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Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe delivers crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it mimics the beloved takeout dish with a homemade touch, combining deep-fried chicken with an aromatic, flavorful glaze made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 400 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 1 Egg (beaten)
  • ½ cup Cornstarch
  • ¼ cup Flour
  • Vegetable Oil for Frying

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 tsp Minced Ginger
  • Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
  • ½ cup Water
  • ¼ cup Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch

Garnish

  • Fresh Chopped Spring Onions

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch until combined thoroughly, which will create a crispy coating.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge them in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  4. Deep Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger and a pinch of red pepper flakes; sauté until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together water, fresh orange juice, lemon zest, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with aromatics, bring it to a gentle simmer, and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sticky orange glaze.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped spring onions for a burst of freshness.

Notes

  • Use fresh orange juice and lemon zest for the best flavor in the sauce.
  • Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C) to get perfectly crispy chicken without greasiness.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
  • The chicken can be baked as a healthier alternative, but frying yields a crispier texture.
  • Serve with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.

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