Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken
4.5 from 2 ratings
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Panda Express' cult favorite orange chicken is always a good time, but if you can't get your fix from the food court staple directly, you can recreate it at home.This recipe is courtesy of Panda Express.
Prep Time
60
minutes
Cook Time
20
minutes
Servings
8
servings
Panda Express Orange Chicken
Total time: 1.32 hours
Ingredients
  • 2 pound boneless, skinless dark meat chicken
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 6 cup neutral oil, for frying
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Directions
  1. On a cutting board, cut chicken into 1x1-inch cubes; set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, cornstarch and flour.
  3. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add egg, water and 2 tablespoons oil until the mixture reaches the consistency of pancake batter.
  5. Add the chicken to the batter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Heat oil in a work or heavy bottom put until it reaches 350 degees.
  7. Gently add the chicken to the oil and cook for 5-6 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
  8. Remove chicken from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  9. Set a heavy-bottomed pot over medium high heat; add the oil.
  10. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the red pepper flakes, ginger and garlic.
  11. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  12. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  13. Add sugar and brown sugar, stir to combine.
  14. Add in the orange juice and stir constantly until the sugars begin to dissolve in the liquid.
  15. Add in the vinegar and soy sauce; stir to combine.
  16. In a separate small bowl, add the cornstarch and water together and whisk to combine.
  17. Add this mixture to the pot and stir.
  18. Continue to cook and reduce the sauce until it reaches a consistency of maple syrup.
  19. Add in the fried chicken to the sauce and stir until all the chicken is covered in sauce.
  20. Finish by stirring in the sesame oil.
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