also simplifies meal prep
You can adjust the ingredients to suit your pantry
Its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma will brighten any dinner table
Perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown, then whip up your sauce while the chicken cooks. This efficient sequence ensures that each bite of your Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken is bursting with deliciousness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken! Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different take. Experiment with zingy ginger, add some heat with chili flakes, or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, use a skillet on medium heat until warmed through or microwave it gently to avoid drying out those juicy pieces of chicken.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To nail this Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe, remember that marinating is key; it enhances flavor significantly
Use fresh orange juice instead of bottled for brighter taste and avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy

Cooking this dish reminds me of a night when my friends declared it “better than takeout.” Their ecstatic faces as they devoured every last piece made all the chopping worthwhile!

FAQs :

What is Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious homemade version of the popular dish from the fast-food chain. This recipe combines crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, offering a flavor-packed experience that rivals takeout. You can customize it according to your taste preferences while enjoying a healthier option made with fresh ingredients.

How do I make the sauce for Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken?

To create the sauce for Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of vinegar in a saucepan. Cook this mixture until it thickens slightly. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or vinegar to suit your taste. This sauce brings an authentic flavor that enhances the crispy chicken.

Can I make Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare certain components of Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cook the sauce beforehand and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. However, for optimal crispiness, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving.

What do I serve with Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables to enhance your meal’s nutritional value. For an extra touch, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Conclusion for Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken :

In conclusion, making Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken at home allows you to enjoy this beloved dish without the extra calories from takeout. By using fresh ingredients and cooking methods that enhance flavor while keeping it healthier, you’ll recreate a restaurant-quality meal in your kitchen. Whether served over rice or accompanied by vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike with its delicious taste and satisfying crunch.

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