Description
Craving something spicy and sweet? This Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) is the perfect solution! Featuring crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a tangy, fiery orange sauce, this dish promises an explosion of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it balances tenderness and crunch, making it a standout meal anyone will love. With just 40 minutes of cooking time and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade version of your favorite takeout!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp oil (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 orange (zest)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp rice apple vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)
- ½ cup dried whole red chili peppers
- 6 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken coating by whisking eggs with salt and white pepper. Dip chicken into the egg wash and coat with a mixture of cornstarch and flour.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a saucepan; stir until thickened.
- Sauté dried red chili peppers in oil, add fried chicken along with garlic and ginger (if using), then pour in the orange sauce to coat.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg