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Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken photo

Panda Express Orange Chicken

This Panda Express Orange Chicken is a homemade delight! Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce—perfect for busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus more for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for the sauce
  • ½ cup sugar for the sauce
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes in oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wok or deep frying pan
  • Whisk
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Serving Dish

Method
 

Preparation Steps:
  1. Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they will get.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and ¾ cup of water until smooth. This batter will create the crispy coating on your chicken.
  4. In a wok or deep frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil for deep frying until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Take each marinated chicken piece and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated.
  6. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of orange juice, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of ground white pepper, ¼ cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ cup of sugar. Stir well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and gently toss to coat the chicken in the orange sauce.
  9. To elevate the flavors, drizzle with ½ teaspoon of chili flakes in oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for that authentic taste.
  10. Serve your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy it on its own or over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • For crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
  • Add fresh vegetables like peas or pineapple for a seasonal twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.