Authentic Pf Chang's Orange Chicken Recipe (COPYCAT) - (2024)

If you are looking for a restaurant-style copycat orange chicken recipe you are at the right place. This Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken is a super delicious Chinese Meal.

This beloved pf chang’s orange peel chicken recipe combines succulent pieces of chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

I am a huge fan of Asian cuisines and visited Pf Chang many times. Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken is one of my favorite meals I like to order there. I thought why not I should try making it at home.

Now, think about making that dish yourself, with our simple recipe to help you. You can serve it with boil rice or Pf chang’s fried rice.

You should try our more related recipes like Cracking 17 Chipotle Copycat Recipes To Give A Try At Home, Air Fryer Crunchwrap Supreme in 8 Minutes (Copycat Taco Bell),

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What is Pf Chang?

P.F. Chang’s is a popular chain of restaurants specializing in Asian-inspired cuisine, particularly Chinese-American dishes. Founded in 1993 by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang, P.F. Chang’s has become known for its vibrant and flavorful menu offerings, including classics like Orange Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken.

The restaurants often feature a stylish and contemporary ambiance, with dim lighting and Chinese-influenced decor elements. P.F. Chang’s is renowned for its commitment to using fresh ingredients and creating dishes with bold flavors, making it a favorite destination for casual dining and special occasions alike.

REASONS TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

1. Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: With this recipe, you can recreate the same delicious taste of Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken in the comfort of your kitchen. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness!
2. Customizable to Your Taste: One of the best parts about making this dish at home is that you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you like it extra spicy or a bit sweeter, you have the authority to tailor the flavors to your liking.
3. Budget-Friendly Option: Dining out at Pf Chang’s can be a treat, but it can also add up. By making this Orange Chicken at home, you not only save money but also get to enjoy a larger portion that can feed the whole family.
4. Cooking Satisfaction: There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a restaurant-quality dish in your kitchen. From frying the chicken to creating the perfect sauce, each step of this recipe is an opportunity to hone your cooking skills and impress your loved ones.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED TO MAKE PF CHANG’S ORANGE CHICKEN

1. Chicken Breast: You will need 500 g of Tender chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, forms the heart of this dish, providing a protein-rich base for the flavorful sauce.
2. Cornstarch: You will need ½ cup cornstarch that is used to coat the chicken, creating a crispy outer layer when fried and helping to thicken the sauce for a luscious texture.
3. Vegetable Oil: You will need vegetable oil for frying the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
4. Garlic: You will need 3 cloves of Fresh garlic; it adds aromatic depth to the dish, infusing it with savory flavor.
5. Ginger: You will need 1 tbsp Minced ginger that lends a subtle heat and warmth to the sauce.
6. Orange Zest: You will need 1 tbsp Orange zest that provides a burst of citrusy fragrance and flavor.
7. Orange Juice: You will need ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice forms the base of the sauce, contributing natural sweetness and acidity.
8. Soy Sauce: You will need 3 tbsp Soy sauce that adds depth of flavor and umami richness to the sauce.
9. Rice Vinegar: You will need 2 tbsp Rice vinegar lends a subtle tanginess to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice and brown sugar.
10. Brown Sugar: You will need ¼ cup of Brown sugar that adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
11. Green Onions: You will need sliced green onions that are used as a fresh and vibrant garnish, adding a pop of color.
12. Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled over the finished dish for added texture and nutty flavor.

HOW TO MAKE PF CHANG’S ORANGE CHICKEN: STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preparing the chicken breast. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken breast on a clean cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, add the cornstarch. Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the cornstarch, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated. The cornstarch will create a crispy exterior when the chicken is fried, adding texture to the dish.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, carefully add a small piece of chicken to the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon.

Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Be sure to turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even browning. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried, remove any excess oil from the skillet, leaving behind about 1 tablespoon. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

This will release their aromatic flavors and enhance the taste of the pf chang’s orange chicken sauce.

Step 5: Create the Orange Sauce

Next, add the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet with the garlic and ginger.

Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the brown sugar is fully dissolved. The orange juice provides a sweet and tangy base for the sauce, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar add depth of flavor and a hint of acidity.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

This will concentrate the flavors and create a rich, glossy sauce that will cling to the chicken.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, carefully return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet. Using a spatula or tongs, toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.

Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and added texture.

Serve the dish hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your homemade Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken.

ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS:

1. Baking Method: Achieve crispy and golden-brown chicken without deep-frying by using the baking method. Simply coat the chicken in cornstarch, place it on a baking sheet, and bake until crispy. While the chicken bakes, prepare the orange sauce on the stovetop. Once done, toss the crispy chicken in the sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a delightful twist on a classic dish.
2. Air Fryer Method: For a healthier take on Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken, turn to the air fryer. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and air fry until crispy and golden. Meanwhile, whip up the orange sauce on the stove. Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Serve Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a guilt-free indulgence.
3. Grilling Method: Infuse your Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken with a smoky flavor by grilling it to perfection. Skewer the coated chicken pieces and grill until charred and cooked through. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce on the stovetop. Once grilled, toss the chicken in the sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious twist on traditional grilling fare.

TEMPERATURE INSTRUCTIONS

For frying the chicken, preheat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.

When simmering the sauce, maintain a medium heat level to gently coax out the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken to the desired consistency. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, as this can lead to over-reduction and an overly thick texture. Keep an eye on the temperature throughout to achieve perfectly cooked Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken.

Equipment/Utensils Required:

• Large Skillet or Wok: Needed for frying the chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
• Mixing Bowls: Used for coating the chicken in cornstarch and mixing the sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Used to accurately measure the ingredients for both the chicken coating and the sauce.
• Serving Platter or Dish: Use to present the finished Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

ADDITIONS

1. Bell Peppers and Onions: Enhance the texture and flavor of your Orange Chicken by adding sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet along with the sauce.
2. Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spice.
3. Cashews or Peanuts: For added crunch and nuttiness, toss in some cashews or peanuts along with the chicken and sauce.
4. Pineapple Chunks: Add a tropical twist to your Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken by mixing in pineapple chunks. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs beautifully with the orange sauce.

HOW TO SERVE PF CHANG’S ORANGE CHICKEN

• Serve your Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic and comforting meal.
• For a delicious twist, pair your Orange Chicken with your favorite noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles.
• Complete your meal by serving the Orange Chicken alongside a medley of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
• Turn your Orange Chicken into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by skewering the chicken pieces and serving them with toothpicks for easy nibbling.

Storage & Reheating:

Leftover Pf Chang’s Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

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