Panda Express Orange Chicken (2024)

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This copycat Panda Express orange chicken tastes just like the restaurant version! It’s also simple, flavorful, and delicious.

Orange chicken is one of the most classic Asian recipes! Serve it with Homemade Fried Rice, Egg roll Recipe, and Egg Drop Soup for all of the take-out fixings!

We Love a Tasty Copycat!

We are big fans of this copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken! It’s been one of our favorite fast food meals forever and we love that we can make it at home.

Not only does it taste like the real deal, but it’s quite simple too.

Why you will love it too:

• Quick and easy. This simple dish is ready in only 15 minutes!
• Delicious. It tastes just as fabulous as the real deal, if not better.
• Make a meal. Serve it up with rice or Noodles, Chow Mein, or Fried Rice for a full Asian dinner meal.

Ingredients

• boneless skinless chicken thighs – use boneless skinless chicken breasts
• salt
• white pepper
• cornstarch
• all-purpose flour
• large egg
• water
• vegetable oil
• frying oil – use an oil with a high smoking point to deep fry the chicken such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
• chili flakes
• fresh garlic – minced
• fresh ginger– minced
• brown sugar
• orange juice – bottled or fresh squeezed orange juice from 2 medium oranges. For an extra burst of orange flavor mix in orange zest.
• vinegar
• soy sauce –optional
• sesame oil

How to make Orange Chicken

1. CHICKEN. Cube chicken and set aside. Mix salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Add egg, water, and oil until the consistency is like a batter. Add chicken to the batter and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. FRYING. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F. Add chicken and fry until golden brown (or about 5 minutes). Remove chicken and add to a paper towel-lined plate.
   • Fry the chicken in batches so that each piece gets crisp, overcrowding can result in soggy chicken.
3. SAUCE. Add oil to a large saucepan (or wok) and cook on medium-high heat. Add red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and orange juice and stir to combine. Mix in vinegar and soy sauce until combined.
   • In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add to the saucepan and stir. Cook until the sauce thickens.
   • Add chicken and stir to coat. Top with sesame oil and sesame seeds if desired. Serve over rice or noodles.’

This recipe was first published in 2016 and was updated in 2024.