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panda express orange chicken recipe

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Skyar
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

 

  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  2. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
  2. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove chicken and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
  2. Stir in orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir until the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  1. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the orange sauce.
  2. Stir for 2-3 minutes until the chicken absorbs the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

 

  1. Transfer the Orange Chicken to a serving dish.
  2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Americans

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Protein: 25g

Keywords: Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe