Print

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Bowl of crispy Panda Express Orange Chicken coated in a glossy orange sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe features crispy battered chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy homemade orange sauce. It’s an easy, better-than-takeout meal you can make in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil (or neutral oil)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (heaping)
  • 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tbsp orange juice concentrate (or 3 tbsp orange juice)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 1/2 tsp zested ginger root
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. If using chicken breast, marinate in 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp vinegar, and 1–2 cups cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a bowl, beat egg with oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour for dry breading.
  4. Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
  5. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
  7. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, orange juice concentrate, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk well.
  8. Bring sauce to a boil, then simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  9. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  10. Serve hot with rice or sides of choice.

Notes

  • Use orange marmalade as a substitute for orange juice concentrate.
  • Air fryer or oven baking can be used as alternatives to deep frying.
  • Make sauce and chicken ahead; reheat separately and combine before serving.
  • Freeze cooked chicken separately from sauce for better texture on reheating.
  • Control spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/panda-express-orange-chicken-recipe/