What is the Panda Express Orange Chicken? It is one of Panda Express’s most loved and talked-about classic dishes and a must-try if you haven’t. It is simply crispy chicken dipped in sweet and savory orange sauce.
It is among the best entrée choices and is always at the top. As simple as it may look on the outside, it is well-flavored, savory, and tasty on the inside. Every Bite reminds you of home, so it’s no wonder it’s loved by everyone.
The Story Behind Panda Express Orange Chicken
The Panda Express Orange Chicken is a classic and revolutionary dish that has evolved over the years. This delightful meal was created by an Executive Chef at Panda Express, Andy Kao, in 1987.
An invention that once started as a bone-in skin-on recipe dipped in the sweet flavors of citrus in the Hunan province of China has evolved into a boneless skinless chicken recipe more appealing to the American audience.
The sauce, however, has remained the same and flavor-packed throughout the ages. It is made up of soy sauce mixed with sugar, garlic, ginger, and orange extract. It is one of the most talked-about meals on the menu.
What Makes the Orange Spicy Chicken So Addictive
It’s Filled with Flavour
Every Bite keeps improving because every munch releases the burst of flavor locked in this meal. It’s packed with so much flavor that you only think about you only think about how to come back for more.
Healthy balance
It’s not too spicy or too sweet, but it has a healthy balance, a perfect mix of both. This makes it a highly unique meal, one that’s hard to find. No wonder you’re stuck with it.
Crunchy Texture
Every Bite hits home with this one. The crunchy texture of the chicken colliding with the sticky nature of the sauce makes it a dish you just can’t help but tell everyone about. It doesn’t just give you a meal; it gives you an experience.
Nutritional Breakdown: What’s in the Orange Chicken
Ever wondered what makes the Panda Express Orange Chicken what it is? Here’s a sneak peek into how this came about.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size 1 cup (237.3g)
Amount per serving
- Calories: 831
- Total Fat: 38.98g
- Saturated Fat: 8.47g
- Cholesterol: 136mg
- Sodium: 1390mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 86.44g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.08g
- Total Sugars: 32.20g
- Protein: 42.37g
- Vitamin D: 0IU
- Calcium: 34mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Potassium: 508mg
Best Sides to Pair with Panda Express Orange Chicken
Spicy Shishuan Green beans: This side is very easy to make and complements the Orange Chicken well. Served with plain rice, this makes for a complete meal.
Slow Cooked Chinese Spare Ribs: Go for this when you want a protein-packed meal with your Orange Chicken. Accompanied by stir-fried noodles, this combo will leave you wanting more.
Coconut Rice: Having this as a side is a no-brainer when looking for what to satisfy. Cooked in coconut milk, this rich meal pairs perfectly with your sweet and savory Orange Chicken
Top 5 Drink Recommendations to Pair with Your Orange Chicken
Sides are not the only meals that pair perfectly with the Panda Express Orange Chicken; drinks also make a good pairing. Even with sides added to the Orange Chicken meal, your dish is never complete without a beverage added to the mix.
Water
This is the one drink no one can do without. It goes nicely with every meal on the menu, is great for hydration, and keeps you balanced and full for longer.
Iced Tea
Iced tea’s unique taste makes it a perfect complement to your orange Chicken meal. You can’t say whether it’s sweet or bitter(slight), but one thing you can surely say is that it’s refreshing.
Riesling
This wine pairs best with fresh meals like the Orange Chicken and has an invigorating bubbling feel.
Alyssa Pinot Noir
Pairs perfectly with your Panda Express Orange Chicken and gives you the best value for your money.
Pinot Gris
This gives your Orange Chicken meal a sweet taste and makes you want to come back for more, more than you thought you would.
FAQs
How spicy is Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Panda Express Orange Chicken is not an entirely spicy meal. It has a sweet twist, mostly due to the orange sauce.
What are the main ingredients in the orange chicken sauce?
The Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce consists of soy sauce mixed with garlic, sugar, ginger, and orange extract, which is why it is a blend of spicy and Sweet.
Is Panda Express orange chicken gluten-free?
No, Panda Express Orange Chicken isn’t gluten-free and should have an allergen menu.
Can I order a catering tray of Orange Chicken?
Yes, using Panda Express catering services, you can order a tray of orange chicken that is enough to serve a large gathering at home, work, or even school.
Conclusion
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a rich meal filled with a healthy balance of sweet and spicy. Its rich blend of flavors pairs well with the most available sides at Panda Express and even better with drinks served at Panda Express.
This meal is quite addictive because of its balanced proportions and is very versatile, so it goes well with pretty much anything. It is best served with a pair.
