Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is probably one of the most unhealthiest things you can order at Panda Express... but everyone gets it. Let's be real, how can you go to Panda and NOT get it? (I mean, if you're going to get fast-food Chinese, you might as well just go full force. It's like going to Fatburger and ordering a chicken burger. ;) Speaking of Fatburger, they were, and might still be, in bankruptcy).
Anyway, all this to say, I didn't go to Panda and I still got delicious orange chicken. Here's how.

Ingredients:
2 boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour (alternative: panko breadcrumbs)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 tbsp. olive oil

     Sauce:
1 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp. orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. grated orange zest
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. minced fresh ginger root
1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
2 tbsp. chopped green onion
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
3 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. water

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Whisk in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool for 10-15 min.
2. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of the saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour/ panko breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag and shake to coat.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into skillet and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with power towels and cover with foil.
5. Wipe out the skillet and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tbsp. water. Reduce heat to medium low, add chicken pieces, and simmer (about 5 min.), stirring occasionally.

yield: 3-4 servings
type: Chinese?
difficulty: Moderate
cost: $$