Craving that irresistible Panda Express Orange Chicken but want to make it at home? This copycat recipe brings all the tangy, sweet, and savory flavor you love right into your kitchen. With crispy fried chicken coated in a zesty orange sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to recreate your favorite takeout meal any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version of Panda Express’s iconic orange chicken is every bit as flavorful and satisfying as the original. The chicken is coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a vibrant sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this is comfort food done right.
Ingredients
-
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
-
1/2 cup cornstarch
-
1 egg, beaten
-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-
1/2 cup orange juice
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons sugar
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
-
1 tablespoon grated ginger
-
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Dredge each piece of chicken in cornstarch, then dip it into the beaten egg.
-
Add the chicken to the skillet and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
-
In the same skillet, add the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
-
Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
-
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated.
-
Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
-
Serve hot with white rice or your favorite side.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
-
Add vegetables: Toss in some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add color and crunch.
-
Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
-
Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon for a less sweet version of the sauce.
-
Baked version: Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter alternative.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or orange juice to refresh the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Fry the chicken in hot oil and place it on a wire rack after cooking to prevent it from getting soggy before tossing it in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Store them separately and combine them when ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled orange juice will work in a pinch.
What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices because of their high smoke points.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let the sauce simmer a bit longer, or dissolve an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch in water and stir it in until thickened.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken—cook in batches if necessary.
What should I serve with orange chicken?
This dish pairs well with white rice, fried rice, steamed vegetables, or even lo mein noodles.
Conclusion
This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is a perfect at-home version of a beloved takeout favorite. With crispy chicken and a bright, flavorful orange sauce, it hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and satisfying. It’s quick to make, better than takeout, and sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Serve it with rice and enjoy a delicious, homemade Chinese-style meal tonight!
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken
This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a spot-on homemade version of the beloved takeout classic. Crispy fried chicken bites are coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy copycat recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving Chinese takeout—without the delivery fee!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip in beaten egg.
-
Add chicken to the skillet and fry until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
-
Return fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
-
Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
-
Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
-
Healthier Option: Bake instead of frying at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
-
Spicy Upgrade: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
-
Extra Thick Sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1/2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
