Panda Express, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has been a staple in American-Chinese cuisine for decades. Among their extensive menu offerings, one dish stands out as a fan favorite: Orange Chicken. But have you ever wondered what this beloved dish is called on the Panda Express menu? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Orange Chicken, its ingredients, and what makes it so irresistible to customers.
A Brief History of Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a dish that originated in the 1980s, created by Chef Andy Kao, a renowned chef and food scientist who worked for Panda Express at the time. Kao’s goal was to develop a dish that would appeal to the American palate, which tends to favor sweeter and milder flavors. He experimented with various ingredients, eventually settling on a combination of crispy chicken, savory sauce, and a hint of orange flavor.
The dish quickly gained popularity, and by the 1990s, Orange Chicken had become a staple on the Panda Express menu. Today, it remains one of the chain’s top-selling items, with millions of servings sold worldwide each year.
The Ingredients Behind Orange Chicken
So, what makes Orange Chicken so special? The answer lies in its unique blend of ingredients. Here are some of the key components that make up this signature dish:
- Breaded and Fried Chicken: The foundation of Orange Chicken is crispy fried chicken, which is breaded with a proprietary mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices.
- Orange Sauce: The sauce is a sweet and savory blend of orange marmalade, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. The exact recipe is a trade secret, but it’s this sauce that gives Orange Chicken its distinctive flavor.
- Scallions and Sesame Seeds: To add texture and flavor, Panda Express tops their Orange Chicken with scallions and sesame seeds.
The Science Behind the Sauce
The Orange Chicken sauce is a masterclass in flavor chemistry. The combination of orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sugar creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that is both balanced and addictive. But what makes the sauce truly special is its ability to caramelize and thicken when cooked, creating a sticky and syrupy texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
What is Orange Chicken Called at Panda Express?
Now that we’ve explored the history and ingredients behind Orange Chicken, let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind: what is Orange Chicken called at Panda Express? The answer is simple: it’s called Orange Chicken. However, if you’re looking for a more technical name, Panda Express refers to it as “Orange Chicken Breast” on their menu.
But here’s a fun fact: in some Panda Express locations, you might see Orange Chicken listed as “Orange Peel Chicken” or simply “Orange Chicken Breast with Orange Peel.” This is because some locations use a variation of the sauce that includes orange peel, which adds an extra layer of citrus flavor to the dish.
Other Variations of Orange Chicken
While the original Orange Chicken remains the most popular, Panda Express has introduced several variations over the years. Some notable examples include:
- Grilled Orange Chicken: A healthier alternative to the original, this version features grilled chicken breast instead of breaded and fried.
- Orange Chicken with Vegetables: This variation adds a mix of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots, to the dish.
- Orange Chicken Wrap: A limited-time offering that features Orange Chicken wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce and scallions.
Copycat Recipes and Competitor Offerings
Orange Chicken has become so popular that it’s inspired a wave of copycat recipes and competitor offerings. From DIY recipes on food blogs to similar dishes at rival restaurants, it’s clear that Orange Chicken has become a benchmark for American-Chinese cuisine.
Some notable examples of competitor offerings include:
- Pei Wei’s Orange Chicken: A variation offered by Pei Wei, a fast-casual chain owned by P.F. Chang’s.
- P.F. Chang’s Orange Chicken: A more upscale version of the dish offered by P.F. Chang’s, a casual dining chain.
The Cultural Significance of Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken has become more than just a dish – it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a symbol of American-Chinese cuisine, a fusion of flavors and techniques that has captured the hearts of millions.
In recent years, Orange Chicken has become a staple of social media, with fans sharing photos and reviews of their favorite Panda Express locations. It’s also inspired a wave of memes and jokes, cementing its place in popular culture.
The Impact of Orange Chicken on the Food Industry
Orange Chicken has had a significant impact on the food industry, inspiring a wave of similar dishes and menu offerings. It’s also driven innovation in the field of food science, with companies developing new sauces and seasonings to compete with Panda Express’ signature flavor.
In addition, Orange Chicken has played a role in shaping the way we think about Chinese food in America. It’s helped to popularize Chinese cuisine, introducing new flavors and ingredients to a wider audience.
