Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat - Sweet and Savory Meals

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a lower-calorie option, while chicken thighs are often less expensive than breasts.

cornstarch

🥗Healthier: arrowroot powder

💰Cheaper: potato starch

Arrowroot is a healthier thickening agent, while potato starch is usually cheaper.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cake flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cake flour is often less expensive.

orange juice

🥗Healthier: freshly squeezed orange juice

💰Cheaper: orange drink

Fresh juice is healthier, while orange drink is a more budget-friendly option.

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisk, and set aside.

Add the egg, salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of oil into a shallow bowl and whisk together.

In another shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup flour, stirring to mix well.

Add enough oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat to deep fry the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 375 degrees.

When the oil is hot, dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, dredge them in the flour mixture, and add them to the pan.

Do not overcrowd the chicken pieces in the pan; if needed, fry in batches.

Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is golden and crispy on the outside. Once fried, transfer it to a cooling rack.

Remove the excess oil from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon. Stir in the prepared orange sauce, then bring it to a boil.

Turn off the heat, add cooked chicken to the sauce, and stir until well coated.

Serve with rice, garnished with orange zest, sesame seeds, and green onions if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens