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Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat)

If you’re craving Panda Express Orange Chicken, you don’t need to order takeout, now you can make it yourself!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 441 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and batter

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

For the sauce:

  • ½ tbsp sesame seed oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup orange juice (pulp-free)
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sriracha (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

For the chicken and batter:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, egg, water, oil, salt, and pepper. The mixture should resemble pancake batter. Mix in the chicken pieces, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 mins.
  • Heat enough oil to cover one inch up the skillet and brown the chicken pieces in batches, using tongs. Remove any excess batter before carefully placing them in the oil. Transfer to a paper-lined plate and keep warm.

Make the sauce:

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the sesame oil and cook the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar and pour in the orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha. Bring to a simmer. Slowly add the cornstarch/water mixture and cook until thick and its consistency resembles that of honey.
  • Wipe the skillet clean and return the cooked chicken. Pour in the sauce and cook until heated through and all the pieces are well coated with the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 21g