I’ve often wondered about the cooking methods used at my favorite fast-casual restaurant, Panda Express. Especially when it comes to their delicious chicken dishes! You might be asking, “Does Panda Express fry their chicken?” I decided to dig deeper and find out what makes their chicken so tasty.
The Frying Process
When you think of fried chicken, you may picture crispy, flavorful pieces that are golden brown. At Panda Express, most of their chicken items are indeed fried before they even hit your plate. They use a technique called tempura frying, which helps create a light, airy batter that keeps the chicken juicy inside. When I first learned this, it made total sense! That crispiness is a big part of what makes their Orange Chicken and SweetFire Chicken Breast so addictive.
How They Cook It
If you’re curious about how they prepare their chicken, it’s quite interesting! Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of the cooking process at Panda Express:
- Marinate the chicken to enhance flavor.
- Coat the chicken pieces in a light batter, which often includes cornstarch or flour.
- Heat the oil in a fryer to the right temperature.
- Deep-fry the chicken until it turns a lovely golden brown.
- Drain the excess oil to keep it crisp without being greasy.
- Add sauces or toppings to finish off the dish.
Understanding this process gives me a whole new appreciation for my favorite meals!
Their Variety of Chicken Dishes
Panda Express offers a nice variety of chicken dishes that highlight this frying technique. Think about the Orange Chicken, which features crispy chicken tossed in a tangy orange sauce. Or the Kung Pao Chicken, where they combine fried chicken with nuts and veggies for an explosion of flavors. There’s just something about the combination of fried chicken with those amazing sauces that keeps you coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer the burning question, yes, Panda Express does fry their chicken! This helps to create that perfect texture and incredible flavor that we all love. Why not give it a try if you haven’t already? You might just find that you have a new favorite dish waiting for you at Panda Express.
FAQs
1. Is the chicken at Panda Express healthy?
While their chicken is fried, they also offer grilled options if you’re looking for something lighter.
2. Can I find vegetarian options at Panda Express?
Yes! They have several vegetarian dishes, including their vegetarian spring rolls and chow mein.
3. Do they use any special ingredients in their chicken dishes?
Panda Express prides itself on using quality ingredients, often using a blend of spices and sauces to enhance the flavor of their chicken.
The next time you enjoy a meal at Panda Express, you can feel good knowing a little more about how they fry their chicken!