Panda Express Mandarin Chicken

This dish is very similar to a sauce loved by millions from Panda Express.

Panda Express Mandarin Chicken is a popular dish known for its sweet and tangy flavors. This dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a savory sauce made with hints of citrus and soy sauce.

Panda Express Mandarin Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the perfect balance of flavors. The crispy chicken pieces are tender on the inside and coated with a delicious sauce that is both sweet and tangy. The sauce is made with ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, orange juice, and honey, which give it a unique and vibrant taste. It’s a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

One of the highlights of Panda Express Mandarin Chicken is the crispy texture of the chicken. The chicken is first coated in a batter and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. This cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy on the inside while developing a crispy exterior. The combination of the crispy chicken with the flavorful sauce creates a delightful contrast in every bite.

The sauce used in Panda Express Mandarin Chicken is what sets it apart from other chicken dishes. The sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, thanks to the combination of ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, orange juice, and honey. The tanginess from the vinegar and orange juice is complemented by the sweetness of the honey, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken. The sauce also has a hint of ginger and garlic, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Panda Express Mandarin Chicken is often served with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of the crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and steamed rice creates a harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, Panda Express Mandarin Chicken is a popular choice for those looking for a delicious and comforting Chinese-inspired dish.

SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 4 teaspoons arrowroot
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 skinless chicken thighs

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the grill on high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the water and arrowroot, stirring until the arrowroot is dissolved.
4. Add the arrowroot mixture to the saucepan and turn the heat to high. Stir the mixture often while bringing it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 4-6 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Rub each chicken thigh with oil and place them on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it is fully cooked and browned in spots.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large frying pan over medium heat.
7. Heat the chicken until it starts to sizzle, then reduce the heat and cover the pan until ready to serve.
8. Spoon the cooked chicken into a medium bowl, then pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the sweet and sour sauce.