Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you love the sweet and tangy flavor of Orange Chicken from Panda Express, you’re not alone! This popular dish is a favorite for many, combining crispy chicken with a delicious orange sauce. The good news is that you can recreate this tasty meal at home with simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken, so you can enjoy it anytime!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound of boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup of cornstarch
2 eggs (beaten)
½ cup of all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce

1 cup of orange juice
Zest of one orange
½ cup of sugar
¼ cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
2 tablespoons of cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
1 teaspoon of garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon of ginger (minced)

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This helps enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In one bowl, place the cornstarch. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a little salt and pepper.
First, dip each chicken piece into the cornstarch, coating it well.
Next, dip it into the egg mixture.
Finally, coat it with the flour mixture. This three-step process gives the chicken its crispy texture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces.
Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Making the Orange Sauce

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

Once it’s simmering, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure it’s not too thick; it should still be pourable.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan, tossing it in the sauce until every piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.

Serving Suggestions

Step 1: Plate the Dish

Serve your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken hot. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or fried rice.

Step 2: Garnish

For a nice touch, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look appealing.

Conclusion

Making Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that rivals your favorite restaurant dish. Enjoy this sweet and tangy chicken with your family and friends for a fun dinner night. Remember, cooking at home can be just as enjoyable as dining out!