Panda Express Orange Chicken

There’s just something about the crispy, tender chunks of chicken smothered in that perfectly sweet and tangy orange sauce that makes Panda Express Orange Chicken a timeless favorite. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite during lunch or craving a comforting, homemade takeout-inspired dinner, this dish has it all—crispy chicken, vibrant citrus flavor, and a sticky-sweet sauce that’s impossible to resist. And the best part? You don’t need to leave the house to enjoy it. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll wonder why you ever needed to order takeout again. The flavors are bold, the texture is on point, and it’s incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive in and recreate this restaurant classic!

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Orange Chicken

There’s no denying the sheer joy that comes from digging into a bowl of Panda Express Orange Chicken. Here’s why it’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over again:

Sweet and Tangy Magic

The orange sauce has that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s got the citrusy zing that gives the dish its refreshing vibe, while still packing enough sweetness to make every bite feel indulgent. It’s the kind of sauce that sticks to your chicken perfectly, giving it that irresistible, sticky glaze.

Crispy Chicken

The chicken is crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside. The batter coating gets perfectly golden and crunchy, making each bite satisfying and hearty.

Quick and Easy

No need for any fancy techniques here! With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of Panda Express Orange Chicken ready to go in no time. It’s a great weeknight dinner or a fun homemade takeout alternative.

Customizable

While this recipe is a great recreation of the classic, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences. Want it spicier? Add some chili flakes! Want it less sweet? You can adjust the sugar to your taste.

Ingredients

Now, let’s talk ingredients. These are the basics you’ll need to get that delicious, restaurant-style Orange Chicken right in your own kitchen:

Chicken Breast or Thighs

You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, while chicken breast is leaner.

Flour & Cornstarch

These two ingredients form the crispy batter that will coat the chicken, giving it that satisfying crunch. The cornstarch is key for that extra crispiness.

Eggs

Eggs are used to bind the flour and cornstarch, helping the batter stick to the chicken for the perfect crispy coating.

Orange Juice

Freshly squeezed orange juice brings that vibrant, citrusy kick to the sauce, creating that signature flavor we all know and love.

Soy Sauce

A little soy sauce adds a savory depth to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar and orange juice.

Sugar

To create that sweet, sticky glaze, sugar is essential. It melts down into a syrupy consistency when cooked with the orange juice.

Garlic & Ginger

For a bit of aromatic depth, garlic and ginger are essential ingredients in the sauce. They help round out the flavors and add a touch of warmth.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar with a bit of acidity, making the sauce taste more complex.

Chili Flakes (Optional)

If you like a little heat with your orange chicken, adding chili flakes will give it a slight kick to balance the sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to cook up this crispy, sweet, and tangy goodness!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour and cornstarch mixture. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken aside.

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 hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, lower the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly in the sauce. Be careful not to break the crispy coating. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to absorb into the chicken and thicken further.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is coated in the orange sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and color. Serve over steamed white rice or with some stir-fried vegetables on the side for the perfect meal!

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

While this Orange Chicken is delicious on its own, here are a few ideas to make your meal even better:

Steamed White Rice

A classic side dish to serve with Orange Chicken is a bowl of fluffy white rice. It perfectly absorbs all the delicious sauce and balances out the sweetness of the chicken.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Add some sautéed or stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful, nutritious side dish that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Fried Rice

For an extra indulgent meal, serve the Orange Chicken with fried rice. The savory, slightly crispy rice pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy chicken.

Chinese-Inspired Salad

For a refreshing side, serve a crisp salad with Asian flavors, like cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing. It adds crunch and freshness to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice makes all the difference when it comes to flavor. It’s more vibrant and fragrant than bottled juice, which gives your dish that authentic, zesty taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches so it stays crispy and doesn’t steam.
• Adjust the Heat: If you want your Orange Chicken spicier, feel free to add more chili flakes to the sauce. Or, for a milder version, skip them altogether.
• Make Extra Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the recipe. You can use the leftover sauce for dipping or drizzle it over other dishes like stir-fried vegetables or noodles.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, so they’re a great option. Just keep in mind that they may take a little longer to cook.

Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the chicken, just heat the sauce and coat the fried chicken.

Q3: Can I make this dish healthier?
A3: To make it healthier, you could use less sugar, bake the chicken instead of frying it, or use a low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on the salt.

Q4: Can I freeze the chicken?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken before coating it with the sauce. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss it in the sauce.

Q5: Can I substitute another type of vinegar?
A5: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A6: Absolutely! You can stir-fry some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas and toss them in with the chicken and sauce for a well-rounded meal.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Orange Chicken?
A7: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and add a little extra sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Q8: Can I use frozen chicken?
A8: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating it in the batter.

Q9: Can I make the batter gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour and the cornstarch should be gluten-free as well. Just make sure to double-check your ingredients!

Q10: What other sauces can I pair with the chicken?
A10: You can pair the chicken with other Asian-inspired sauces like General Tso’s sauce or sweet and sour sauce for a variation on the recipe.

Conclusion

This Panda Express Orange Chicken is a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dish that brings the restaurant classic straight to your kitchen. The sweet and tangy orange sauce, combined with crispy, tender chicken, makes for an irresistible meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal!

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