This post is also available in: EspaƱol (Spanish)
Here we go with one of the most popular recipes on the Panda Express Menu, but this one is a healthier homemade version, and in my humble opinion, it beats restaurant take out any day. For those unfamiliar with Panda Express, it is the largest American Chinese restaurant in the United States.
The funniest thing about Orange Chicken is that it is not a Chinese dish as it is rarely found in Chinese restaurants in China. After researching the origins of this delicious recipe for a few hours, I have come to the conclusion that Orange Chicken is a delicious American invention, and today, I want to share with all of you a homemade, and much healthier recipe for tender, crispy chicken in a delicious fresh, and tangy orange sauce…..Enjoy!
AuthorPapeoByPepi
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes
In a medium size bowl mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper. Add the eggs, oil, and water and whisk until smooth.
If the mixture is too dry, we can add an extra egg.
Add the chicken cubes to the mixture making sure the chicken is completely covered by the mixture, and well coated. Cover the dish, and place in the fridge fo 1 hour.
In a medium size pan, hit enough oil for frying.
Line a plate with paper towels to remove the excess of oil from the chicken
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces (ensure that you remove the excess of batter)
Deep fry until the chicken is golden.
In a medium saucepan, add the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and the minced garlic. Over Medium heat, and bring to boil.
Mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl/glass. Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the water, and add it to the sauce. With a wooden spoon, stir until the sauce achieves a thick consistency. ***If you want a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch, but make sure the cornstarch is well dissolved in water prior to adding to the saucepan.
Place the fried chicken in a serving tray, and pour the Orange sauce over. Garnish with sesame seeds, and green onions.
Ingredients
Directions
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes
In a medium size bowl mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper. Add the eggs, oil, and water and whisk until smooth.
If the mixture is too dry, we can add an extra egg.
Add the chicken cubes to the mixture making sure the chicken is completely covered by the mixture, and well coated. Cover the dish, and place in the fridge fo 1 hour.
In a medium size pan, hit enough oil for frying.
Line a plate with paper towels to remove the excess of oil from the chicken
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces (ensure that you remove the excess of batter)
Deep fry until the chicken is golden.
In a medium saucepan, add the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and the minced garlic. Over Medium heat, and bring to boil.
Mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl/glass. Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the water, and add it to the sauce. With a wooden spoon, stir until the sauce achieves a thick consistency. ***If you want a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch, but make sure the cornstarch is well dissolved in water prior to adding to the saucepan.
Place the fried chicken in a serving tray, and pour the Orange sauce over. Garnish with sesame seeds, and green onions.
