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Crispy homemade orange chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce, served over rice

Crispy Orange Chicken – Panda Express Style

Logo Kokinet - Komunitas Resep Masakan Indonesiaadmin
Recreate the iconic Panda Express Orange Chicken at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, it's a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy your takeout cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowls, whisk, deep fryer or large pot, wok or large skillet, tongs, paper towels

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs (905 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup (125 g) cornstarch
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ cups (360 mL) water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (55 g) light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) white distilled vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Batter:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together salt, white pepper, cornstarch, and flour.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add water and 2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter

Coat the Chicken:

  • Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

Fry the Chicken:

  • Heat 6 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Orange Sauce:

  • In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
  • Add red chili flakes, minced garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce.
  • Bring to a simmer, allowing the sugars to dissolve.

Thicken the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
  • Slowly add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
  • Drizzle in sesame oil and mix well.

Combine and Serve:

  • Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Serve hot over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
Keyword Chinese Takeout, Orange Chicken, Panda Express Copycat, Sweet and Tangy Chicken