Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken tastes just like your favorite Chinese take-out! Plus this recipe is also gluten free.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken cut into bite sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- ¼ cup gluten free soy sauce
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Option: extra orange zest sliced fresh green onions and/or toasted sesame seeds to garnish
Instructions
- Place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of oil – just enough to cover the surface of the pan (about 3 tablespoons).
- Pour the cornstarch into a large bowl, and sprinkle on the salt and pepper.
- Add your chicken pieces into the bowl and toss until all chicken is well coated.
- Place the coated chicken into the hot pan, spreading it out so it’s in an even layer.
- Continue cooking the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and turns a golden brown.
- While chicken is cooking, whisk together all remaining ingredients in a small bowl for the sauce.
- Once chicken has completed the cooking process, remove it from the pan, place it on a plate and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the hot skillet and allow it to simmer until it thickens slightly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan to incorporate into the sauce.
- Turn off the heat, add the chicken back into the pan, and toss it lightly to completely coat each piece in the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced fresh green onions, toasted sesame seeds and even a little extra orange zest if desired. Serve with steamed rice and broccoli.