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Panda Express Orange Chicken

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Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy orange sauce. Perfect for family dinners or quick Asian-inspired meals.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon coarse black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ cup milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Vegetable oil or neutral-flavored oil, for frying

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon red chili pepper paste

1 teaspoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon ginger paste

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 tablespoon orange zest

¼ cup rice vinegar

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup orange juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 4 to 5 inches of vegetable or neutral-flavored oil in a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven until it reaches 375°F.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder.
  3. In a second bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
  4. Dip chicken pieces into the milk mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
  5. When oil is at 375°F, fry chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes until light golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. For the sauce: Heat sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chili pepper paste, garlic paste, and ginger paste, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  7. Add soy sauce, orange zest, rice vinegar, and sugar. Whisk cornstarch into orange juice and add to the saucepan.
  8. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens, a few minutes.
  9. Toss fried chicken with the sauce to coat completely. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust chili pepper paste to increase or reduce spice level.

Use boneless skinless thighs for juicier chicken.

Substitute mandarin juice for sweeter sauce variation.

Adding steamed broccoli or bell peppers adds a vegetable boost.

To keep chicken crispy, toss with sauce just before serving.

Frying is preferred for crispiness; baking is a healthier alternative but less crispy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/panda-express-orange-chicken/