If you have ever craved that irresistible sweet and tangy crunch from your favorite takeout spot, then this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe will be your new kitchen staple. Bursting with vibrant orange flavor, this dish perfectly balances a crispy fried chicken exterior with a luscious, glossy sauce that has just the right hint of zest and spice. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing the joy of classic Chinese-American cuisine right to your dining table. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience with lovingly simple ingredients and satisfying results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe lies in the blend of straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role—crispy coatings for crunch, a sauce that’s the perfect combo of sweet and tangy, and fragrant aromatics that elevate every bite.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juiciness and tenderness come from dark meat, making for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Creates a gloriously crispy crust that locks in moisture.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the coating for that iconic crunch.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Acts as a binder to help the coating stick perfectly.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for achieving that golden, crispy coating without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sauce): Used to sauté aromatics gently and build depth.
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, savory note.
- ½ teaspoon ginger (minced): Adds a zesty kick and fresh brightness.
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional): For those who love a whisper of heat that beautifully balances sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: The classic sweet element that fuels the signature glaze.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with subtle molasses undertones.
- â…“ cup rice vinegar: Brings a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to round out the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Fresh and fruity, delivering that unmistakable citrus punch.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Elevates the citrus aroma in the sauce for an authentic taste.
- Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and extra texture when served.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Begin by mixing the cornstarch and flour in a medium bowl—this combination is key to that crunchy outer layer we love. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture. This ensures every bite will have that perfect crispiness that is the hallmark of Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. When hot enough, fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The goal here is a golden-brown crust that’s crisp without overcooking the juicy center. Once fried, place the chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil—this keeps the texture just right.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
Cleanup your frying pan or use a separate pan to heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil on medium heat. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and optional red chili flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Then, stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. Finish off by stirring in the orange zest, which gives the sauce a fresh and aromatic lift.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened to a glossy sheen, toss the crispy fried chicken pieces directly into the pan. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure every bit is coated with that luscious, sticky orange glaze. This step transforms plain crispy chicken into the delightful Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe you’re craving.
How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can truly elevate the dish. Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch, color, and visual appeal. These little touches bring a pop of freshness and nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic steamed white or jasmine rice, which acts as the perfect bed to soak up the delicious sauce. For some added veggies and color, steamed broccoli or stir-fried bell peppers make tasty and nutritious accompaniments that bring balance and vibrancy to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice to add a refreshing crunch or lower-carb option. You can also scatter thin carrot ribbons or shredded cabbage for subtle texture contrasts. Presentation is all about making the meal as exciting to look at as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover orange chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to soak into the chicken, so when reheating, expect the coating to be less crispy but still incredibly flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. This saves the texture of the chicken better. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove to preserve as much crispiness as possible.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to crisp the chicken slightly, stirring frequently so it heats evenly without drying out. You can add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts work just fine if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful to not overcook, as breast meat can dry out faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari in place of soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so your coating and sauce will still turn out great.
How spicy is this dish?
This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is mildly sweet with only a hint of heat courtesy of optional red chili flakes. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes or leaving them out entirely.
Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying?
Definitely. Baking or air-frying can reduce oil usage and still yield a crispy texture if done right. Just make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated and cooked to golden perfection before tossing in the sauce.
What is the best rice to serve with orange chicken?
Jasmine rice is a fantastic aromatic pairing, but plain white rice is also perfect to soak up that flavorful orange sauce. Brown rice works too, if you want a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about recreating the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at home—no takeout needed to satisfy that craving. With its bold flavor, crispy texture, and vibrant sauce, this recipe is a winning choice for any weeknight feast or cozy weekend meal. Grab your ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and get ready to impress everyone with a dish that tastes like a warm invitation to enjoy Chinese-American comfort food at its very best.
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, tangy, and sweet takeout favorite right to your kitchen. Bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken thighs are coated in a crunchy batter and fried to perfection, then tossed in a vibrant orange glaze made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic and ginger. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and zest, this dish makes a delicious main course for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture to ensure a crispy crust after frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and optional red chili flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the orange zest to enhance the citrus flavor.
- Toss and Serve: Transfer the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until each piece is well coated. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice for the best experience.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, try air-frying or baking the chicken instead of deep frying.
- Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust the red chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
