Description
Craving Panda Express Orange Chicken but want a healthier, homemade version? This easy recipe delivers the same crispy, tangy goodness with better ingredients! 🍊 Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor while being mindful of calories and sugar.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce:
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
In a bowl, whisk the egg with water.
In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat with the dry mixture.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and let it thicken for 2 minutes.
Coat the Chicken:
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until well coated.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
For a healthier version: Air-fry the chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes instead of deep-frying.
Lower sugar alternative: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener.
Adjust spice level: Modify red pepper flakes based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg