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Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Better Than Takeout

ORANGE CHICKEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
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This orange chicken recipe panda express copycat delivers crispy orange chicken homemade better than takeout. It’s an easy 20 minute orange chicken skillet dinner with a spicy szechuan orange chicken chili garlic twist. Enjoy a flavorful dish bursting with fresh orange flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt fine salt is okay too
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon oil any neutral oil is fine
  • 1 cup orange juice about 2 to 3 oranges juiced
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest use less if you prefer it less orange-y
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar use more if your oranges are not as sweet
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic minced about 1 clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 stalk green onion thinly sliced white and green separated
  • Whole dry chili pepper optional
  • Oil as needed for cooking

Instructions

  1. Combine chicken thighs with water baking soda and salt in a large bowl then mix vigorously until water is mostly absorbed by the chicken.
  2. Add eggs and mix well then stir in cornstarch until no dry powder remains and finish by mixing in oil evenly.
  3. Heat oil 2 to 3 inches deep in a wok or tall pan to 375°F.
  4. While oil heats prepare the sauce by mixing orange juice orange zest ketchup sugar vinegar and cornstarch then set aside.
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches avoiding crowding for 4 to 5 minutes then drain on paper towels.
  6. Return chicken to hot oil at 375°F for a second frying lasting 5 to 6 minutes until golden and crispy then drain again.
  7. In a wok add a small amount of oil over medium heat then stir fry white parts of green onion minced garlic and chili peppers until fragrant about 10 to 15 seconds.
  8. Stir the sauce and pour it into the pan increase heat to medium-high and cook until it thickens and becomes glossy stirring frequently.
  9. Toss fried chicken pieces in the sauce until fully coated.
  10. Serve immediately with rice and garnish with the green parts of green onion.

Notes

  • Please refer to the post above for step by step photo references tips and FAQs Orange flavor can be adjusted with less orange zest Sweetness can be changed by adding more or less sugar Carton orange juice can substitute fresh juice but fresh juice tastes better

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/orange-chicken-recipe/