Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dredge Chicken: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, and coating it evenly.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, vegetable oil
Drain the Chicken: Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack lined with paper towels. It will help maintain the crispness.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Make the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic, and ginger.
1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe!
Green onions, Sesame seeds
