Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe (with Video)

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe: If you’ve ever dined at Panda Express, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their Orange Chicken. This dish is a staple at the popular fast-food chain, known for its crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. But guess what? You don’t need to make a trip to the mall food court to get your fix. With a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you can make a copycat version of Panda Express Orange Chicken right in your own kitchen.

So, what makes this dish such a hit? It’s the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, sour, and savory—all wrapped around crunchy, tender bites of chicken. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this recipe will become your go-to favorite. Plus, making it at home means you control the quality of ingredients, spice levels, and can even tweak it to be healthier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive into cooking, gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Extras:

• Green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for extra crunch

Having these ingredients ready and pre-measured will save you stress later. The combination of these simple pantry items is what gives Panda Express Orange Chicken its signature flavor and glossy look.

Equipment and Preparation Tips

Cooking at home doesn’t mean you need a professional kitchen. Just a few basic tools will get the job done. Here’s what you’ll need:

Kitchen Tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Saucepan for the orange sauce
• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Preparation Tips:

1. Prepping the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry before coating it. This helps the batter stick better and fry up crispier.
2. Setting Up Your Station: Before you start frying, line a plate with paper towels and have your sauce ready. Orange chicken comes together quickly once the chicken is fried, so being organized is key.

Being prepared and organized before you turn on the stove is half the battle. You’ll cook more efficiently and reduce cleanup time afterward.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through each step in detail so you can replicate the magic of Panda Express in your own home.

Step 1 – Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. This is the foundation of your dish, so it’s important to do it right.

1. Cut the Chicken: Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites. Cut into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper to form a thick batter.
3. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the batter until fully coated.

Tips for Crispy Chicken:

• Do not overcrowd the frying pan. This drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy chicken.
• Fry in batches if needed.
• Once golden brown, remove and drain on paper towels.

This step is crucial. The crispiness of the chicken sets the stage for that classic Panda Express texture—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

Step 2 – Mixing the Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whip up the signature orange sauce. This sweet and tangy glaze is what transforms simple fried chicken into a fan-favorite.

1. Combine in a Pan: In a saucepan, mix orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and chili flakes.
2. Bring to Simmer: Heat on medium until it starts to bubble gently.
3. Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Pro Tips:

• Use fresh orange juice and zest for brighter flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness and tang to your taste. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more vinegar.

Now, your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!

Step 3 – Frying the Chicken

Now it’s time to fry up those golden bites of chicken. This is where the crunch comes to life, so pay close attention to your frying method.

1. Heat the Oil: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a deep fryer. Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats, you’re ready to go.
2. Fry the Chicken: Add a few pieces at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain and Rest: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Frying Tips:

• Use neutral oil like canola or vegetable for the best taste.
• Maintain the oil temperature; if it dips too low, the chicken becomes greasy.
• For ultra-crispy chicken, double-fry. Let the first batch cool, then fry again for 1–2 minutes until extra crisp.

This step locks in the chicken’s flavor and gives it that satisfying crunch that’s essential for the ultimate orange chicken experience.

Step 4 – Coating the Chicken in Sauce

This is where the magic happens. That sticky, glossy, flavorful sauce meets crispy chicken in a beautiful union that defines this dish.

1. Reheat the Sauce: If it’s cooled, gently reheat it over medium-low heat.
2. Toss the Chicken: Add your fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss well. Use a spatula or tongs to coat every piece evenly.
3. Serve Immediately: The sauce can soften the chicken coating over time, so serve it hot and fresh for the best texture.

Tossing Tips:

• Work quickly. The hot sauce can make the coating soggy if left too long.
• You can also keep the sauce and chicken separate and toss only right before serving if prepping in advance.

By the time you’re done, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes almost identical to what you’d get at Panda Express—if not better!

Serving Suggestions

Orange Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs well with a variety of sides and can even shine in more creative meal ideas.

Classic Sides:

• Steamed White Rice: A neutral base that balances out the bold orange flavor.
• Fried Rice: Add extra umami and texture with this fan-favorite side.
• Lo Mein or Chow Mein: Noodles bring a delicious twist and round out the meal.

