Panda Express Like Sticky and Sweet Orange Chicken With Rice

Our Panda Express like Sticky and Sweet Orange Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, enticing and memorable meal. It has an appetising presentation with tender, golden-brown pieces of chicken generously coated in a glossy and aromatic orange sauce. The perfect dinner to wow that special person!

The dish is balanced, with the sweet and tangy flavour of the orange sauce complementing the savoury, perfectly cooked chicken. The zest of the orange adds a burst of citrusy freshness, and the garnish of green onions and sesame seeds not only adds a delightful visual contrast but also enhances the overall flavour profile.

The white rice serves as the perfect base for this flavourful dish, absorbing the delicious orange sauce and providing a satisfying and hearty meal that’s both visually appealing and a true treat for your taste buds.

Where Orange Chicken Originated From?

Orange Chicken is a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine, and its exact origin is attributed to Chinese-American chefs. The dish is not a traditional Chinese dish but was created in the United States, reflecting a fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with American tastes and preferences.

Some people claim that Orange Chicken was first introduced in the 1980s by Panda Express, a popular American-Chinese fast-food chain. Panda Express is known for its Americanised Chinese cuisine, and Orange Chicken quickly became one of its signature dishes. The dish features battered and fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange-flavoured sauce, often garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

While the origins of Orange Chicken are not deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions, its widespread popularity in American-Chinese cuisine has made it a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants across the United States. for that reason I guess its easy to see why it would then go on to become a popular Social Media Trend.

We love the way  that dishes such as orange chicken represent a unique aspect of the culinary landscape, showcasing the adaptation, evolution and fusion of traditional flavours to suit the preferences of a diverse audience.

Why Easy Homemade Takeout Style Recipes Are Needed Now More Than Ever

In the midst of a challenging era marked by a cost of living crisis, finding joy and satisfaction in everyday life has become increasingly essential. As economic pressures tighten, many individuals and families are navigating their way through budget constraints, seeking ways to balance the scales without sacrificing the simple pleasures that bring comfort and happiness.

One of our primary motivations behind embracing easy homemade takeout-style recipes is the undeniable economic backdrop that many find themselves in. Creating restaurant-inspired dishes in the comfort of one’s home allows for the exploration of diverse flavours and cuisines without the hefty price tag. Ingredients become versatile tools, transforming into delightful creations that tickle the taste buds and provide a budget-friendly escape from the monotony of everyday life.

In times of financial strain, the dinner table becomes a special place where families and communities come together. Easy homemade takeout-style recipes provide an opportunity for shared experiences, fostering connections over a meal prepared with love and care. It’s a chance to turn an ordinary evening into a memorable occasion, proving that joy can be found in the everyday rituals of cooking.

Chicken Thighs VS Chicken Breast

Both chicken breast and chicken thigh can be used in your Orange Chicken recipe, and the choice depends on personal preference for flavour and texture. However, here are some things to consider:

Chicken Breast:

• Advantages: Leaner meat with lower fat content. Tends to have a firmer texture. Absorbs flavours well.
• Considerations: May dry out more quickly during cooking, as it has less fat. Care should be taken not to overcook to prevent dryness.

Chicken Thigh:

• Advantages: Higher fat content, resulting in a more juicy and flavourful meat. More forgiving when it comes to cooking times, less likely to dry out. Offers a slightly darker and richer flavour.
• Considerations: Higher fat content may not be suitable for those seeking a leaner option.

Battering Your Chicken Pieces

Battering chicken for your Orange Chicken recipe is a crucial step to achieve that perfect crispy and golden exterior. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is well-battered and delicious:

1. Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before battering. Moisture on the chicken can prevent the batter from adhering properly.
2. Cut Chicken Uniformly: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout.
3. Season the Flour: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the all-purpose flour to season the chicken from the inside out. This step ensures every layer of the chicken is well-seasoned.
4. Use the Right Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Too hot, and the batter might burn before the chicken is fully cooked; too cold, and the chicken might absorb too much oil.
5. Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking and a loss of crispiness.

Panda Express Like Sticky and Sweet Orange Chicken With Rice