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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Craving that sweet, tangy crunch from your favorite takeout spot? Try this irresistible Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at home—crispy, saucy, and even better than the original!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Egg Mixture:
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbsp sunflower oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Dry Breading:

  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour heaping

Orange Chicken Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/2 tsp zested ginger root peeled
  • 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate or 3 Tbsp orange juice
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice wine or apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick. Preheat 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep skillet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
  • Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
  • Deep fry the chicken in batches at 350°F until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place on a plate lined with paper towels.
  • For the orange chicken sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until desired thickness (1-2 minutes).
  • Add the fried chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

Notes:
- Use a Ziplock bag for dredging chicken for easy cleanup.
- Use a large pot for the sauce to easily add the fried chicken.
- For boneless chicken breasts, marinate in 1 tsp baking soda, 2 Tbsp white vinegar, and 1-2 cups cold water for 30 minutes to tenderize quickly. Rinse before cutting.
- Substitute 3 Tbsp orange juice for concentrate or use 1 Tbsp marmalade if needed.
Keyword Chinese takeout at home, homemade orange chicken, Panda Express copycat recipe, Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe