Print

Crispy Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Version

crispy copycat Panda Express orange chicken recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy homemade version of Panda Express’s iconic orange chicken, featuring crispy double-coated chicken thighs tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil preferred)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of one orange
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl.
  3. Combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a third bowl.
  4. Dip each chicken piece first in the egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mix. For extra crispiness, double dredge by repeating the egg and flour steps once more. Set aside.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a wok or skillet to about 2 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  7. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Stir cornstarch slurry to recombine, then slowly whisk into the simmering sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or chickpea flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce. To keep chicken crispy, fry in small batches and serve immediately after tossing in sauce. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Baking or air frying the chicken is a healthier alternative but results in less crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, Panda Express copycat, crispy chicken, homemade orange chicken, easy dinner, Chinese takeout recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-copycat-panda-express-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-version/