Orange chicken, a popular Chinese-American dish, has a fascinating origin story that dates back to the 1980s. The dish is believed to have originated in the United States, specifically in the city of Glendale, California. At the time, Chinese restaurants in the US were looking to create a new and exciting menu item that would appeal to American tastes. One such restaurant, Panda Inn, is often credited with the creation of orange chicken.
Introduction to Panda Inn and the Creation of Orange Chicken
Panda Inn was a Chinese restaurant chain founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, in 1973. The Cherng family was determined to introduce Chinese cuisine to the American market, and they were willing to innovate and adapt to make it happen. In the early 1980s, Andrew Cherng approached his chef, Andy Kao, with a challenge: create a dish that would appeal to American palates. Kao, who had experience working in Chinese restaurants in Taiwan and the US, began experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
The Birth of Orange Chicken
According to Andy Kao, the original recipe for orange chicken was inspired by a traditional Chinese dish called “tangerine chicken.” This dish, which originated in the Hunan province of China, featured chicken cooked in a sweet and sour sauce made with tangerine peel, soy sauce, and chili peppers. Kao modified the recipe to use orange marmalade instead of tangerine peel, which gave the dish a sweeter and more citrusy flavor. He also added other ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and scallions, to create a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
The resulting dish, which Kao called "orange chicken," was an instant hit with customers at Panda Inn. The combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet and sour orange sauce, and savory spices was unlike anything that American diners had ever tasted before. Word of the dish spread quickly, and soon orange chicken was being served at Chinese restaurants across the US.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Panda Inn founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng |
| Early 1980s | Andy Kao creates the original recipe for orange chicken at Panda Inn |
| 1987 | Panda Express, a fast-food chain founded by Andrew Cherng, begins serving orange chicken |
Impact of Orange Chicken on Chinese-American Cuisine
The introduction of orange chicken had a significant impact on Chinese-American cuisine. The dish helped to popularize Chinese food in the US, and it paved the way for other Chinese-American creations, such as General Tso’s chicken and beef and broccoli. Orange chicken also helped to establish Panda Express as a major player in the fast-food industry, with over 2,000 locations across the US and internationally.
Today, orange chicken remains one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes, and its influence can be seen in the many variations and adaptations that have been created over the years. From spicy orange chicken to orange chicken stir-fries, the dish continues to evolve and innovate, reflecting the dynamic and creative spirit of Chinese-American cuisine.
Technical Specifications of Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is typically made with the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Orange marmalade
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Vegetable oil
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
The cooking process typically involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then deep-frying the chicken until it is crispy. The orange sauce is made by combining orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sugar, and it is served over the fried chicken.
What is the origin of orange chicken?
+Orange chicken is believed to have originated in the US, specifically in the city of Glendale, California, in the early 1980s. The dish was created by Andy Kao, a chef at Panda Inn, who was inspired by a traditional Chinese dish called "tangerine chicken."
What are the main ingredients in orange chicken?
+The main ingredients in orange chicken include chicken breast or thighs, orange marmalade, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, scallions, vegetable oil, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
How is orange chicken typically cooked?
+Orange chicken is typically made by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then deep-frying the chicken until it is crispy. The orange sauce is made by combining orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sugar, and it is served over the fried chicken.
In conclusion, orange chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that has a rich and fascinating history. From its origins in the US to its current status as a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, orange chicken continues to delight diners with its unique flavor profile and crispy texture. Whether you’re a foodie, a historian, or simply a fan of Chinese-American cuisine, orange chicken is a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
