Name: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 large egg; ½ cup cornstarch; ½ cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred); 1 tbsp orange zest; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp minced ginger; 1½ tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with the added crunch of crispy chicken pieces. The orange sauce is bright and flavorful, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy this popular dish anytime you want, without the wait for delivery!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large egg
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1½ tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- In another bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. Dredge the chicken in the mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).
- Remove the chicken and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry, whisking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the fried chicken to the skillet or wok. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Serve:
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave, but note that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, coat the chicken lightly in oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

Adjust the sugar or honey in the sauce to your taste, depending on how sweet you want it.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts will work, but they may not be as tender or flavorful as thighs.

Is there a way to make the chicken extra crispy?

You can double fry the chicken for an even crispier texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the sauce might not hold up as well when reheated after freezing. It’s best to freeze the chicken separately from the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What should I serve with Orange Chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or spring rolls.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe brings the restaurant-quality dish right to your home. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to satisfy your cravings for something tangy, sweet, and savory. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit!