Panda Express Orange Chicken

Q: What’s a good vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

Try replacing the chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets . Bread and fry them the same way, then toss with the homemade orange sauce. This keeps all the sweet and tangy flavor without the meat.

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There’s something irresistible about the sweet, tangy, and crispy magic of Panda Express Orange Chicken. Whether you’ve had it as a go-to takeout dinner or are just discovering it, this Chinese-American favorite has earned its reputation as a comfort food classic. But here’s the good news—you don’t need a wok or a commercial kitchen to recreate it at home.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your own Panda Express Orange Chicken that tastes even better than the original. We’ll break down everything from ingredients and prep to expert tips, sides, and storage. Don’t miss our Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe if you love hearty dinners with bold flavors.

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What Makes Panda Express Orange Chicken So Addictive?

The Secret Behind the Sweet and Tangy Sauce

The sauce is the real hero here. It strikes the perfect balance between citrusy brightness and savory umami, thanks to ingredients like orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of vinegar. Crushed red pepper flakes bring just a touch of heat, while garlic and ginger deepen the flavor. Many don’t realize it, but Panda Express reportedly uses a drop of orange extract in its kitchens to intensify the fruitiness.

Why the Double-Coating Method Is Key to Crispy Chicken

Forget soggy breading—authentic Panda Express Orange Chicken has a light, crispy texture that’s achieved by double coating each piece. First, chicken is dipped into an egg mixture seasoned with salt, pepper, and oil. Then it’s dredged in a dry mix of cornstarch and flour. This not only locks in moisture but helps the breading puff up and stay crisp even after tossing in sauce.

How This Dish Became a Fast-Food Icon

Orange Chicken first hit Panda Express menus in 1987, crafted by Chef Andy Kao. Designed to appeal to American palates with its sweet-savory glaze and fried texture, it quickly became the chain’s signature item. To this day, it remains the most-ordered dish on their menu—proof that people can’t get enough of it. If you enjoy nostalgic comfort foods, you’ll love our take on Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese as a creamy, cheesy side.

Ingredients Needed to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken at Home

Core Chicken and Breading Ingredients

To start, you’ll need about 2 lbs of boneless chicken—thighs are traditional, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re using breast meat, marinate it briefly in a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and cold water to tenderize it—this Chinese kitchen hack helps replicate the juicy texture found in restaurants.

For the coating:

Egg Mixture: 1 egg, 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper.
Dry Mix: 3/4 cup cornstarch + 1/3 cup all-purpose flour.

This combination gives the chicken its iconic crispiness. Want to keep it gluten-free? You can sub in all cornstarch or use potato or tapioca starch instead.

Orange Sauce Essentials and Alternatives

The sauce is made with:

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
1 tbsp orange juice concentrate
Garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes

Pro tip: If you don’t have concentrate, 3 tbsp of orange juice works too. Some home cooks even use a spoonful of orange marmalade as a substitute, which brings sweetness and a citrus punch in one.

Best Substitutions for Gluten-Free or Healthier Options

To lighten things up, air fry the chicken or use the oven instead of deep-frying. Use coconut aminos for soy-free seasoning and swap out sugar for honey or maple syrup. For a leaner option, use chicken breast and skip the breading entirely—just pan-fry and toss in sauce.

Want more healthy dinner inspiration? Discover great ideas like our Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken—it’s flavorful, tender, and easy to prepare.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Step-by-Step

Marinate and Tenderize the Chicken

If you’re using chicken breast, slice into 1-inch pieces and soak in a marinade of:

1 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp vinegar
1–2 cups cold water

Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This breaks down muscle fibers and keeps the chicken moist while frying.

Batter, Bread, and Fry the Chicken Like a Pro

Set up two bowls—one for the egg mixture and one for the dry mix. Coat each chicken piece first in egg, then in flour-cornstarch. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F. Drain on paper towels.

Pro tip: For less mess, fry outdoors using an electric skillet or Instant Pot on sauté mode. Don’t miss our Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas for another quick and crispy meal idea.

Whisk, Simmer, and Toss: The Perfect Orange Sauce Finish

In a saucepan, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns glossy. Pour over fried chicken in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.

If you’re looking for inspiration for another sweet-savory combo, check out our easy Coca-Cola Chicken Recipe—it’s tangy, sticky, and unforgettable.

Cooking Tips to Perfect Your Homemade Orange Chicken

Sauce Too Sour or Too Sweet? Here’s How to Fix It

Balancing flavor is crucial. If your orange chicken sauce tastes too sour, chances are you’ve used too much vinegar or not enough sugar. A simple fix? Add a touch more sugar or even a tablespoon of honey. Too sweet? A splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice can bring the zing back.

Always taste the sauce before tossing in your fried chicken. And remember, the sauce will mellow once it coats the crispy pieces.