Healthier Options:

• Brown Rice or Quinoa: Boost the fiber and nutrients.
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy pair beautifully.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that still soaks up the sauce.

Creative Presentation Ideas:

• Serve in lettuce wraps for a fun, bite-sized appetizer.
• Add the chicken to a rice bowl with fresh cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Skewer it on bamboo sticks with grilled pineapple for a BBQ-style twist.

Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add color and texture. Serve it hot and enjoy the praise that’s sure to follow!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Let’s face it—sometimes you make a big batch of Orange Chicken, and there are delicious leftovers calling your name. But how do you store and reheat it without losing that perfect crispy texture?

Storing Orange Chicken:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce separate from the chicken if possible to maintain crispiness.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Let everything cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Again, keep the sauce and chicken separate if you can.

Reheating Tips:

• Oven or Air Fryer (Best for Crispy Texture): Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spread chicken on a baking tray or air fryer basket and heat for 8–10 minutes until crispy. Reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop or microwave.
• Microwave (Quick Option): Not ideal for texture, but works in a pinch. Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between to avoid soggy spots.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the chicken and sauté until warmed through, then add the sauce and toss to combine.

Pro Tip: Avoid reheating everything together in the microwave if you want to retain that signature crunch. Always reheat sauce and chicken separately when you can.

With proper storage and reheating, you’ll enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken all over again, just as tasty as when it was fresh!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, there are a few common mistakes that can sabotage your efforts. Let’s go over the major ones so you can sidestep them like a pro.

1. Overcrowding the Pan When Frying:

• This drops the oil temperature, which leads to soggy, greasy chicken instead of golden, crispy bites. Fry in small batches instead.

2. Skipping the Cornstarch in Batter:

• Cornstarch is key to achieving that light, crispy coating. Don’t substitute it with just flour—it won’t have the same crunch.

3. Sauce Too Runny or Too Thick:

• A watery sauce won’t stick to the chicken, while a too-thick sauce becomes gloopy. Follow the cornstarch slurry step carefully and adjust as needed.

4. Using Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs:

• Thigh meat is more forgiving and stays juicy even after frying. Chicken breast can dry out quickly and isn’t as flavorful.

5. Not Zesting the Orange:

• Don’t skip the zest! It adds intense orange aroma and deepens the citrusy flavor. Just make sure to avoid the bitter white pith.

Learning from these pitfalls will make your cooking experience smoother and ensure your dish turns out mouthwateringly delicious every time.

Healthier Alternatives

Craving the bold flavor of Orange Chicken without the guilt? You’re in luck. There are several ways to make this iconic dish a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.

1. Baked Orange Chicken:

• Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil to help with crispiness.
• The result? Crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites with less oil.

2. Air Fryer Orange Chicken:

• Place battered chicken in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. You’ll get a similar crisp without the deep-frying mess.

3. Sauce Swaps:

• Reduce sugar or swap it out with honey or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on sodium.
• Skip the chili flakes for a milder, kid-friendly version—or crank them up for a spicier twist.

4. Lean Protein Options:

• Try it with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian spin.
• Shrimp also works beautifully with this sauce for a seafood alternative.

Making these tweaks lets you enjoy all the zesty, saucy goodness of Orange Chicken while sticking to your dietary goals.

FAQs about Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

1. How long does orange chicken last in the fridge?

Orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For best results, store the sauce and chicken separately and reheat them just before serving.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free too.

3. What type of orange juice is best?

Freshly squeezed orange juice delivers the brightest, most natural flavor, but store-bought juice with no added sugar works well too. Avoid overly sweetened or from-concentrate versions.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the sweet, sticky sauce. Just skip or reduce the chili flakes if your kids are sensitive to spice.

5. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating and frying. Any excess moisture can interfere with the crispy texture and hot oil safety.

Conclusion

Not only do you save money by skipping the takeout, but you also gain full control over what goes into your food. Want it spicier? Go for it. Need a gluten-free option? Easy! Prefer it a bit healthier? Bake or air fry it. That’s the beauty of home cooking—you’re the chef, and the possibilities are endless.

So next time the craving hits, skip the drive-thru. Instead, grab your apron and whip up this homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken. Trust me, once you taste the results, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it at home sooner.

Bon appétit!