You can also call this dish tangerine chicken, orange peel chicken, orange-flavored chicken, etc. I wanted to copycat Panda Express but let me tell you, this recipe is better than any restaurant takeout.
About Orange Chicken
One of the best side dishes or even main dish when served with steamed rice for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Football or Super Bowl party, Easter brunch, tailgating events, picnic, or potluck. I first had this dish in America at Panda Express, a popular American-Chinese fast-food chain. It was one of the popular signature items on the Panda Express menu. When I read more about this dish, I found out that this dish is purely an American invention, not a Chinese-inspired one. You will not find this in any authentic Chinese restaurants.
Does orange chicken taste like orange?
You are not alone. This was the first thought I had when I saw this item on the Panda Express menu. Yes, the orange flavor is prominent because orange juice is used to prepare the sauce. Plus, the dish is sweet and salty, with the right amount of spiciness.
What is orange chicken sauce made of? Panda Express copycat Orange sauce.
Orange sauce is a mixture of freshly squeezed orange juice and its zest to give the fresh orange flavor, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cayenne powder or red chile powder, sesame seeds, and oil. For extra flavor I add garlic cloves and ginger.
Ingredients
Orange Chicken Marination
4 Chicken thighs, chopped to 1 inch thick1 teaspoon Black pepper powder¼ cup Orange juice, freshly squeezed (approximate one orange)1 teaspoon Salt2 Eggs1 cup Corn starch2 cups Oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce
2 tablespoon Oil2 tablespoon Garlic cloves, finely chopped1 tablespoon Ginger, finely chopped½ cup Brown sugar, packed (check tips)½ cup Orange juice, freshly squeezed (approximate two oranges)1 tablespoon Orange zest1 tablespoon Honey (optional)4 tablespoon Soy sauce2 tablespoon Vinegar1 teaspoon Red chile powder or Cayenne powder (optional), check tips1 tablespoon Corn starch1 tablespoon Water2 Green onions, chopped (for garnish)2 tablespoon Sesame seeds, roasted (for garnish, optional)½ teaspoon Salt (optional)
How do you make an orange chicken from scratch?
First, you will have to marinate the chicken thighs in orange juice and keep it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Next, double fry or deep fry or air fry or stir fry the chicken according to your preference. Then, toss the fried chicken in the prepared orange sauce till it is well coated. You can also call this dish tangerine chicken, orange peel chicken, or orange-flavored chicken.
Orange Chicken Marinade
It is recommended to marinate the chicken. Marinating chicken makes a lot of difference. Marinade prevents chicken or any meat from drying out and becoming chewy. It makes the chicken more tender and juicy. For the marinade, I used freshly squeezed orange juice, black pepper powder, and salt and kept it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. You can also use the zest of an orange for marination if desired.
Orange Chicken Batter
I have kept the batter for frying the chicken thighs as simple as possible. In a bowl, whisk egg and corn starch together. To this mixture, add the marinated chicken and mix until well coated. Now, double fry in oil till they are crispy and golden brown in color.
Recipe card
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