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Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Irresistible Easy

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe, served and ready to eat, easy homemade dinner
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Enjoy a homemade Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken featuring crispy battered chicken and a tangy, delicious homemade orange sauce. This easy dinner is perfect for weeknight or family dinners and beats takeout every time.

Ingredients

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  • 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1–1/4 cups sparkling water chilled
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1–1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-in pieces
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1–1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Hot cooked rice sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in egg, sparkling water, and sesame oil until batter is smooth. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the batter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or deep pan to 350 degrees. Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat canola oil. Sauté red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange juice, soy sauce, and orange zest to the skillet. Stir and cook until sugars dissolve and mixture bubbles.
  5. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and then stir into the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately over hot rice topped with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/copycat-panda-express-orange-chicken/