Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken

In recent years, the allure of Asian-inspired dishes has swept through home kitchens, captivating the taste buds of food enthusiasts around the globe. These vibrant flavors and aromatic ingredients create an inviting atmosphere where culinary creativity thrives. One outstanding example of this trend is the Zesty Panda Orange Chicken Delight—a dish that perfectly marries the zing of citrus with the savory notes of chicken.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Panda Orange Chicken Delight, a dish that beautifully combines crispy chicken with a tangy orange sauce. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Using fresh ingredients like oranges and aromatic spices, you'll create a balanced and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at your table. Get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary adventure that's easy to make and utterly delicious!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

Oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp minced ginger

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions

Sesame seeds (toasted if possible)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat them well in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.

Fry the Chicken:

- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).

- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Orange Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes.

- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.

Thicken the Sauce:

- Once boiling, slowly add the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

- In a large mixing bowl or skillet, toss the crispy chicken pieces with the orange sauce until well-coated.

Serve:

- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or chow mein.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings