Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
A delicious and crispy orange chicken dish inspired by Panda Express, made with tender chicken, a sweet and tangy orange sauce, and a crispy coating.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water adjust as needed
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or bottled
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 orange zest zest of 1 orange
- green onions sliced, for serving (optional)
- sesame seeds for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- 2. In a separate bowl, mix egg and water. Add the chicken pieces, coating them evenly.
- 3. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- 4. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- 5. Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until well-coated. Garnish with orange zest, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, add a little water or orange juice.