orange chicken recipe panda express
The Best orange chicken recipe panda express
Oh man, let me tell you why I’ve been obsessed with this orange chicken recipe from Panda Express for years—it’s not just a dish, it’s a little magic in a pan. I remember when my kids were little, and I’d whip this up on a Sunday night, and suddenly, the whole house smelled like something delicious, and they’d all be begging for seconds. It’s that kind of comfort food that’s actually pretty balanced, too. The sweet and tangy sauce coats the chicken perfectly, and the crispy batter gives it that satisfying crunch without being too greasy if you watch it. My kids would eat it straight from the pan, and honestly, it’s one of those rare recipes that’s great for everyday dinners or when you want to impress someone—like a birthday or a family get-together. Plus, the orange glaze is bright and refreshing, and it cuts through the richness of the chicken so well. It’s not like you’re eating something heavy, but it still feels indulgent. I love how it’s something you can make ahead of time—just keep the sauce separate until the last minute—and it reheats really well. That’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. And the health perks? Well, if you make it with leaner chicken or even just skip the extra breading, it’s still packed with protein and flavor, and the orange sauce has antioxidants. It’s not some sad, sad salad, but it’s not all bad either. That’s what I love about it—it’s a little treat that still feels good for you. My family has been eating this for years, and I don’t think we’ll ever stop.
Classic Panda Express Orange Chicken
A crispy, tangy, and sweet orange chicken dish inspired by Panda Express, featuring tender chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold beer or sparkling water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2 In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
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3 In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set sauce aside.
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4 In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Slowly pour in cold beer or sparkling water while whisking to form a thick batter.
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5 Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring full coating. Place on a wire rack lined with parchment paper, then spray lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
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6 Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and spray with oil again. Bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
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7 While chicken is baking, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and set aside. Heat sauce in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once slightly thickened, mix in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy.
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8 Once chicken is done, pour sauce over it and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve hot with steamed rice.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or blender
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Wire cooling rack
- Spray bottle (for oil)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Panda Express Orange Chicken Works
This orange chicken recipe from Panda Express is always a solid choice for any gathering because it’s simple to make ahead and holds up well when reheated—perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish without extra fuss. It’s also a great way to bring a little bit of takeout flavor into your own kitchen, and the bright, tangy sauce makes it feel festive enough for holidays or just a regular family meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve alongside rice or stir-fry veggies, so you won’t feel stuck with just one dish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Orange Chicken
What are the key ingredients used in the original Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe?
The original Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe primarily consists of chicken pieces (thighs or breasts), a blend of orange sauce (typically made with orange juice, vinegar, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch for thickening), a mix of Chinese-style seasonings like five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and a bit of soy sauce, along with cornstarch for coating the chicken. The dish also includes a crispy fried batter, and sometimes a touch of sesame oil for extra flavor.
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How should I prepare the orange sauce for homemade orange chicken?
To make the orange sauce for homemade orange chicken, you’ll need about 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible), ¼ cup of rice vinegar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (to create a slurry), and a pinch of salt. Stir the orange juice, vinegar, and sugar together, then add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Simmer until the mixture thickens to a glossy consistency. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
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Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but the texture will differ slightly. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. If using breasts, ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces to maintain even cooking. Thighs tend to stay more tender and crispy, so they’re often preferred for this dish. Make sure to pat them dry before coating to help achieve a better crispiness.
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What’s the best way to ensure the orange chicken stays crispy after frying?
To keep the orange chicken crispy, follow these steps: pat the chicken pieces very dry before coating them in a thick layer of cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and flour. Avoid overcrowding the fryer—cook in batches to maintain proper oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C). Fry the chicken in small batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before adding the sauce. If using a deep fryer, ensure it’s clean and hot for consistent results.
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How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the orange sauce if it’s too strong or weak?
If the orange sauce is too sweet, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons and add a bit more rice vinegar (or lemon juice) to balance the flavor. If it’s too tangy, increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. For a milder taste, you can also mix in a small amount of water or broth to dilute the sauce slightly. Taste as you go, adjusting with small increments to achieve the right harmony of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.
