Original Orange Chicken by Panda Express
Modified from Tasty.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ⅔ teaspoon white pepper
- ⅔ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water
- 4 teaspoons oil
- 6 cups oil for frying
Orange Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup white distilled vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- On a cutting board, cut chicken into 1×1-inch (2×2-cm) cubes and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine salt, white pepper, cornstarch, and flour. Whisk to combine. Add the egg, water, and oil until it reaches the consistency of pancake batter.
- Add the chicken to the batter and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or heavy bottom pan to 350°F (180°C).
- Gently add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Set a heavy bottomed pot over medium- high heat and add the oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the sugar and brown sugar, and stir to combine. Add in the orange juice and allow the sugars to begin to dissolve in the liquid, stirring occasionally. Add in the vinegar and soy sauce, and stir to combine.
- Add the cornstarch and water together and whisk to combine. Add to the pan and stir. Continue to cook the sauce until maple syrup consistency is achieved.
- Add in the fried chicken and stir until completely coated in the sauce. Top with sesame oil. Enjoy!