Name: Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry mix); Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the tangy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy flavor of Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken but wished you could whip it up at home, today’s your lucky day! This easy and irresistible recipe brings all that sticky, glossy goodness right to your own kitchen. Juicy bites of fried chicken are hugged by a fragrant orange sauce that tastes just like what you’d get at your favorite takeout spot. Satisfying, impressive, and packed with bold flavors, this Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken recipe brings restaurant magic to your dinner table—without the need to wait in line.

Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy classic at home. Each ingredient in Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken plays an important role—some add crunch, others provide zing, and together they create absolute savory-sweet harmony. Let’s break down why each one matters!

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and more flavorful than breast, they’re perfect for soaking up the zesty sauce.
Cornstarch: Essential for getting that perfectly crisp coating on the chicken’s exterior.
All-Purpose Flour: Combines with the cornstarch for the ideal crunch and golden finish.
Salt and Pepper: The classic balancing act that makes all the flavors shine.
Eggs: Acts as the “glue” that helps the coating stick to each chicken piece.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral flavor and high smoke point guarantee light, crispy frying.
Vegetable Oil (for sauce): Just a touch for sautéing those aromatic base ingredients in the sauce.
Ginger (minced): Brings a subtle heat and citrusy aroma to the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with that warm, irresistible depth of flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of heat that adds dimension without overwhelming the sweetness.
Sugar: Lends a clean, sweet note to balance out the tang and spice in the sauce.
Brown Sugar: Adds a bit of molasses-y warmth for extra complexity.
Soy Sauce: Salty, umami backbone for that unmistakable takeout taste.
Orange Juice: Bright, fresh citrus flavor is the star of the show here.
Orange Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and makes the sauce sing.
Rice Vinegar: Just the right amount of tang to lift all the other flavors.
Cornstarch Slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it hugs every nugget of chicken.
Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Fresh, crunchy finish for garnish that adds color and a touch of elegance.

How to Make Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations

First, set up your station to bread the chicken. In one large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, a generous pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper to taste. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Getting everything ready now means a smoother, less messy coating process later on.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Take your chicken pieces and dip each one into the beaten eggs, ensuring every nook gets covered. Next, dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks perfectly. Don’t rush—taking your time here guarantees ultra-crispy fried chicken, just like in classic Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot (test with a drop of water—it should sizzle), add your chicken pieces in batches. Avoid crowding the pan so they get truly crispy. Fry until each bite is deep golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and stay crunchy.

Step 4: Start the Sauce Base

While the chicken cooks, set another pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Add in your minced ginger, garlic, and those lively red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant—you want the aromatics to sizzle and release their perfume but not brown.

Step 5: Build the Orange Sauce

To the same pan, add the sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and orange juice. Stir in the zest and rice vinegar as well. Bring the mixture up to a gentle bubble—it should smell amazing already. This is where that unmistakable Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken aroma really kicks in.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Make a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then add it to your sauce. Stir continuously as it thickens, turning glossy and luscious within a minute or two. This is key for a sauce that clings lovingly to every piece of chicken.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Add your freshly fried chicken pieces right into the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat, letting the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes. It soaks in all those orange-kissed flavors, taking your Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken to the next level.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Pile the finished chicken onto a platter or directly onto plates. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness, color, and crunch.

How to Serve Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Bring out the beauty and zest of your Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken by showering it with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra orange zest right on top packs an extra aromatic punch and makes the plate pop.

Side Dishes

The best pairings for Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken are piping hot steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soak up every drop of that tangy orange sauce. Stir-fried broccoli, simple vegetable lo mein, or crispy wontons on the side round out the meal and add some color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken in little lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer, or pile it over a bed of fried rice for an indulgent one-bowl dinner. For parties, keep Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken warm in a slow cooker and let guests build their own rice bowls with extra fresh toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a true sign of restraint!), store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge as soon as it cools, and it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken more upon cooling, but it’ll loosen right up when reheated.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze small portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze the sauce and chicken separately if possible for best texture, but together is fine too! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For leftovers that taste just-cooked, reheat Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken thighs for breast if you prefer. Thighs are juicier and a little more forgiving if accidentally overcooked, but breast works well for a slightly leaner version. Just be careful not to over-fry, to keep the chicken moist.

How do I make the dish spicier?

If you love heat, ramp up the crushed red pepper flakes or even add a splash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the sauce. You can also serve with chili crisp or diced fresh chilies on the side for a customizable kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With one simple swap, it can be! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free substitute and use gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) to make Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken gluten-free. Don’t forget to check labels on all products used.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F on a parchment-lined tray, spraying or brushing lightly with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and crisp. The texture is different but still delicious, and you skip the mess of frying!

Do I need a wok to make this?

No wok required! A large, heavy skillet or even a Dutch oven will work perfectly for both frying the chicken and tossing it in the orange sauce. Just make sure your pan is big enough not to overcrowd the chicken while frying for maximum crispiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for that nostalgic taste of takeout with the fun and satisfaction of homemade magic, give this Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken a try. It’s one of those recipes that instantly wins hearts (and taste buds) and will quickly become your go-to for sharing a little delicious happiness with family and friends.

Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the flavors of Panda Express at home with this delicious copycat Orange Chicken recipe. Crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds – a perfect blend of flavors!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Beat the eggs in another bowl. Dip chicken pieces in eggs, then coat with the cornstarch-flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: In a pan, sauté ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add sugars, soy sauce, orange juice, zest, and vinegar. Simmer and thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss fried chicken in the sauce. Simmer to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Asian