If you’ve ever craved that crave-worthy, sweet, tangy, and crispy delight from your favorite Chinese-American spot, you’re in for a treat with this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe. It captures the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the crunchy, golden chicken bites to the glossy, zesty orange sauce that clings to every piece. This recipe is not just a copycat; it’s a celebration of a dish that’s comfort food with a kick, ready to be enjoyed fresh from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the vibrant sauce, these essentials are both simple and incredibly satisfying when combined.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Using thighs keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful with a nice bite.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Key for crisping up the chicken’s coating to a perfect crunch.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Adds structure to the batter, balancing the texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the chicken batter and sauce.
- White pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a mild, warm peppery note without overpowering the dish.
- Water (1/2 cup): Creates the batter’s smooth consistency for coating the chicken evenly.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the batter and contributes to the golden finish.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral oil that’s perfect for deep frying chicken to a crispy finish.
- Ginger, minced (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a fresh and slightly spicy warmth to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (1 teaspoon): Adds a robust aromatic base flavor to the orange glaze.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle heat that balances sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the sauce for that classic citrusy lift.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Provides depth and a touch of molasses richness to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1/3 cup): Cuts through the sweetness with tangy brightness.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami and salty balance essential for savory layers.
- Orange juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the sauce with fresh, natural citrus flavor.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce into that perfect coating glaze.
- Orange zest (zest of 1 orange): Delivers vibrant citrus aroma and enhances flavor complexity.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, white pepper, water, and egg until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This mixture is your secret to perfectly crispy chicken that holds onto the sauce brilliantly. Toss the bite-sized chicken thighs in this batter until each piece is generously coated, ensuring every bite will have that delightful crunch.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches—avoid overcrowding to keep the oil temperature steady. Fry each batch for 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a clean skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Then stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Thicken and Combine
Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes. Once thickened, add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan, tossing them to coat evenly in the luscious orange glaze. This step ensures every bite bursts with dripping, tangy sweetness and irresistible crispness.
How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your bright orange chicken with thinly sliced green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and texture. A small handful of chopped cilantro or a thin twist of fresh orange peel can also enhance the citrusy aroma and elevate the dish’s visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe alongside steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce. For a balanced meal, pair it with stir-fried veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or baby bok choy, which add crispness and a vibrant color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this orange chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or layer it atop a bed of crispy noodles for texture contrast. Another delightful presentation is serving it as a filling in lettuce wraps, letting the contrasting cool crunch complement the warm, saucy chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain flavor, but expect the crispiness to soften slightly after refrigeration.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. It’s best to freeze it without rice or vegetables, as those may become soggy or lose texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you prefer to reinstate some crispiness, pop the pieces under the broiler for a minute or two after warming. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs maintain juiciness better, chicken breast works fine too. Just be careful not to overcook to keep the meat tender and moist.
Is the sauce very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?
The sauce balances sweetness and tang, but you can adjust sugar quantities to taste. Reducing sugar will highlight the vinegar and soy flavors more, creating a tarter flavor profile.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Try double-frying the chicken pieces: fry them once until lightly golden, rest briefly, then fry a second time until deep golden and crispy. This technique locks in crunchiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free tamari. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so the batter will maintain a great texture.
Is crushed red pepper flakes mandatory?
Nope! The red pepper flakes add a little heat and depth but are entirely optional. You can leave them out or adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about mastering the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at home — it’s not just about recreating a favorite dish, but about bringing love and warmth to your table with every crispy, tangy, and irresistibly saucy bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple you’ll be excited to serve again and again.
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A delicious homemade version of the popular Panda Express Orange Chicken, featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that perfectly balances flavors with a hint of spice. This Chinese-American favorite is easy to prepare and great for a satisfying dinner served over steamed rice or with vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Prepare the batter and coat the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, white pepper, water, and egg until smooth. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the batter and toss until each piece is fully coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the chicken in batches for about 4–5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sauté aromatics for the sauce: In a separate pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger, garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the orange sauce: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sugars to dissolve and flavors to meld.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the prepared cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring continuously. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the thickened sauce and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, consider double-frying the pieces by frying them twice, allowing them to rest briefly between fryings.
- Chicken breast can be substituted for chicken thighs, though thighs offer more moisture and flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
