If you have ever craved the irresistible tangy-sweet and crispy texture of your favorite takeout, then this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. This dish perfectly combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with a luscious orange sauce that is bursting with bright citrus flavor and just the right hit of savory and spice. Whether you are replicating a beloved classic or simply looking for a dish that delights both kids and adults alike, making this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at home transforms a simple meal into a celebration of crispy, saucy goodness that warms the soul with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this classic dish. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crispy coating on the chicken to the vibrant, flavorful sauce that ties everything together beautifully. These simple ingredients are easy to find but will deliver a meal that tastes anything but ordinary.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): Perfectly tender and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, thighs offer juiciness while breasts provide a leaner option.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps create the crisp coating that locks in the chicken’s moisture and crunch.
- Cornstarch (½ cup plus 2 teaspoons for slurry): Adds extra crispness and also thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Lightens the batter for an airy, crispy finish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and pepper (1 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to enhance every bite.
- Large egg (1): Binds the batter ingredients and helps the coating stick better to the chicken.
- Cold water (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons for slurry): Keeps the batter light and fluid for easy coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, bringing out the golden color and crisp texture everybody loves.
- Orange juice (1 cup): The star ingredient of the sauce, offering fresh citrus flavor that defines this dish.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the tartness of the orange juice with a sweet, caramelized touch.
- Rice vinegar (¼ cup): Adds a subtle tang that livens up the sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses a deep umami flavor that grounds the bright notes.
- Grated orange zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the orange aroma and flavor.
- Minced ginger (1 tablespoon) and garlic (2 cloves): Bring warmth and a hint of spice to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a touch of heat.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Stirred in at the end for a rich, toasted aroma.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce
Start by combining the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, minced ginger, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to meld all those delicious flavors. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until it thickens to a glossy, clingy sauce — this takes just a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and finish by mixing in the toasted sesame oil, which adds a wonderful nutty depth.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Chicken Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and cold water, stirring gently until you have a smooth, thick batter that will coat the chicken pieces beautifully. The batter’s thickness is key here—it must be just right to deliver that signature crunch.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring every nook is covered before carefully lowering them into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding which can reduce crispiness. Each batch should take about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and perfectly crispy. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Orange Sauce
Place the hot, crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl and drizzle the freshly made orange sauce over them. Gently toss so every piece is beautifully coated in that sticky, flavorful glaze. This is where the magic really happens, marrying the crispy texture with the saucy burst of citrus and spice.
How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe, sprinkle chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken just before serving. These simple garnishes add a fresh crunch and visual appeal that make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This orange chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that fantastic sauce. For a balanced meal, consider steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. They add vibrant color and a contrasting texture that complements the rich, crispy chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit creative, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or tuck it inside warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce for orange chicken tacos with an Asian twist. Another fun idea is to add fresh pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper for a tropical flair that brightens the plate visually and adds an extra pop of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken covered with sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor, preventing the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover orange chicken, but for best results, separate the chicken pieces and sauce before freezing. Store each in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, allowing the sauce to re-coat the chicken. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crispy chicken coating soggy. If you want to revive the crispiness, briefly place the chicken under a broiler for a minute after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during frying, resulting in extra tender pieces. Many people prefer thighs for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe because of the richer texture.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier twist you can bake the battered chicken pieces at a high temperature until crisp. However, frying creates that signature crunchy texture that defines the dish, so if you want to get as close to the original as possible, frying is recommended.
How spicy is the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe?
The classic version is mildly spicy thanks to optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level by adding more flakes for a spicy kick or omitting them entirely for a kid-friendly sweetness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The orange sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before tossing with the freshly fried chicken. This makes mealtime quicker and easier.
What can I substitute for orange juice if I don’t have any?
Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but you can substitute with a combination of lemon or lime juice mixed with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness and acidity. Keep in mind this will change the orange flavor profile slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of creating your own Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe right in your kitchen, serving up crispy, saucy, and vibrant bites that satisfy any craving for takeout at a fraction of the cost. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite for lunches, dinners, and even entertaining guests. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory is just a few steps away and waiting to impress everyone around your table.
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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy homemade orange sauce. Perfectly fried and coated in a flavorful glaze, this dish is an easy-to-make takeout classic that will satisfy your craving for Chinese-American cuisine in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
Chicken and Batter:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (to make a slurry)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. This mixture provides the tangy, sweet, and spicy base for the dish.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes, creating a glossy, sticky glaze.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sesame oil to enhance aroma and depth of flavor. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and cold water, stirring until you have a smooth, thick batter perfect for coating the chicken pieces.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken thoroughly into the batter, ensuring an even coating that will crisp beautifully when fried.
- Heat Oil: In a large pot or wok, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), which is ideal for frying chicken to a golden, crispy texture.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Each batch should fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and keep the chicken crisp.
- Coat with Sauce: Place all the fried chicken in a large bowl, pour the prepared orange sauce over it, and toss gently to coat every piece evenly with the sticky citrus glaze.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed rice or with vegetables as desired. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the oil temperature stays constant at 350°F to prevent soggy or greasy chicken.
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs; thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce to control the level of heat.
- Keep fried chicken warm on a rack in a low oven if cooking in batches.
- Freshly grated orange zest enhances the citrus flavor more than dried zest.
- Leftover orange chicken can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet for best texture retention.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
