The crispy chicken pieces are drenched in a glossy, sweet, and tangy orange sauce that perfectly balances the flavors of citrus and spice. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the richness of the orange glaze, making it a dish you can’t stop eating.
This Hot Orange Chicken recipe brings a bit of restaurant magic into your home kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken and vibrant orange sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy a mild sweetness or a fiery kick, this dish can be customized to your exact taste, making it ideal for any family dinner or get-together.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (for sauce)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce, whisking continuously until it thickens.
- Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express recipe is a vibrant and fiery twist on the classic Orange Chicken, beloved by many for its balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This homemade version combines crispy chicken breast pieces, fried until golden, with a zesty, tangy orange sauce that’s infused with a distinct heat from Szechuan chili peppers and red pepper flakes. Unlike traditional orange chicken, which is milder, this recipe amps up the spice level significantly while maintaining the sweetness and citrusy freshness that makes the dish stand out.
In creating this recipe, the focus is on achieving the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The hot orange chicken is not only visually appealing with its vibrant orange sauce, but also delivers a satisfying complexity of flavors. The sauce is a crucial element of the recipe, with fresh orange juice and zest being the base, enhanced by brown sugar for sweetness and soy sauce for saltiness. A dash of sesame oil adds depth, while rice wine vinegar introduces a tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
Flavor Profile and Texture
One of the standout features of this recipe is the textural contrast. The chicken remains crispy even after being coated in the sauce, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The sauce itself is sticky, glossy, and slightly thickened with cornstarch, clinging to the chicken pieces without overwhelming them. The flavor, while bold and spicy, is beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness of the orange and the depth of the soy and sesame oil.
The spice level, though intense due to the generous amount of red pepper flakes and dried Szechuan chili peppers, is not overpowering. Instead, it complements the sweetness and tanginess of the orange, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is as addictive as it is unique. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of heat in their meals, this version of orange chicken is sure to be a hit.
Healthier Adjustments
While this dish is undoubtedly delicious, it is also quite indulgent due to the fried chicken and sweet sauce. For a lighter version, you could opt to bake the chicken instead of frying it, or even use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. You could also experiment with a reduced-sugar version of the sauce or substitute some of the sugar with natural sweeteners. Using less oil in the stir-fry step and swapping the regular soy sauce for a low-sodium variety are additional tweaks that could make this recipe a bit more health-conscious.
Cultural Background of Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that has earned a permanent spot on the menu at many Chinese fast-casual restaurants. The dish, despite its name, has very little in common with traditional Chinese cuisine but is heavily inspired by Chinese flavors. It originated in the U.S., where it was likely created as a fusion of traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques and American tastes for sweeter, richer dishes.
This particular Hot Orange Chicken takes the typical sweetness of the dish to another level by infusing it with extra heat and complexity, giving it a spicy punch that is much bolder than the typical version. The sauce, which combines citrus and spice, makes it an excellent choice for those who like a bit of adventure in their meals.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Hot Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Steamed white rice or fried rice can help absorb the extra sauce, offering a milder counterpoint to the spicy chicken. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside some sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, which add color and freshness to the plate.
If you’re looking to serve a complete meal with multiple dishes, consider pairing the hot orange chicken with other Chinese-American favorites. Dishes like PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken make excellent companions, offering a different flavor profile while keeping the meal cohesive in its Asian-inspired theme. Additionally, some Chinese dumplings, like pork or vegetable-filled, would be a nice complement to the dish.
For an elevated meal, you could pair the Hot Orange Chicken with a cold sesame noodle dish, giving the meal a balance between the hot and cold elements. A chilled, refreshing side dish would offer a nice contrast to the rich and spicy main course.
Healthier Adjustments
While this dish is undoubtedly delicious, it is also quite indulgent due to the fried chicken and sweet sauce. For a lighter version, you could opt to bake the chicken instead of frying it, or even use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. You could also experiment with a reduced-sugar version of the sauce or substitute some of the sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia.
Using less oil in the stir-fry step and swapping the regular soy sauce for a low-sodium variety are additional tweaks that could make this recipe a bit more health-conscious. You can also try making the sauce with fresh orange juice without the addition of sugar for a more natural flavor. For those following a gluten-free diet, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and opt for a gluten-free flour to coat the chicken.
Additionally, instead of serving this dish with white rice, you could choose brown rice or quinoa to increase the fiber content. Adding steamed vegetables or even a side salad can further boost the nutritional value of this dish.
Making it Vegan or Vegetarian
This recipe is easy to customize if you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet. Instead of using chicken breast, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. Both tofu and tempeh can absorb the sauce well, and you can still achieve that crispy texture by frying or baking them before tossing them in the hot orange sauce.
If using tofu, it’s recommended to press it before cooking to remove excess moisture, which allows it to crisp up better. For tempeh, you can cut it into thin strips or cubes and fry until golden brown. The rest of the recipe can remain the same, and you’ll end up with a satisfying, meat-free version of this popular dish.
Tips for Perfecting Hot Orange Chicken
- Crispiness: Achieving the perfect crispy chicken can be challenging, but the key is to ensure that the chicken pieces are well-coated in the cornstarch and flour mixture and that the oil temperature is high enough for a crisp fry. A deep-fry thermometer is a handy tool to monitor the oil’s temperature.
- Sauce consistency: If the sauce is too runny, you can thicken it further by adding a bit more cornstarch. Just dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the sauce, letting it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust the heat: While the recipe uses dried Szechuan chili peppers and red pepper flakes to add heat, you can easily adjust the spice level. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of chili peppers and red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you like it extra hot, increase the spice quantities.
- Serve immediately: The dish is best enjoyed right after it’s prepared. The longer it sits, the more the crispy chicken can absorb the sauce and lose its crunch. If you need to reheat it, try placing the chicken pieces under a broiler to bring back some of the crispiness.
Conclusion
The Hot Orange Chicken recipe is the ultimate homemade take on the popular Panda Express dish, with the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and citrus. Its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, spicy sauce offer a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please anyone with a love for bold, exciting flavors. Whether you’re making this dish for a family dinner or a special occasion, it promises to be a standout choice. Try it out, and enjoy the satisfaction of recreating a beloved restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.