If you’re a fan of sweet heat, don’t miss our Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts Recipe—a perfect sidekick for orange chicken with a hint of spice.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for Busy Weeknights

Want to prep ahead? You totally can. Fry the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orange sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated separately.

For long-term storage, freeze the chicken (after frying but before saucing) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot and crisp, then toss in freshly warmed sauce. Freezer-friendly meals like this are perfect for meal prep just like our Slow Cooker Steak Bites Recipe—easy, juicy, and flavorful.

Mistakes to Avoid When Deep Frying Chicken at Home

Here are some common slip-ups and how to dodge them:

Overcrowding the pan: It lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken greasy and soggy.
Skipping the thermometer: Keep oil at 350°F. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Not draining properly: Always place fried chicken on paper towels or a rack to avoid oil build-up.

Also, don’t skip seasoning the egg wash. Bland batter = bland chicken. And if you’re nervous about deep-frying, consider pan-frying smaller batches instead.

Looking for a cozy alternative to fried food? Try our Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites—low-effort but huge in flavor.

What to Serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken

Rice, Noodles, and Sides That Pair Perfectly

Orange Chicken shines brightest when paired with the right base. Here are your top contenders:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Steamed Jasmine Rice	Absorbs the sauce beautifully
Fried Rice	Adds more flavor and protein
Lo Mein Noodles	Chewy texture complements crispy chicken
Cauliflower Rice	A low-carb alternative

If you’re craving a veggie boost, consider a medley of steamed broccoli, snap peas, and carrots on the side.

Easy Asian-Inspired Appetizers for a Full Meal

Want to turn dinner into a feast? Start your meal with:

Eggrolls or spring rolls
Crab rangoons
Wonton soup
Sesame cucumber salad

These small bites bring balance and texture to a plate already loaded with bold flavors.

Don’t miss our Mini Chicken Pot Pies Recipe—not Asian, but a comfort-food hit perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Sauces and Dips That Complement Orange Chicken

Though orange chicken is saucy enough, adding dips can elevate your dinner:

Spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha)
Garlic soy dipping sauce
Sweet chili sauce
Teriyaki glaze

You can also drizzle leftover sauce over rice or use it to glaze tofu for vegetarians.

Reheating and Storing Tips for Leftovers

Oven vs. Microwave – What Keeps the Crisp?

Microwaves make reheating fast, but they often leave chicken rubbery. For best results:

Preheat oven to 350°F
Add 1/4 cup water to a baking dish
Place leftover chicken in the dish and cover with foil
Bake 25–30 minutes until steaming hot

This method revives both the texture and sauce.

If you’re short on time, pan-frying on medium heat with a lid also works well.

How Long Will Orange Chicken Last in the Fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, cooked orange chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep sauce and chicken separate if you want to maintain crispiness upon reheating.

If you’ve got leftovers piling up, try repurposing them in wraps or grain bowls to keep things fresh all week.

Can You Freeze Orange Chicken for Meal Prep?

Absolutely. Here’s how:

Freeze fried chicken on a baking sheet until solid
Transfer to freezer-safe bag
Freeze sauce separately in a container

When ready to eat, reheat chicken in the oven and simmer sauce on the stove. Toss together and serve. It’s great for quick lunches or lazy dinners—just like our Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe that’s as easy as dump, cook, and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is made from bite-sized pieces of chicken—typically thighs—battered and deep-fried until crispy, then coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sauce includes vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and orange juice concentrate. For the homemade version, the same ingredients are used with slight adjustments based on availability.

Is orange chicken spicy or sweet?

Orange chicken leans toward the sweet side, but it’s also tangy and mildly spicy due to the addition of crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level at home by increasing or reducing the chili flakes—or replacing them with sesame seeds for a completely mild version.

What’s the difference between General Tso’s and Orange Chicken?

While both dishes are fried and saucy, General Tso’s Chicken tends to be spicier and less sweet. Orange chicken is sweeter, with a noticeable citrus profile. General Tso’s uses a more savory, umami-forward sauce with hoisin, while orange chicken relies on orange juice or extract for its zesty character.

Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! After breading, place the chicken pieces in an air fryer basket sprayed with oil. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the chicken may not be as deeply crispy as deep-fried, it’s a lighter, cleaner option.

What’s a good vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

Try replacing the chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Bread and fry them the same way, then toss with the homemade orange sauce. This keeps all the sweet and tangy flavor without the meat.

Conclusion: Bring the Taste of Panda Express to Your Kitchen

Recreating Panda Express Orange Chicken at home isn’t just a fun kitchen project—it’s a way to control the ingredients, tweak the flavors to your liking, and avoid takeout costs. With the perfect blend of crispy texture and citrusy glaze, this dish brings a restaurant-quality meal to your table in under an hour.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Chicken Cutlets Delicious Recipe for another crispy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress.

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