Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade version of Panda Express-style orange chicken, featuring crispy, tender chicken thighs coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until well combined.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the wet mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the dry mixture.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce, stirring continuously until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
- Stir in the sesame oil for added flavor.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and gently toss until well coated in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot alongside steamed rice or fried rice and stir-fried vegetables.
- Enjoy your homemade Panda Express-style orange chicken!
Notes
- For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest before frying.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes