Crispy orange chicken, a la Panda Express

Ingredients

Orange Sauce

• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 orange, zested (substitute ⅛ tsp orange extract)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons ginger root, minced, reserved
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced, reserved
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flake, reserved
• ½ cup green onion, chopped, reserved
• 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine, reserved
• ½ cup water, reserved
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, reserved

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar and orange zest. Set aside.
2. Heat about a tablespoon of neutral oil in a hot wok or skillet. Add the ginger root, garlic, crushed red chili pepper flakes and green onions, stir-frying for just a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the rice wine to quench the aromatics, allowing several seconds to cook off any alcohol
4. Add the orange juice mixture, and raise to a simmer
5. Combine corn starch and water, stirring to combine Add to the hot orange juice mixture and stir until thickened
6. Add crispy chicken bites and toss to coat
7. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, tossing to combine
8. Garnish with green onion tops

Credit: https://www.food.com/recipe/panda-express-orange-chicken-103215