If there’s one dish that always gets requested on takeout night (and let’s be honest, on plenty of other nights too), it’s Panda Express Orange Chicken. Imagine golden, crispy chicken bites tossed in a vibrant, tangy-sweet orange glaze, kissed with a hint of ginger and a gentle chili warmth. This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your craving; it’s about recreating that perfect sticky, glossy mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to making Asian-American favorites or just eager for a homemade version, this Panda Express Orange Chicken delivers serious flavor and fun, and is sure to make dinnertime feel a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Panda Express Orange Chicken is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create its unforgettable flavor. From the brightness of orange juice to perfectly seasoned crispy chicken, every element serves a purpose in building this crave-worthy favorite.
- Chicken thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, making every bite tender and succulent.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the coating adhere to the chicken, ensuring each piece fries up crisp and golden.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch in the coating creates that signature crunchy outer crust, while also thickening the sauce later.
- All-purpose flour: A bit of flour in the breading keeps the exterior crispy without getting too heavy or dense.
- Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral, high-heat oil for deep frying to get the chicken perfectly crisp without imparting extra flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a savory aroma and depth to the sauce.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds subtle spice and a little warmth, balancing out the sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat, add these to taste; skip them if you prefer your orange chicken milder.
- Orange juice: The star of the show, fresh orange juice adds citrusy zing and classic sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce brings umami and just the right touch of saltiness to balance the glaze.
- Sugar: Sugar creates the sticky, glossy finish and rounds out the tanginess of the sauce.
- White vinegar: Just a splash brightens the sauce further and helps cut the richness.
- Cornstarch slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water helps thicken the sauce to that beloved, clinging consistency.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds: Optional, but the ultimate finishing touch for freshness and a hint of toasty flair.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by whisking together the cornstarch and flour in a large bowl; this combination is what gets you that true restaurant-style crunch. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture until every nook and cranny is well coated. This extra attention to coating ensures each bite will be as crispy as your favorite Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Step 2: Fry Until Crispy
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test with a bit of breading — it should sizzle instantly), fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4 to 5 minutes until gorgeously golden and cooked through. Drain the chicken on a paper towel–lined plate to keep it perfectly crisp while you prep the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a separate pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and white vinegar. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes—watch as the kitchen fills with that familiar sweet-tangy aroma you love from Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the cornstarch slurry (that’s just cornstarch mixed with a little water) and stir constantly. You’ll see the sauce transform from thin and runny to shiny, syrupy, and ready to cling to your crispy chicken. This step only takes a minute or two, so don’t wander away!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add the crispy cooked chicken straight into the pan with the sauce, turning and tossing to make sure each piece is generously coated in that outrageously good glaze. Serve hot, sprinkled with green onions and sesame seeds if you like—the burst of color and hint of freshness really makes it pop.
How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken
Garnishes
The classic finishing touch for Panda Express Orange Chicken is a sprinkling of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. The green onions add brightness and just the right fresh snap, while sesame seeds lend subtle crunch and an appealing visual contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a little extra orange zest for a citrusy kick.
Side Dishes
This orange chicken shines alongside a fluffy bed of steamed white rice, but don’t hesitate to pair it with fried rice, chow mein, or even simple stir-fried veggies. The sticky-sweet sauce pairs beautifully with mellow, savory sides, soaking deliciously into every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing twist, serve your Panda Express Orange Chicken as lettuce wraps, pile it into bao buns, or strew it over crunchy noodle salads. Mini bowls or skewers make it party-ready; you can even build an “orange chicken bowl bar” where everyone customizes with their favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before storing, and keep it separate from your rice or side dishes to preserve the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to have orange chicken on hand for busy weeknights, freeze portions in single layers on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. This helps avoid sticking and preserves the crispy exterior. Frozen orange chicken can be kept for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the crispest results, reheat thawed chicken in a hot oven (about 375°F) or in an air fryer to restore that irresistible crunch. A quick toss in a skillet over medium heat works as well. Microwave reheating gets the job done fast but may soften the coating—still delicious, just less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer juicier and more flavorful bites, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook, since breast meat dries out more quickly. The dish will still taste delightfully like Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a dish everyone can enjoy!
Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?
Definitely! For a lighter take, arrange the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil, then bake at 425°F until golden and crisp. Air frying is also a great option—just spritz with oil and cook in batches. You’ll still get that characteristic Panda Express Orange Chicken crunch.
Is the Panda Express Orange Chicken sauce spicy?
The standard version is mildly sweet and tangy, with just a hint of heat from the optional red pepper flakes. If you love spice, add extra flakes or a squeeze of sriracha. Prefer no heat? Just leave them out, and you’ll have a sweeter, milder sauce.
What’s the secret to keeping the chicken crispy after tossing in the sauce?
For best results, keep the sauce somewhat thick, and toss the chicken only right before serving. If making ahead, store the sauce and fried chicken separately, then combine and heat just before eating—this preserves as much crispiness as possible for your Panda Express Orange Chicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about whipping up homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken and watching every plate get polished clean! Whether it’s a family favorite or your personal treat, this recipe brings that tangy, sticky-sweet restaurant magic home. Give it a try—you might just find it’s even better than takeout!
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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious copycat version of Panda Express Orange Chicken at home with this easy recipe. Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix cornstarch and flour. Dip chicken in beaten egg, then coat in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Fry until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Orange Sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss fried chicken in the orange sauce until coated. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
- Adjust sweetness or spice level to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
