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
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove chicken and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- 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
- Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the orange sauce.
- Stir for 2-3 minutes until the chicken absorbs the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the Orange Chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- 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