Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make version of the popular dish served at the iconic American Chinese fast-food chain. Known for its crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce, this dish has become a fan favorite. The secret to replicating Panda Express’s signature flavor lies in the perfect balance of a crispy chicken coating and a bold, citrusy glaze that gives the dish its signature sweet and savory taste. Whether you're craving takeout or simply want to try making this beloved dish at home, this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe delivers all the flavors you know and love with ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun homemade treat, this recipe brings the taste of Panda Express straight to your table!

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup water (or enough to make a batter)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• Zest from 1 orange (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth of flavor)

For Garnish:

• Orange zest (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and enough water to make a thick batter (about 1 cup).

2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. The batter should stick well but not be too thick.

3. Heat Oil for Frying: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying. You'll want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.

4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

2. Make the Orange Sauce:

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

3. Add Sesame Oil: (Optional) Stir in the sesame oil for added depth of flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or saltiness if necessary (you can add more sugar or soy sauce if desired).

3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan with the orange sauce. Gently toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a minute or two to absorb the sauce's flavor.

2. Serve: Once the chicken is fully coated in the sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce, transfer it to a serving dish.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Optionally garnish the orange chicken with freshly sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
• Serve the orange chicken with steamed rice or fried rice, and enjoy!

Tips:

• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Double fry the chicken! After frying the chicken once, let it rest for a minute, then fry it again for a few seconds to make it extra crispy.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like your sauce less sweet or more tangy, feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to suit your taste.
• Add Spice: If you prefer a little heat in your orange chicken, you can add some red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha to the sauce.

This copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for that crispy, sweet, and tangy dish right at home! Enjoy!

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