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Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat): A Fiery Feast Made Easy

Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Hot Orange Chicken, a delightful takeout favorite you can easily recreate at home. This Panda Express Copycat recipe features tender, crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a zesty orange sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. In just under an hour, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether served over fluffy rice or alongside crunchy vegetables, this dish promises to impress with every bite. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginner cooks to master, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dining experience.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • Dried chili peppers
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper in one bowl; whisk eggs and oil in another.
  2. Coat chicken pieces first in egg wash, then in the cornstarch mixture.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan; fry chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes per batch).
  4. In a saucepan, mix orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch; stir until thickened.
  5. Stir-fry dried chili peppers and garlic in a skillet; add the orange sauce and fried chicken; toss to coat.
  6. Serve hot with sliced green onions on top.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For extra crunch, consider double frying the chicken. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. Fresh garlic and ginger enhance flavor significantly.