I was craving Panda Express today and thought about making a homemade version of it. Full of protein & you can choose your side of homemade noodles or steamed white rice (easier option). You have to try this delicious & juicy recipe, so keep reading!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Spicy Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Orange zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch to coat them evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sweet and Spicy Orange Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the sauce mixture.
4. Simmer the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour the prepared orange sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce in the skillet. Gently toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sweet and spicy orange sauce.
6. Serve: Transfer the coated chicken and sauce to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and additional orange zest.

Serve your Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken over cooked white or brown rice for a deliciously balanced and flavorful meal. The combination of tangy orange flavor and a touch of heat makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less siracha sauce according to your preference. Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe if you haven’t already.