recipe for orange chicken from panda express
The Best recipe for orange chicken from panda express
Oh, I’ll be honest—there’s nothing quite like that crispy, sweet-and-sour orange chicken from Panda Express. It’s the kind of dish that makes my heart skip a beat every time I pull it off the grill or deep fryer, and it’s become a staple in our house for so many reasons. My kids—now teenagers but still picky eaters—will beg for seconds just because it’s orange chicken day. It’s that good. It’s sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth but balanced with that tangy kick that makes every bite feel like a little treat. And let’s be real, there’s nothing like the smell of it sizzling in the air, filling the kitchen with that warm, aromatic goodness. It’s not just food; it’s a memory maker. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish always brings the family together. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it ahead and reheat it, or serve it as part of a larger meal, and it never fails to impress. And the health benefits? Well, if you’re watching your portions, you can always swap out the fried coating for a baked version, and it’s still packed with flavor. It’s that kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re getting the best of both worlds—comfort food and something that’s actually good for you, at least in moderation. My family and I have been making it for years, and it’s always a hit, no matter how many times we do it.
Panda Express-Style 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, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cold beer or sparkling water (for crispiness)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or use an air fryer set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2 In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
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3 In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in cold beer or sparkling water and stir until a thick batter forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
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4 In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with the cornstarch mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
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5 In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, oregano, and sesame oil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and mix well.
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6 Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Add chicken pieces in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
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7 In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Pour the orange sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
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8 Transfer the orange chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and crispy, or use the air fryer for 8-10 minutes.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Air fryer or deep fryer (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Whisk
- Cooking spray
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken Works
This orange chicken recipe from Panda Express is a classic for a reason—it’s crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor that holds up whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating the family to a quick weeknight meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to scale, whether you’re making a big batch for a holiday spread or serving a few servings to keep everyone happy without much extra effort. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser because the sweet-and-spicy sauce balances perfectly with the chicken, making it a reliable choice that won’t leave anyone disappointed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken
1. What are the key ingredients used in Panda Express’s original orange chicken recipe?
The original orange chicken recipe from Panda Express primarily uses chicken thighs (not breasts), light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, orange marmalade, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, green onions, and sesame oil. The sauce is balanced with a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with a slight crispiness from the cornstarch coating.
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2. How is the chicken prepared before cooking, and what role does cornstarch play?
The chicken is first coated in a cornstarch slurry (mixed with water) to create a light, crispy crust. After dipping in the sauce, it’s tossed again to ensure even coating. Cornstarch helps achieve that signature crispy texture while keeping the chicken tender inside.
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3. What’s the secret to achieving the perfect orange chicken sauce consistency?
The sauce starts with a light reduction of the orange marmalade, soy sauces, and cornstarch, then simmered until slightly thickened but still slightly glossy. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth at the end helps loosen it for a smooth, pourable consistency. The key is balancing sweetness and tang without making it too thick or sticky.
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4. Does Panda Express’s orange chicken use the same sauce for both the chicken and the dipping sauce?
No, the orange chicken itself is coated in the same sauce but is thicker and slightly more caramelized. The dipping sauce (often called “orange sauce” or “orange glaze”) is a thinner, sweeter version of the original sauce, sometimes with extra marmalade or a touch of honey for a glossier finish.
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5. How can I make the orange chicken crispy at home without relying solely on a deep fryer?
For a pan-fried or air-fried version, pat the chicken dry, coat it in cornstarch, then pan-fry in high-heat oil (like vegetable or peanut oil) until golden and crispy. For air frying, use a 10-minute spray of oil (like avocado or olive oil) and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer to ensure crispiness.
