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CookPal AI
Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Cost $12, save $20

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 40 Min
  • 6 Servings
  • $12

INGREDIENTS

  • Batter

    • 2 cups flour
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • 🧂 2 teaspoons salt
    • ½ teaspoon white pepper
    • 🥚 1 large egg
    • 💧 1 cup water
    • 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

  • Chicken

    • 🍗 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 2 cups peanut oil, or as needed, for frying

  • Sauce

    • 3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
    • 🧄 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • 🍊 ¼ cup fresh orange juice
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 💧 3 tablespoons water
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 🍊 1 teaspoon orange zest

  • Optional (Serving)

    • 🍚 3 cups cooked rice, or as needed

STEPS

1

Whisk flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper together in a large bowl. Add egg, water, and 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil. Stir to combine to form a sticky batter. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let chicken stand in the refrigerator while heating oil.

2

Pour peanut oil into a deep saucepan about 2 inches deep. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

3

To make the sauce: Heat ½ tablespoon canola oil and 2 teaspoons sesame oil in a skillet. Add crushed red pepper, ginger, and garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to boil, stirring often.

4

Combine cold water with cornstarch. Stir until dissolved. Add to boiling sauce and reduce to simmer, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Keep warm while frying chicken.

5

Fry chicken in batches in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for 5–6 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.

6

Heat sauce again if it has thickened too much. Add cooked chicken pieces to sauce. Stir in remaining sesame oil and orange zest. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

726

Calories

  • 45
    Protein
  • 76
    Carbs
  • 27
    Fats

💡 Ensure oil stays at the right temperature (350-375°F) to help chicken turn crispy and not soggy.For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper.You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat before serving.