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Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken

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A delicious and crispy copycat version of Panda Express’s iconic orange chicken, featuring a zesty sauce that balances sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to form a slurry)
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and toss lightly.
  2. Beat the eggs in another bowl until well blended.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge it in the cornstarch-flour mixture.
  4. Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels.
  7. In a separate pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  8. Add minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant, about one minute.
  9. Stir in sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange juice, then mix in orange zest and rice vinegar. Bring to a low simmer.
  10. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until thickened.
  11. Coat the fried chicken pieces in the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  12. Serve hot, garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or vegetables. Adjust crushed red pepper for desired spiciness.

Nutrition

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