Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• CHICKEN:
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1-1/4 cups sparkling water, chilled
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in. pieces
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• SAUCE:
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Hot cooked rice, sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds