Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lb

Chicken thighs -- skinless trimmed and cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup

low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 cup

orange juice (fresh squeezed)

1 1/2 tsp

grated orange zest

strips orange peel (each about 2 inches long by 1/2 inch wide)

6 tbsp

distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup

soy sauce

1/2 cup

dark brown sugar -- packed

3 cloves

garlic -- minced or pressed

piece (1 inch size) ginger -- grated

1/4 tsp

cayenne pepper

1 tbsp

cornstarch PLUS

2 tsp

cornstarch

2 tbsp

water (cold)

small whole dried red chiles -- optional

Coating and Frying

large egg whites

1 cup

cornstarch

1/4 tsp

cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp

baking soda

3 cups

peanut oil