Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during frying. If you’re looking for a leaner option, breast meat works too, but it can be a bit drier.

All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: These two create a crispy coating. You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. For a lighter batter, try using more cornstarch than flour.

Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds great flavor, but store-bought works perfectly too! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, look for low-sugar options or use less sugar in the sauce mix.

Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy note to the sauce. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute, just use a little less to avoid overpowering the dish.

How Do I Ensure Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken?

Getting the chicken crispy is key! Here’s how to do it right:

• Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C). Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil. Too high, and it burns.
• Fry in batches to avoid crowding. If you crowd the pan, the temperature drops, making the coating soggy.
• Once cooked, let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps it crisp!

Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 3 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
• Zest of 1 orange

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delightful way to enjoy a classic dish at home!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, eggs, and water. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too thick that it won’t stick.

2. Coat the Chicken:

Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and dip them into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess batter to prevent clumping.

3. Heat the Oil:

In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken pieces when frying. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) so the chicken cooks quickly and becomes crispy.

4. Fry the Chicken:

Carefully fry the battered chicken pieces in batches, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Make the Orange Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and everything is well mixed.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the mixture in the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 2-3 minutes. If it’s too thick, you can add a little bit of water to adjust the consistency.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Once the sauce is ready, toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until they’re fully coated. This will give your chicken that delicious orange flavor!

8. Serve:

Transfer the orange chicken to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

9. Optional:

Serve your homemade orange chicken with steamed rice and your favorite stir-fried vegetables or noodles for a complete meal!

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Panda Express-style Orange Chicken!

FAQ for Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs, so watch your cooking time to ensure they’re juicy.

What Can I Use Instead of Rice Vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good alternative. You can also use white wine vinegar or even lemon juice, but adjust the quantity to your taste as those can be more potent.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and batter in advance and refrigerate it. Fry it just before serving, or you can cook the chicken earlier and reheat it in the sauce for a quick meal. Just keep in mind that it’s best served fresh for maximum crispiness!