Description
This homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken delivers the perfect balance of crispy chicken and sweet, tangy orange sauce. Ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even a special gathering, it’s a flavorful dish everyone will love. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can recreate the restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs, beaten
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Vegetable oil for frying
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1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed if possible
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½ cup sugar
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¼ cup rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Zest of 1 orange
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Sliced green onions, for garnish
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
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Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, dip in beaten eggs, and coat again lightly with flour.
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Add fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently until fully coated. Simmer 2 more minutes.
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Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
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For a healthier version, bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
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Adjust sugar in the sauce to taste for preferred sweetness.
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Fry chicken in batches to maintain crispiness.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes