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Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

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This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken features crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce, making it a delicious and easy homemade alternative to the restaurant classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and water until combined.
  3. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the chicken pieces by frying them once until pale golden, letting them rest for 5 minutes, then frying again until crispy and golden brown.

Find it online: https://seasonedrecipe.com/copycat-panda-express-orange-chicken/