The Original Orange Chicken by Panda Express

Summary

Jimmy Wang, Director of Culinary Innovation at Panda Express, shares the authentic recipe for their signature Orange Chicken. Starting with dark meat cut into cubes for optimal texture and moisture, the chicken is coated with a wet batter containing egg and cornstarch for a crispy crust. The dish's history dates back to 1987, with Chef Andy Cow's creation gaining popularity due to its unique flavor profile. The cooking process emphasizes the importance of timing and temperature, with the chicken fried at 350 degrees for a precise six minutes. The sauce, a balance of orange juice for acidity and vinegar for potency, is poured over the chicken while hot to absorb quickly, creating a maple syrup-like consistency. Sesame oil adds a glossy finish and nutty flavor, making this dish a nostalgic favorite for its iconic sweet and sour taste.

Takeaways

• 🍗 Jimmy Wang is the Director of Culinary Innovation for Panda Express and he's sharing the recipe for their original Orange Chicken.
• 🔪 The chicken should be cut into one-inch cubes from the thigh meat to achieve the best texture and retain moisture.
• 🍽️ A wet batter is used to coat the chicken, which includes egg and cornstarch for aeration and a crispy crust.
• 🍊 Panda Express is credited with the creation of Orange Chicken, with the story dating back to 1987 when Chef Andy Cow was experimenting with local chicken.
• 🍳 The chicken is fried at 350 degrees, with about 25 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot, and fried for at least six minutes.
• 👀 The color of the fried chicken will darken after it is taken out and rests, so it should be fried to a lighter shade than desired.
• 🍲 The sauce for Orange Chicken includes orange juice for acidity and vinegar for its potency, which should be smelled when the dish is served.
• 🥣 The sauce should have a consistency similar to maple syrup to ensure the chicken absorbs it well when it's hot.
• 🌀 Sesame oil is added for an extra sheen and a toasted nuttiness, enhancing the dish's flavor profile.
• 🎉 The combination of sweet and sour flavors with fried chicken is iconic and nostalgic, making Orange Chicken a popular choice.
• 🛠️ The preparation of Orange Chicken is technical and cannot be cheated, emphasizing the importance of following the recipe exactly for the best results.

Q & A

Who is Jimmy Wang in the context of this video script?

Jimmy Wang is the director of culinary innovation for Panda Express.

What is the preferred cut and size for making the original orange chicken at Panda Express?

The preferred cut is thigh meat, cut into one-inch cubes to provide the best texture and retain moisture.

Why is dark meat used for the original orange chicken recipe?

Dark meat is used to help retain moisture while the outside of the chicken remains crispy, resulting in a tender and juicy interior.

What is the purpose of using a wet batter to coat the chicken?

The wet batter provides aeration to the crust and coats the chicken better, enhancing the texture and flavor.

What ingredients are included in the batter for the orange chicken?

The batter contains a leavening agent like egg, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and a bit of starch for crunch.

Why is Panda Express considered the originator of orange chicken?

Panda Express originated orange chicken in 1987 when Chef Andy Cow was experimenting with local chicken dishes.

At what temperature should the chicken be fried for the original orange chicken recipe?

The chicken should be fried at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How many pieces of chicken should be fried at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot?

Approximately 25 pieces at a time are recommended to ensure even cooking.

Why should the chicken be fried to a lighter color than desired before removing it from the fryer?

The color will darken slightly as the chicken rests, so frying to a lighter color ensures the final product has the correct shade.

What role does orange juice play in the orange chicken sauce?

Orange juice provides the necessary acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Why is it important to add vinegar at the right time in the sauce preparation?

Adding vinegar too early will cause its potency to evaporate, so it should be added later to maintain its aroma and flavor.

What consistency should the sauce have before adding the fried chicken?

The sauce should have a consistency similar to maple syrup to allow the chicken to absorb it effectively.

What does sesame oil add to the dish, and why is it important?

Sesame oil adds an extra sheen and a toasted nuttiness, contributing to the iconic flavor of the dish.

Why is the combination of sweet and sour flavors with fried chicken so appealing?

The combination of sweet and sour flavors with fried chicken evokes a sense of nostalgia and is a universally appealing taste that hits home for many people.