Panda Express Spicy Orange Chicken | Copycat Recipe – In this video, I’m showing you how to make a copycat version of spicy …
source
Panda Express Spicy Orange Chicken | Copycat Recipe
Panda Express is a beloved fast-food chain known for its flavorful dishes, and one of the stars of their menu is the Spicy Orange Chicken. With its crispy texture and tangy, spicy sauce, this dish has captured the hearts of many. If you’re looking to recreate this iconic meal at home, look no further! Here’s a simple and delicious copycat recipe that brings the taste of Panda Express right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Spicy Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1-2 tbsp chili paste or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add cold water to the dry mixture, stirring until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring they’re well covered.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully drop in the battered chicken pieces, a few at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add it to the sauce mixture.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste or flakes.
- Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken in the spicy orange sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Experience
- Texture: For extra crispiness, you can double fry the chicken; fry it once, let it cool for a few minutes, and fry it again.
- Sauce Variations: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, adjust the sugar to your taste. Adding a dash of crushed red pepper can enhance the heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Panda Express Spicy Orange Chicken right in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a dish to impress your friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Dive in and enjoy the harmony of spicy and tangy flavors in every bite!
