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Easy Crispy Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe to Make at Home

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A quick and easy recipe that replicates the crispy, tangy, and sweet orange chicken from Panda Express, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for about 2 inches in your pan)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh or store-bought
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha (optional)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up dredging stations: combine flour and cornstarch in one bowl; beat eggs in another.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mix. Repeat the egg and flour mixture coating for extra crispiness. Place coated pieces on a plate.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet to about 2 inches deep over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
  6. While frying, whisk together water, sugar, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  7. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce and whisk until thickened and glossy, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Place fried chicken in a large bowl, pour the orange sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred sides.

Notes

Double dredge the chicken for extra crispiness. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt coating. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady. Toss chicken gently in sauce just before serving to keep crispiness. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated. For gluten-free, substitute flour and soy sauce accordingly. Air fryer adaptation available.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, copycat recipe, Panda Express, crispy chicken, easy dinner, homemade orange chicken

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-crispy-copycat-panda-express-orange-chicken-recipe-to-make-at-home/