Description
Crispy homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms your dining experience into a flavorful adventure. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender chicken pieces that are deep-fried to golden perfection and enveloped in a luscious sweet and tangy orange sauce made from scratch. Ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this orange chicken captures the essence of the beloved takeout classic without any complicated steps. With its irresistible flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp sunflower oil
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 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 Tbsp orange juice concentrate
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 tsp zested ginger root (peeled)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice apple vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Whisk together the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper in one bowl. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the cornstarch-flour blend.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry coated chicken pieces in batches for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger zest, orange juice concentrate, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until thickened.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss until well-coated.
- Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken. Feel free to adjust sugar levels in the sauce based on your taste preference. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for an added crunch.