Description
Enjoy the signature flavors of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the popular dish right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Vegetable oil, or other neutral flavored oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Frying Oil:
- Heat at least 4 to 5 inches of vegetable or other neutral flavored frying oil in a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven until it reaches 375°F.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Dip the chicken pieces, a few at a time, first into the milk mixture and then into the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry the Chicken:
- When the oil heats to 375°F, cook the chicken by carefully dropping several battered pieces at a time into the hot oil.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the batter is light golden brown.
- Lift the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper bag or paper towels to soak up the excess oil.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the chili pepper paste, garlic paste, and ginger paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the remaining sauce ingredients: soy sauce, orange zest, rice vinegar, and sugar.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the orange juice and add it to the saucepan as well.
- Stir and simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it has thickened.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked chicken with the finished sauce to coat completely.
- Garnish with green onion slices (if desired) and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg