Panda Express, a fast-food giant in the United States, has been a staple in American-Chinese cuisine for decades. Among its extensive menu, one dish stands out as a fan favorite: the orange chicken. This sweet and savory masterpiece has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions, but have you ever wondered what makes it so special? In this article, we’ll delve into the ingredients and cooking process behind Panda Express’ iconic orange chicken.
A Brief History of Orange Chicken
Orange chicken, also known as “orange peel chicken,” is a Chinese-American dish that originated in the 1980s. The dish is believed to have been created by Chef Andy Kao, a Taiwanese-American chef who worked at Panda Express. Kao’s recipe, which combined crispy chicken, sweet and sour sauce, and orange peel, quickly gained popularity and became a staple on the Panda Express menu.
The Ingredients Behind Orange Chicken
So, what makes Panda Express’ orange chicken so unique? The answer lies in the combination of ingredients used in the recipe. Here are some of the key components:
- Breaded and Deep-Fried Chicken: The chicken used in orange chicken is typically breaded and deep-fried to create a crispy exterior. The breading mixture usually consists of flour, cornstarch, and spices.
- Orange Sauce: The orange sauce is the signature component of orange chicken. The sauce is made from a combination of ingredients, including orange marmalade, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- Orange Peel: The orange peel is a crucial component of the dish, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the sauce. The peel is usually dried and powdered before being added to the sauce.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the chicken and cooking the sauce.
A Closer Look at the Orange Sauce
The orange sauce is the heart and soul of orange chicken. The sauce is made from a combination of ingredients, including:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| — | — |
| Orange Marmalade | 1 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Spices (e.g., garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes) | 1 tablespoon |
The sauce is cooked until it thickens, creating a sticky and syrupy consistency. The orange peel is added to the sauce during the cooking process, infusing it with a burst of citrus flavor.
The Cooking Process
Now that we’ve explored the ingredients behind orange chicken, let’s take a look at the cooking process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Panda Express-style orange chicken:
- Bread the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices, shaking off any excess.
- Deep-Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken pieces in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Orange Sauce: Cook the orange sauce ingredients in a saucepan until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Orange Peel: Add the dried and powdered orange peel to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the orange sauce and toss to coat.
Tips for Making Orange Chicken at Home
While Panda Express’ orange chicken is a masterpiece, you can make a similar version at home with a few simple tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, including real orange peel and marmalade.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy, but not overcooked.
- Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar, vinegar, and spices in the sauce to taste.
The Nutrition Facts
While orange chicken is a delicious and popular dish, it’s not the healthiest option on the menu. Here are the nutrition facts for Panda Express’ orange chicken:
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 20g
A Healthier Alternative
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to orange chicken, consider making a few modifications to the recipe:
- Use Baked Chicken: Bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it to reduce the fat content.
- Use Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce to make it less sweet.
- Add Vegetables: Add steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the dish to increase the nutrient content.
Conclusion
Panda Express’ orange chicken is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions. By understanding the ingredients and cooking process behind this iconic dish, you can make a similar version at home. Whether you’re a fan of the original recipe or looking for a healthier alternative, orange chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
What is the secret behind Panda Express’ iconic Orange Chicken?
The secret behind Panda Express’ iconic Orange Chicken lies in its unique sauce, which is a proprietary blend of ingredients that the company has kept under wraps for years. The sauce is a key component of the dish, and its exact recipe is known only to a select few people within the company.
The sauce is a combination of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and other ingredients that give it a sweet, sour, and savory flavor. It’s this unique flavor profile that sets Orange Chicken apart from other Chinese-American dishes and has made it a fan favorite among Panda Express customers.
Who created the Orange Chicken recipe?
The Orange Chicken recipe was created by Chef Andy Kao, the executive chef at Panda Express. Kao developed the recipe in the 1980s, and it quickly became a hit with customers. The dish was originally called “Orange Flavored Chicken” and was served as a limited-time offer, but it proved to be so popular that it was added to the menu permanently.
Kao’s creation of Orange Chicken was a game-changer for Panda Express, helping to establish the chain as a major player in the fast-casual Chinese food market. Today, Orange Chicken remains one of the chain’s most popular dishes, and its success has inspired countless imitators and variations.
What makes Panda Express’ Orange Chicken so addictive?
Panda Express’ Orange Chicken is addictive because of its unique combination of flavors and textures. The dish features crispy-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and sour sauce, which is both tangy and savory. The sauce is also slightly spicy, which adds to its addictive quality.
The combination of crispy chicken and sweet sauce is a match made in heaven, and it’s what keeps customers coming back for more. Additionally, the dish is relatively affordable and easy to customize, making it a popular choice for families and groups.
Can I make Panda Express-style Orange Chicken at home?
Yes, you can make Panda Express-style Orange Chicken at home, but it may not be exactly the same as the version served at the restaurant. The key to making a good Orange Chicken is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken and sauce correctly.
To make Orange Chicken at home, you’ll need to start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Then, you’ll need to coat the chicken in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, and eggs, and fry it until crispy. Finally, you’ll need to toss the chicken in a sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and other ingredients.
Is Panda Express’ Orange Chicken healthy?
Panda Express’ Orange Chicken is not a particularly healthy dish, as it is high in calories, fat, and sodium. A single serving of Orange Chicken contains over 500 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 1,000 milligrams of sodium.
However, it’s worth noting that Panda Express has made efforts in recent years to offer healthier options, including grilled chicken and vegetable dishes. If you’re looking for a healthier version of Orange Chicken, you may want to consider making your own version at home using lower-calorie ingredients.
Can I customize my Orange Chicken at Panda Express?
Yes, you can customize your Orange Chicken at Panda Express. The chain offers a variety of options for customizing your meal, including the ability to choose from a range of sauces and seasonings.
If you want to customize your Orange Chicken, you can ask for it to be made with less sauce or without MSG. You can also ask for extra vegetables or brown rice to be added to your meal. Additionally, Panda Express offers a variety of combo meals that allow you to pair your Orange Chicken with other dishes, such as fried rice or chow mein.
Is Panda Express’ Orange Chicken available at all locations?
Yes, Panda Express’ Orange Chicken is available at all locations. The dish is a staple of the Panda Express menu and is offered at every location, including restaurants in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
However, it’s worth noting that menu items can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Panda Express to confirm that Orange Chicken is available. Additionally, some locations may offer limited-time variations on the Orange Chicken recipe, so be sure to check the menu for any special offers.