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Crispy Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Copycat at Home

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A quick and easy homemade version of Panda Express orange chicken featuring crispy double-coated chicken thighs and a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold water or club soda
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil for deep frying
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Zest of one medium orange
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat the egg with cold water or club soda, then gradually add to dry ingredients, whisking until smooth but slightly thick.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of oil into a wok or deep pan and heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Working in batches, dip chicken pieces into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all chicken is fried.
  7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar or honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  8. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then slowly whisk into the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  9. Place fried chicken pieces in a large bowl, pour the hot orange sauce over, and toss quickly to coat evenly.
  10. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside vegetable sides.

Notes

Double coating the chicken with cornstarch before battering adds extra crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water and reheat gently. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend and tamari instead of soy sauce. Air fryer method: air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, Panda Express copycat, crispy chicken, homemade orange chicken, easy dinner, Asian recipe, fried chicken, sweet and sour chicken

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-panda-express-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-copycat-at-home/