Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
556 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe begins by cubing boneless, skinless chicken thighs and coating them in a seasoned batter of salt, white pepper, cornstarch, flour, egg, water, and oil. After chilling the coated chicken, it’s deep-fried until golden and crisp, resulting in a crunchy exterior that seals in the juicy chicken.
The orange sauce combines aromatic garlic, ginger, and chili flakes cooked in vegetable oil with brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, and optional soy sauce for balanced sweetness, acidity, and spice. Cornstarch mixed with water is added to thicken the sauce. Tossing the fried chicken in this glossy sauce ensures every bite is flavorful. A finishing touch of sesame oil and sesame seeds adds depth and a subtle nutty aroma.
Orange Chicken is ideal served hot over steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The recipe encourages reheating leftovers in the oven, stovetop, or microwave after thawing in the fridge, which helps maintain the chicken’s texture and flavor.
Following the specific frying temperature and sauce preparation steps ensures the right balance of crispy chicken and thick, clingy sauce. The option to add sesame seeds offers texture contrast. Adjusting the spice level by chili flakes allows tailoring to personal preference.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger minced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce optional
- 2 tablespoons water optional
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Cube chicken and set aside.
- Mix salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add egg, water, and 2 tabespoons of oil until the consistency is like a batter. Add chicken to the batter and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F. Add chicken and fry until golden brown (or about 5 minutes). Remove chicken and add to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make sauce by adding oil to a pot and cooking on medium-high heat. Add red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add brown sugar and orange juice and stir to combine. Mix in vinegar and soy sauce until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add to the saucepan and stir. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Add chicken and stir to coat. Top with sesame oil and sesame seeds if desired. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Thaw leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
- Reheat orange chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes or use a pan or microwave for quicker warming.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 556 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 556kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 128mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 1241mg | 52% |
| Potassium | 372mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 90IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 4.2mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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