Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Chicken Stirfry Easy Recipe Is So Popular
- The Secret to Achieving That Classic Panda Express Flavor
- Let’s Talk Texture – How to Make It Crispy
- When to Serve This Chicken Stirfry Easy Recipe
- Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Meal
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This Panda Express-style orange chicken recipe from Elena Cooks delivers the bold, sweet-tangy flavor you love in just 35 minutes. It’s the perfect chicken stirfry easy recipe to satisfy takeout cravings at home. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a crispy homemade batter, this dish brings comfort and restaurant-quality taste straight to your dinner table.
Why This Chicken Stirfry Easy Recipe Is So Popular
If you love Asian-inspired dinners, this recipe will steal your heart. On Elena Cooks, I’m all about simple dishes that pack big flavor—and this chicken stirfry easy recipe checks every box. It’s sweet, spicy, crispy, and comforting all at once, making it a family favorite you’ll come back to over and over again.
The Secret to Achieving That Classic Panda Express Flavor
While many recipes try to mimic that bold orange chicken taste, the secret here lies in a balance of fresh orange juice, tangy vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. This chicken stirfry easy recipe hits the sweet spot—literally. It’s bold, rich, and perfectly sticky, just like the one you crave from your favorite takeout spot.
Let’s Talk Texture – How to Make It Crispy
Crispy perfection is essential for any stir-fry, especially with orange chicken. The egg and flour coating in this recipe gives your chicken a delicious crunch that holds up even after tossing it in sauce. And if you’re wondering how to keep that crunch, Elena from Elena Cooks suggests double-frying—it’s a game-changer.
When to Serve This Chicken Stirfry Easy Recipe
This dish works great for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even weekend meal prep. It’s versatile and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies. Whether you’re trying sweet brunch recipes easy or looking for something hearty like baked casserole, this dish bridges both comfort and convenience.
Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Meal
Round out your dinner with simple sides that complement the sweet, tangy profile of the orange chicken. Slider sandwiches or brown gravy mashed potatoes offer a fun twist for fusion-style meals, while a simple steamed broccoli or jasmine rice bowl keeps it traditional. Elena Cooks offers tons of easy and quick instant pot recipes to pair as well.
Notes & Tips
For extra crispiness, always fry in hot oil and let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. If you’re meal-prepping, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve. And remember, this recipe from Elena Cooks is customizable—add more chili flakes for spice or zest for a citrusy kick.
Panda Express Orange Chicken – Chicken Stirfry Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
- Dip chicken pieces in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In a clean pan, heat a little oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes for 30 seconds.
- Add soy sauce, water, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss until well coated. Serve hot.
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