Warm and Comforting Flavor
As the aroma of citrus and savory chicken fills your kitchen, you feel a sense of warmth wash over you. This Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe is a favorite for many of us. I remember the days after school when I would come home to a plate of delicious orange chicken, a comfort food that never fails to lift our spirits. This slow cooker version is not only easy to prepare but also brings back those wonderful memories. It’s special because it captures the restaurant’s flavor in a home-cooked meal, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make orange chicken at home instead of going out to eat. Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it allows you to customize flavors to your liking. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s healthier and more satisfying than takeout. Plus, cooking in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, leaving you time to enjoy other activities. This orange chicken is a wholesome meal that everyone will love, making it a wonderful addition to your weekly menu.
How to Make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Steamed broccoli for serving
Directions:
- Brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the browned chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice with steamed broccoli on the side.
How to Serve Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Serving this orange chicken is simple and can be done in a few ways. The most common way is to plate it over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. The rice absorbs the wonderful sauce, making every bite flavorful. For a balanced meal, add some steamed broccoli on the side. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an added touch. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or when you have friends over.
How to Store Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The orange chicken will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or more orange juice to keep it moist while reheating. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the rice, as it tends to become mushy. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Thighs have more flavor and moisture than breasts, but you can use either based on your preference.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mixing the cornstarch with water helps prevent clumping and makes for a smooth sauce.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more honey.
- Add Heat: If you like spicy food, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Variation
You can easily customize this orange chicken recipe by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots can be mixed in during the last hour of cooking. This not only adds nutrition but also makes the dish more colorful and appealing.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts can be used. They may result in a slightly drier texture compared to thighs.
- Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prep the sauce and the chicken the night before. Just combine them in the slow cooker in the morning and cook.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this recipe in a pot on the stovetop. Just simmer it on low heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
Enjoy your meal! The flavors will remind you of your favorite Panda Express dish right from the comfort of your home.
PrintPanda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
A warm and comforting slow cooker version of the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Steamed broccoli for serving
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add the browned chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Mix the cornstarch with water in the last 30 minutes of cooking and add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice with steamed broccoli on the side.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze without rice for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
