If you’ve ever craved that crispy, sweet, and tangy goodness from Panda Express‘ Orange Chicken, you’re not alone. This iconic dish is a favorite for so many, packed with crispy battered chicken, drenched in a glossy, citrusy sauce that is just the right balance of sweet and sour. The good news? You don’t have to go to the restaurant to get your fix! In this recipe, I’m going to show you how to make Panda Express Orange Chicken right at home. It’s surprisingly simple to put together and makes for an amazing weeknight dinner or a special treat when you’re craving takeout flavors without the delivery fee!
I love this recipe because it’s so versatile, you can easily adjust the sweetness and tang to suit your taste. Plus, with a few tricks, you can make it even more flavorful than the takeout version. This homemade orange chicken brings the signature crispy crunch, bold flavors, and just the right amount of citrus zing to your table. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Why this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Works
The key to making Panda Express Orange Chicken at home is getting that crispy texture while balancing the flavors in the sauce. First, let’s talk about the chicken. We use chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, which are lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. The batter creates that crispy, crunchy exterior that holds up beautifully to the orange sauce.
Now, about that sauce, it’s what truly elevates this dish. We use fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, all simmered together until thickened, creating that sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that coats the chicken just perfectly. A little garlic and ginger add depth of flavor, making the sauce stand out.
What makes this version superior to others is the crispiness of the chicken. Many recipes skip this crucial step, resulting in soggy chicken, but here, we take the time to ensure the chicken stays crunchy, even when coated in sauce.
The customization options are endless, too! You can use chicken thighs for more flavor, add extra chili flakes for some heat, or even go for a gluten-free batter for those with dietary restrictions. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty that you love!
Recipe Card
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: Chinese, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes390
kcalEnjoy the mouthwatering sweetness and crunch of homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken! This easy recipe features crispy chicken coated in a zesty orange sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- For the Orange Sauce
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
Zest of 1 orange1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip chicken pieces into buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Fry the chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture; breast meat can dry out.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
Tips for the best Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Ensure the oil is hot enough: If the oil is not hot enough (around 350°F/175°C), the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn before cooking through. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, avoid crowding the pieces. Fry them in batches to keep the temperature of the oil steady and ensure each piece gets that perfect crispy coating.
- Double batter for extra crunch: If you love that extra crunch, try double-dipping the chicken in the batter before frying. This adds an extra layer of crispiness that holds up well to the sauce.
- Use fresh orange juice: Fresh juice really makes a difference in this dish. The bright citrusy flavor of fresh oranges elevates the overall taste of the sauce.
Tasty Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Variants
1. Spicy Orange Chicken
If you love a little heat with your sweet, adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili will give the sauce a nice kick. You can also add Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
For a gluten-free option, replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the batter. You’ll still get that crispy texture without the gluten! Just make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
3. Orange Chicken with Vegetables
For a healthier take, you can add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and onions to the dish. Simply sauté them separately and toss them into the sauce with the chicken at the end for added color and nutrition.
4. Orange Chicken Tofu
For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap out the chicken for crispy, golden-brown tofu. It’s the perfect plant-based substitute, and the sauce pairs wonderfully with tofu’s soft, mild flavor.
FAQs
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may result in a drier texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Yes, use gluten-free flour and soy sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Let’s Wrap-up!
Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is a true game-changer. This recipe delivers that same irresistible sweet, tangy, and crispy goodness that you love from the restaurant, with a few personal touches to make it even better. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this is the recipe you’ll return to again and again.
For another delicious homemade dish, check out our Pepper Steak Recipe for a spicy twist on classic Chinese takeout.
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