Question 1

What is the difference between orange chicken and sweet and sour chicken?

Accepted Answer

Orange chicken and sweet and sour chicken are both sweet and tangy, but orange chicken has more of a citrus flavor. Sweet and Sour Chicken is flavored with pineapple, bell peppers, honey, and brown sugar. Orange chicken does not have any other vegetables and fruits, just the chicken and the sauce, and it is usually served on rice. They are both crispy and fried. The sweet and sour sauce also has ketchup and pineapple juice, which are not part of the orange sauce. On the other hand, the orange sauce is a much sweeter sauce, not as acidic, with a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Question 2

How does Panda Express get their chicken so soft?

Accepted Answer

They, like many other restaurants, use a technique called velveting. Velveting breaks down the muscle fibers in the chicken, which makes it softer as well as more flavorful and helps it absorb the sauce. Depending on your method, you may consider it a way of marinating, braising, or even frying. You could let it sit in a cornstarch or baking soda coating or marinate it in some vinegar or lemon juice. Then, it is cooked as the recipe calls for.

Question 3

Why is my chicken chewy?

Accepted Answer

It may be overcooked. The protein fibers become dry and elastic if you cook it for longer than a few minutes. Small pieces of chicken cook quickly, so they only take a couple of minutes. Two or three minutes will do it for these. It could also be undercooked. Check the temperature. If it is 155 degrees F or more, it is done. It will finish cooking as it rests.

Question 4

Should I use cornstarch or flour?

Accepted Answer

Some say cornstarch is lighter and makes your coating crispier. You may have noticed that I use both in my recipe. This is because cornstarch helps prevent the development of gluten so the flour can coat the chicken better and make it even crispier. So, first, the cornstarch absorbs the moisture, and then it prevents gluten development so the flour can coat your chicken the way it should without the extra gluten to weigh it down.

Panda Express Copycat Recipes

Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat

Panda Express Beijing Beef (Video)

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Panda Express Mixed Veggies (Copycat)

Panda Express Firecracker Chicken (Copycat)

Panda Express Beef and Broccoli (Video)

Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast (Video)

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Chicken

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken (Copycat)

Panda Express Shanghai Angus Steak (Video)

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