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Crispy Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Version

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This recipe recreates the crispy, tangy orange chicken from Panda Express at home using simple pantry ingredients and a double-frying technique for perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil preferred) for frying
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together.
  3. Dip the chicken pieces first into the beaten eggs, then coat generously with the flour-cornstarch mixture. Shake off excess flour but keep a good coating.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3 minutes until pale golden. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Return the chicken to the hot oil and fry again for 2-3 minutes until deep golden and crispy.
  8. While the chicken rests, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  9. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil if using.
  10. Place the crispy chicken in a large bowl, pour the warm sauce over it, and toss gently to coat evenly.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Double frying is essential for the signature crunch. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and soy sauce with tamari. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Avoid soaking chicken in sauce too early to keep it crispy.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/crispy-copycat-panda-express-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-version/