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panda express orange chicken recipe

Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe

Mariah Annader
This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe captures the tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor of the popular takeout dish. Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sticky orange sauce that’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4 P
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Tongs
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet (optional, for draining)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • Oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, dip them in the beaten eggs, then coat them again with cornstarch for a double coating.
  • Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  • Make the Orange Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add sesame oil and stir.
  • Toss and Serve: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly with the orange sauce. Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.

Notes

For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Orange chicken, Panda Express copycat, crispy chicken, takeout recipe
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