How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

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If you love the sweet, tangy, and crispy goodness of panda express orange chicken recipe, you’re in for a treat! This easy orange chicken recipe lets you recreate the restaurant favorite at home with fresh ingredients, no artificial flavors, and complete control over taste and texture.

First introduced in 1987, panda express orange chicken recipe quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its crispy golden coating and rich citrus glaze. While takeout is convenient, making it at home is even better—you can adjust the sweetness, spice, and even choose a healthier cooking method.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a homemade orange chicken that’s just as flavorful and satisfying as the restaurant version. Serve it with white rice, fried rice, or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Let’s get started!

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring bite-sized, battered chicken pieces fried until crispy and coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet orange sauce. The sauce typically includes fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of spice for a perfect balance of flavors.

Although it originated from Chinese cuisine, orange chicken as we know it today was made famous by Panda Express. It’s now a must-try dish for anyone who loves a blend of crispy textures and bold flavors.

Recipe Details

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Calories
15 minutes	15 minutes	30 minutes	4 servings	480 kcal per serving

Ingredients of Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs	1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cornstarch	½ cup
All-purpose flour	½ cup
Egg	1 (beaten)
Salt	½ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Oil (for frying)	As needed

For the Orange Sauce:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh orange juice	½ cup
Orange zest	1 tsp
Soy sauce	3 tbsp
Rice vinegar	2 tbsp
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
Ginger (grated)	1 tsp
Red pepper flakes (optional)	¼ tsp
Cornstarch	1 tbsp (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
Sesame oil	1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour thoroughly until well blended.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Warm the oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches the right frying temperature.
2. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 4 minutes per side).
3. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
3. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. Add a drizzle of sesame oil and stir one last time to blend the flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve warm over fluffy steamed rice or pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to enhance the flavor and add a fresh touch.

Health Benefits of Orange Chicken Ingredients

While orange chicken is indulgent, its key ingredients offer some health benefits:

• Chicken: A great source of protein that helps build and repair muscle.
• Oranges: Packed with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
• Garlic & Ginger: Known for their anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties.
• Soy Sauce & Vinegar: Help enhance digestion and add umami flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	18g

Additional Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

• For extra crispiness: Double-fry the chicken by frying it once, letting it rest for 5 minutes, then frying again.
• Make it healthier: Instead of deep-frying, use an air fryer or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
• Adjust spice level: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or reduce them for a milder version.
• For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

FAQs About Orange Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast works well, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.

2. Is orange chicken spicy?

This recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

3. Can I make orange chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour.

4. What’s the best way to reheat orange chicken?

Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Making panda express orange chicken recipe at home is easier than you think! With crispy fried chicken and a sweet, tangy orange glaze, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking and even make a healthier version.

Try this easy orange chicken recipe today and impress your family with a homemade dish that’s just as good—if not better—than takeout!

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!

For more healthy recipes, check out our dedicated section on Healthy Recipes.