The Future of Orange Chicken
As the food industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that Orange Chicken will remain a beloved favorite. Panda Express is constantly innovating, introducing new menu items and flavors to keep customers engaged.
In recent years, the chain has introduced a range of new Orange Chicken variations, including a spicy version and a limited-time offering with a sweet and sour sauce. It’s clear that Orange Chicken will continue to be a driving force behind Panda Express’ success, inspiring new flavors and menu offerings for years to come.
In conclusion, Orange Chicken is more than just a dish – it’s a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of American-Chinese cuisine, and a driving force behind the success of Panda Express. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the joy of Orange Chicken, it’s clear that this beloved dish will continue to be a staple of the food industry for years to come.
What is the name of Panda Express’ signature dish?
Panda Express’ signature dish is called Orange Chicken. It is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been a staple on the Panda Express menu for many years. The dish is made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory orange-flavored sauce.
The name “Orange Chicken” is a bit misleading, as it doesn’t actually contain any oranges. Instead, the sauce is made with a combination of ingredients including soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices. The exact recipe is a trade secret, but it’s clear that the name “Orange Chicken” refers to the dish’s distinctive orange-colored sauce.
What inspired the creation of Orange Chicken?
The creation of Orange Chicken is credited to Chef Andy Kao, a chef at Panda Express. According to the company’s website, Chef Kao was inspired to create the dish after experimenting with different flavor combinations. He wanted to create a dish that would appeal to American tastes, while still being true to Chinese cuisine.
The result was Orange Chicken, which quickly became a hit with customers. The dish was first introduced on the Panda Express menu in the 1980s and has since become a staple of the chain. Today, Orange Chicken is one of the most popular items on the Panda Express menu, and its success has helped to establish the chain as a leader in the fast-casual Chinese food market.
What makes Orange Chicken so popular?
Orange Chicken is a popular dish for many reasons. One reason is its unique flavor profile, which combines sweet, sour, and savory notes in a way that is both familiar and exotic. The dish is also highly customizable, with customers able to choose from a variety of sides and sauces to accompany their meal.
Another reason for the popularity of Orange Chicken is its convenience. Panda Express is a fast-casual chain, which means that customers can quickly and easily order their meals and have them prepared to go. This makes Orange Chicken a popular choice for busy people who need a quick and delicious meal on the go.
Is Orange Chicken a traditional Chinese dish?
No, Orange Chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish. While it is inspired by Chinese cuisine, the dish is actually a Chinese-American creation. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet and sour sauce, and steamed vegetables is not typically found in traditional Chinese cooking.
Instead, Orange Chicken is a fusion dish that combines elements of Chinese cuisine with American tastes and preferences. This is reflected in the dish’s use of ingredients like sugar and vinegar, which are not typically used in traditional Chinese cooking.
Can I make Orange Chicken at home?
Yes, it is possible to make Orange Chicken at home. While the exact recipe used by Panda Express is a trade secret, there are many copycat recipes available online that can help you to create a similar dish at home. These recipes typically involve marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices, then deep-frying it and serving it with a sweet and sour sauce.
To make Orange Chicken at home, you will need a few basic ingredients, including chicken breasts, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices. You will also need a deep fryer or a large skillet with at least 2-3 inches of oil. With a little practice and patience, you can create a delicious and authentic-tasting Orange Chicken dish at home.
Is Orange Chicken a healthy option?
No, Orange Chicken is not a particularly healthy option. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium, thanks to the use of deep-fried chicken and a sweet and sour sauce. A single serving of Orange Chicken from Panda Express contains over 500 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 1040mg of sodium.
While it is possible to make a healthier version of Orange Chicken at home by using baked or grilled chicken and reducing the amount of sugar and salt in the sauce, the dish is still likely to be high in calories and fat. If you are looking for a healthier option, you may want to consider choosing a different dish from the Panda Express menu.
Can I customize my Orange Chicken order?
Yes, you can customize your Orange Chicken order at Panda Express. The chain offers a variety of options for customizing your meal, including the ability to choose from different sides, sauces, and protein options. For example, you can choose to substitute the chicken with tofu or vegetables, or add extra sauce or vegetables to your meal.
You can also customize your Orange Chicken order by asking for modifications, such as holding the sauce or adding extra spices. Panda Express employees are happy to accommodate special requests, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.