PF Chang’s orange chicken is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions of food enthusiasts worldwide. This iconic Chinese-American restaurant chain has been serving its signature orange chicken for decades, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. But have you ever wondered what makes this dish so special? What does PF Chang’s orange chicken come with, and what sets it apart from other Chinese-American cuisine? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of PF Chang’s orange chicken, exploring its history, ingredients, nutritional information, and more.
A Brief History of PF Chang’s Orange Chicken
PF Chang’s was founded in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming in Scottsdale, Arizona. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of Chinese and American flavors, and its orange chicken dish became an instant hit. The original recipe was created by Philip Chiang, who drew inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. Over the years, the recipe has undergone some changes, but the core ingredients and flavors have remained the same.
The Magic Behind the Sauce
So, what makes PF Chang’s orange chicken sauce so special? The answer lies in the combination of ingredients and the cooking process. The sauce is made with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and orange marmalade, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor. The sauce is then simmered with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers to add depth and heat. The result is a rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
The Role of Orange Marmalade
Orange marmalade is a key ingredient in PF Chang’s orange chicken sauce. The marmalade adds a sweet and citrusy flavor to the dish, which balances out the savory flavors of the soy sauce and garlic. The marmalade also helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.
What Does PF Chang’s Orange Chicken Come With?
So, what can you expect when you order PF Chang’s orange chicken? Here’s a breakdown of the dish:
- Chicken: The chicken is breaded and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. The breading is made with a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices, which adds crunch and flavor to the dish.
- Orange Chicken Sauce: The sauce is served on the side, allowing you to drizzle it over the chicken to your liking.
- Steamed Vegetables: The dish comes with a side of steamed vegetables, which typically include broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
- Steamed Rice: A side of steamed rice is also included, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your diet, you may be wondering about the nutritional information for PF Chang’s orange chicken. Here’s a breakdown of the dish:
- Calories: A serving of PF Chang’s orange chicken contains approximately 540 calories.
- Fat: The dish contains 26 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat.
- Sodium: The sodium content is relatively high, with 1040 milligrams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: The dish contains 44 grams of carbohydrates, including 10 grams of sugar.
- Protein: The chicken provides 34 grams of protein per serving.
Healthier Options
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can consider the following modifications:
- Grilled Chicken: Opt for grilled chicken instead of breaded and fried chicken to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Brown Rice: Choose brown rice instead of steamed white rice to increase the fiber content of the dish.
- Extra Vegetables: Ask for extra steamed vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
PF Chang’s Orange Chicken Variations
Over the years, PF Chang’s has introduced several variations of its orange chicken dish. Here are a few examples:
- Orange Chicken with Shrimp: This variation adds succulent shrimp to the dish, which are cooked in the same orange chicken sauce.
- Orange Chicken with Vegetables: This variation adds extra steamed vegetables to the dish, including bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Orange Chicken with Noodles: This variation substitutes steamed rice with noodles, which are cooked in the same orange chicken sauce.
Copycat Recipes
If you’re looking to recreate PF Chang’s orange chicken at home, there are several copycat recipes available online. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili peppers, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
- In a separate dish, beat the eggs.
- Dip the chicken breasts in the eggs and then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Serve the chicken with the orange chicken sauce and steamed vegetables.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you perfect your copycat recipe:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the sauce: Adjust the amount of sugar and soy sauce to taste.
- Add aromatics: Add aromatics like onions and bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor.
- Use different protein: Use different protein sources like beef or tofu for a variation.
In conclusion, PF Chang’s orange chicken is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions of food enthusiasts worldwide. With its crispy breaded chicken, sweet and tangy orange chicken sauce, and steamed vegetables, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking to recreate the dish at home or simply want to know more about its history and ingredients, this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to PF Chang’s orange chicken.
What is PF Chang’s Orange Chicken and why is it so popular?
