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Panda Express Orange Chicken

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A beloved dish known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile combined with crispy, tender chicken pieces, perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbsp sunflower oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (heaping)
  • ½ cup white distilled vinegar
  • ½ cup cane sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut liquid aminos)
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • ½ tsp zested ginger root (peeled)
  • 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate (or 3 Tbsp fresh orange juice)
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice wine (or apple cider vinegar)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the egg, sunflower oil, salt, and pepper, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
  3. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, combine the white vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and orange juice concentrate. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Finish with flavor: Drizzle in the sesame oil and rice wine, mixing gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to keep the chicken crispy. Adjust sweetness in the sauce as per your preference.

Find it online: https://dishvela.com/panda-express-orange-chicken-recipe/