Description
Homemade Panda Express-style Orange Chicken featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
- For the Sauce: 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons rice wine, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 10 tablespoons sugar, 10 tablespoons white vinegar, orange zest from 1 large orange
- For the Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, plus more for frying, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour
- To Finish: 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly minced ginger, 2 cloves freshly minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together cornstarch, rice wine, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with egg, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup flour. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared orange sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to get crispy chicken.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste for desired sweetness and tanginess.
- Fresh ginger and garlic enhance the authenticity of the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Panda Express orange chicken copycat, homemade orange chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, Chinese-American chicken recipe, crispy orange chicken