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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat, then this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish takes tender chicken pieces, crisply fried to golden perfection, and drenches them in a luscious, sticky orange sauce that bursts with vibrant citrus flavor and a subtle kick. Every bite feels like a comforting hug from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, but with all the joy of making it yourself at home. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll never want to order out again.

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward an unforgettable Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the signature texture and flavor that makes this dish such a standout—crispy chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful orange sauce that’s both sweet and tangy.

  • Chicken breast, 1 lb cubed: Use fresh, boneless chicken breast for tender, juicy bites that hold up well to frying.
  • Cornstarch, 1/2 cup: This is key for achieving that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
  • Egg, 1 beaten: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken for maximum crunch.
  • Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon: Perfect for shallow frying the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
  • Orange juice, 1/2 cup (fresh preferred): Brings the bright, citrusy heart of the sauce to life.
  • Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: Adds depth and a subtle umami backbone to the sauce’s sweetness.
  • Sugar, 2 tablespoons: Balances acidity and heightens the orange flavor with a gentle touch of sweetness.
  • Rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Offers a mild tang that sharpens the sauce.
  • Grated ginger, 1 tablespoon: Introduces warmth and freshness, cutting through the sweetness beautifully.
  • Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Fry the Chicken

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. While the oil warms, dredge your cubed chicken pieces first in cornstarch to create a dry coating, then dip them into the beaten egg to help the batter stick perfectly. Place the chicken into the pan carefully, frying until each piece turns golden brown and crispy. This contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender interior is the foundation of the whole dish, so taking your time here pays off beautifully. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Craft the Zesty Orange Sauce

Using the same skillet, mix together your fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and the optional red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As the sauce heats up, the sugar will dissolve, and the flavors will meld together into a vibrant glaze that’s bursting with that classic orange chicken taste you love. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure a smooth sauce.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the fried chicken pieces to your skillet and toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every crunchy bite is coated in that luscious orange sauce. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and fully cling to the chicken. This is the moment when all the flavors come together, creating a sticky, irresistible coating that is impossible to resist.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

Once your chicken is perfectly glazed and fragrant, it’s ready to be served hot. Whether you pair it with fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles, this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes will keep everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving to add a pop of color and an extra layer of texture. These small touches elevate the dish visually and give you a delightful crunch with every bite. A little zest from fresh orange peel can also heighten the citrus aroma, making the dish feel vibrant and fresh.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed white or jasmine rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For something a bit more textured, try serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or crisp snow peas to add freshness and balance. Fried rice or chow mein noodles also complement the sweet and savory profile for a truly satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends or family, consider serving the orange chicken on a bed of crispy lettuce leaves for a crunchy contrast. You can also skewer the chicken pieces for a fun finger food option, drizzled with extra sauce on the side. Serving it family-style with communal bowls encourages sharing and adds to the relaxed, happy vibe this dish naturally inspires.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken retains its flavor well, but the sauce will soften the crispy coating over time. Leftovers are best eaten within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked orange chicken for up to a month. For best results, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container with the sauce. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to regain some crispness and warm the sauce without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy and the chicken chewy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just keep in mind they may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is fresh orange juice necessary for the sauce?

While fresh orange juice offers the brightest and freshest flavor, bottled orange juice works in a pinch. Just choose one without added sweeteners for the best results.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the sauce without overpowering it. You can easily adjust the amount or omit them based on your preference.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can bake the chicken for a healthier option, but the texture will be slightly different—less crispy but still delicious. Coat the chicken well with cornstarch and bake at a high temperature until golden.

What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe?

Traditional sides like steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles are perfect, but you can also experiment with steamed vegetables or a fresh Asian slaw for a lighter touch.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings a smile to your face with every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Making it at home means customizing the flavors to your liking and enjoying that restaurant-quality taste without leaving your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 48 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A delicious homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a quick weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Orange Sauce

  • 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

  1. Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for frying the chicken.
  2. Coat chicken: Coat the cubed chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten egg to create a crispy coating once fried.
  3. Fry chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet and fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Prepare sauce: In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Toss chicken in sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them well to coat each piece thoroughly with the orange sauce.
  6. Simmer to glaze: Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken evenly.
  7. Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Using fresh orange juice enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly.
  • You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness to your preference.
  • For extra crispiness, fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
  • Leftover orange chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet for best results.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

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