Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat)
This Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) recipe is a delicious and easy way to recreate the popular Chinese-American dish at home. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, then fried until golden and crispy. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cornstarch and oil mixture.
5. Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
9. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water and stir until smooth.
10. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until thickened.
11. Add the cooked chicken to the saucepan and stir to coat.
12. Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice and vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 590
– Fat: 33g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 145mg
– Sodium: 1290mg
– Carbohydrates: 37g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 16g
– Protein: 33g
