ORANGE CHICKEN PANDA EXPRESS COPY CAT COPY CAT

ORANGE CHICKEN PANDA EXPRESS COPY CAT 4 servings
CHICKEN
1 1/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups flour
1 small egg
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 cup coconut oil, for frying

ORANGE SAUCE
1 tablespoon avocado oil
¼ teaspoon chili flake
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 teaspoon ginger, minced
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the salt, white pepper, cornstarch, and flour.
  • Add the egg, water, and oil until it reaches the consistency of pancake batter.
  • Add the chicken to the batter and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a wok or heavy bottom pan to 350˚.
  • Gently add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • In another saucepan heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Once oil is HOT and shimmering add the red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds or so, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  • Add the sugar and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
  • Add in the orange juice and allow the sugars to dissolve in the liquid, stirring occasionally.
  • Add in the vinegar and liquid aminos, blending well.
  • Whisk together the cornstarch and water until combined. Add to the pan and stir to blend. Continue to cook the sauce until maple syrup consistency is achieved.
  • Add in the chicken pieces and stir until completely coated in the sauce.
  • Top with sesame oil and blend again.
  • Enjoy!

LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTA

Chicken Costoletta a Cheesecake Factory Copycat ala made from scratch. When they serve this to you in the restaurant the sauce is almost non-existent on the plate.  The sauce is a mandatory flavor ingredient- don’t scrimp. I use sauce on the mashed potatoes also. From what I can find, the term “costeletta” translates into “cutlet”.  This recipe is versatile and can be changed up from the lemon to apricot, peach or even plum easily. Use your imagination. 😀
LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTA
4 thin chicken steaks or flattened tenderloin breasts
1/2 cup flour
2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 lemon, zested (save lemon for juicing into sauce)
1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
1/4 cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
  • Set up three bowls for dredging. In one, place the flour. In the second, add the eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, lemon zest and cheese.
  • Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour, then the eggs letting the excess drip off before dipping into the , and the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat and add the oil and butter.
  • Once butter is melted and hot, add the chicken to the pan and fry on both sides until cooked through; approximately 3-5 minutes per side depending on the thickness. DO NOT CROWD PAN. You may need to do this in two batches.
  • Remove chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Set aside.
SAUCE
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken stock
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 tablespoon butter
  •  Melt the oil in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat.
  • Add the garlic sauteing 1-2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour until golden.
  • Whisk in the milk, heavy cream, chicken stock and lemon juice.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the butter and pour desired amount of sauce over the chicken and mashed potatoes.