PF Chang’s Orange Chicken is a signature dish from the popular American restaurant chain P.F. Chang’s. It is a savory and sweet dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful orange-flavored sauce, typically served with steamed vegetables. The dish has gained immense popularity due to its unique flavor profile, which combines the tanginess of orange with the spiciness of chili peppers, creating a delightful taste experience for customers.
The popularity of PF Chang’s Orange Chicken can be attributed to its widespread availability, as it is a staple item on the P.F. Chang’s menu. Additionally, the dish has been widely shared and reviewed on social media platforms, further increasing its popularity. Many food enthusiasts and bloggers have attempted to recreate the dish at home, which has contributed to its widespread recognition and admiration.
What are the key ingredients in PF Chang’s Orange Chicken sauce?
The key ingredients in PF Chang’s Orange Chicken sauce include orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The sauce also contains chili peppers or red pepper flakes, which add a spicy kick to the dish. Other ingredients like cornstarch and vegetable oil are used as thickeners and to enhance the texture of the sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile that is characteristic of the dish.
It’s worth noting that the exact recipe for PF Chang’s Orange Chicken sauce is a trade secret and not publicly available. However, based on interviews with former P.F. Chang’s chefs and food bloggers, the above-mentioned ingredients are commonly cited as the key components of the sauce. By experimenting with different proportions of these ingredients, it’s possible to create a homemade version of the sauce that closely approximates the original.
How do I make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken at home?
To make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken at home, start by preparing the sauce ingredients, including orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. In a small saucepan, combine these ingredients and whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and coating it in a mixture of cornstarch, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Deep-fry the chicken pieces until crispy, then toss them in the prepared orange sauce. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and steamed vegetables. To achieve the signature crispy coating on the chicken, it’s essential to not overcook the chicken and to use the right type of oil for frying. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a homemade version of PF Chang’s Orange Chicken that closely approximates the original.
Can I make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, it’s possible to make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. To make it in a slow cooker, prepare the sauce ingredients and chicken as described earlier, then place them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. To make it in an Instant Pot, cook the chicken and sauce for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Using a slow cooker or Instant Pot can be a convenient way to make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken, especially for busy home cooks. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the dish may be slightly different than the original, as the cooking method and time can affect the outcome. Experiment with different cooking times and methods to find the one that works best for you.
Is PF Chang’s Orange Chicken spicy?
PF Chang’s Orange Chicken has a moderate level of spiciness, due to the presence of chili peppers or red pepper flakes in the sauce. The spiciness level can vary depending on individual tolerance and the specific recipe used. However, in general, the dish is not extremely spicy and is suitable for most people who enjoy mildly spicy food.
If you prefer a milder version of the dish, you can reduce or omit the chili peppers or red pepper flakes from the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a spicier version, you can add more chili peppers or use hotter peppers like habaneros or ghost peppers. By adjusting the level of spiciness to your liking, you can enjoy PF Chang’s Orange Chicken that suits your taste preferences.
Can I make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, it’s possible to make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken gluten-free by substituting gluten-containing ingredients with gluten-free alternatives. The main gluten-containing ingredient in the dish is soy sauce, which can be replaced with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, be sure to use gluten-free cornstarch and vegetable oil to avoid cross-contamination.
When shopping for gluten-free ingredients, be sure to read labels carefully to ensure that they are processed in a gluten-free facility and do not contain any gluten. By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of PF Chang’s Orange Chicken that is safe for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Can I make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken in large quantities for a party or event?
Yes, it’s possible to make PF Chang’s Orange Chicken in large quantities for a party or event. To do so, simply multiply the ingredients and cooking time as needed. Keep in mind that cooking large quantities of chicken can be challenging, so it’s essential to plan ahead and use the right equipment to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and safely.
When making large quantities of PF Chang’s Orange Chicken, consider using a commercial deep fryer or a large skillet with multiple burners to speed up the cooking process. Additionally, prepare the sauce ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. By planning ahead and using the right equipment, you can make large quantities of PF Chang’s Orange Chicken that are perfect for parties and events.