Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at Home

on

Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe


Bowl of copycat Panda Express orange chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions, with broccoli on the side.
Crispy chicken tossed in a sticky orange glaze brings that sweet-tangy Panda Express flavor home, perfect over rice for a craveable weeknight dinner.

If you love that sticky, sweet, tangy, slightly spicy Orange Chicken from Panda Express, you’re in the right place. This easy Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe gives you crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy orange sauce that tastes like takeout, but you can make it right at home.

It’s one of those meals that disappears fast in my house. The first time I made it, I planned for leftovers. That was optimistic. Between the crunchy chicken and that bright citrus sauce, everyone went back for seconds.

This recipe is made with simple grocery store ingredients, easy steps, and common kitchen tools. So if you’ve been craving copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken, let’s make it happen.

A Little Background on Panda Express and Orange Chicken

Panda Express is one of the most well-known American Chinese fast food chains in the USA. It has built a huge following with bold flavors, quick service, and dishes that feel familiar and comforting. Out of all the menu items, Orange Chicken is the star for many people.

This dish is famous for its mix of textures and flavors. You get crispy, golden fried chicken covered in a sauce that is sweet, zesty, garlicky, and just a little spicy. The orange aroma hits first, then comes the sticky glaze, followed by a savory finish that keeps you reaching for one more bite.

Panda Express® is a registered trademark of its owner, and this dish is closely associated with the brand. This post is not affiliated with or endorsed by Panda Express. Instead, this is a homemade copycat recipe inspired by the flavors and style of the restaurant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe

  • Takeout flavor at home without leaving the house
  • Crispy chicken with a sticky orange sauce
  • Uses easy-to-find ingredients
  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat
  • Great with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies

If you’ve ever thought homemade orange chicken sounded hard, think of it like making chicken bites and tossing them in a quick pan sauce. It’s much more doable than it sounds.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 to 6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: About 40 minutes

For the chicken:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying, about 2 to 3 cups depending on your pan

For the orange sauce:

  • 2/3 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water

Optional for serving:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Steamed white rice
  • Steamed broccoli

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet, wok, or heavy pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or a slotted spoon
  • Paper towel-lined plate
  • Small saucepan or skillet for sauce
  • Instant-read thermometer if you want extra peace of mind

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prep the chicken.

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Try to keep them close to the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the coating.

In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Add the chicken and stir to coat. In another bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the chicken pieces.

Dredge the egg-coated chicken in the flour mixture. Press lightly so the coating sticks. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.

Step 4: Heat the oil.

Pour about 1 to 2 inches of oil into a heavy skillet or wok. Heat it to around 350°F. If you do not have a thermometer, test one small piece of coating. It should sizzle right away but not burn.

Step 5: Fry the chicken.

Cook the chicken in batches so the pan does not get crowded. Fry for about 4 to 6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for food safety. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Make the orange sauce.

In a saucepan or large skillet, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 7: Thicken the sauce.

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour that slurry into the simmering sauce. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 8: Toss the chicken in sauce.

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Work quickly here so the chicken stays crisp around the edges.

Step 9: Serve.

Serve right away over steamed rice. Top with green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Tips for the Best Copycat Orange Chicken

  • Use chicken thighs for juicy, tender bites. Chicken breast works too, but thighs stay more flavorful.
  • Keep the oil hot so the coating gets crisp instead of greasy.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches makes a big difference.
  • Add sauce just before serving if you want the crispiest texture.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. Want more tang? Add a little more vinegar. Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes.

Think of the sauce like a shiny coat of paint. You want enough to cover every piece, but not so much that the chicken gets soggy.

Easy Shortcuts and Home Kitchen Options

If you want this easy orange chicken recipe to be even simpler, here are a few helpful shortcuts.

Use store-bought breaded chicken:

  • Bake or air fry frozen popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets
  • Toss with the homemade orange sauce
  • This is great for busy weeknights

Air fryer option:

  • Coat the chicken as directed
  • Spray lightly with oil
  • Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through
  • Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F
  • Toss with warm sauce before serving

Oven option:

  • Place coated chicken on a greased sheet pan
  • Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray
  • Bake at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through
  • Make sure chicken reaches 165°F

If frying feels like too much on a Tuesday night, the air fryer is a lifesaver. You still get a nice crisp texture with less mess.

Allergy-Friendly and Dietary Swaps

Need to make a few changes? Here are some simple ideas.

Gluten-free:

  • Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour
  • Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce

Dairy-free:

  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written, but always check labels on store-bought ingredients

Egg-free:

  • Dip the chicken in plain milk alternative or water, then coat in the flour mixture
  • The texture may be slightly different, but it still works

Lower sugar:

  • Reduce the sugar a little to taste
  • Keep in mind the classic flavor is meant to be sweet and tangy

Vegetarian:

  • Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower
  • Cook until crisp, then toss in the orange sauce

Paleo:

  • Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch
  • Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
  • Swap sugar for a paleo-friendly sweetener if preferred

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

  • Steamed white rice
  • Fried rice
  • Lo mein noodles
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Egg rolls or spring rolls

Want the full takeout-at-home experience? Serve this with rice and a simple veggie side. It feels like a restaurant meal without the takeout bill.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. The chicken will soften a bit after storage, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing:
For best texture, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately if possible. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

Based on 5 servings, without optional toppings:

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 780mg

These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on exact ingredients and frying oil absorption.

Final Thoughts

This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe is one of those homemade dinners that feels a little bit fun and a little bit nostalgic. It brings that familiar takeout flavor to your own kitchen with everyday ingredients and easy steps.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you make it extra spicy? Did you use the air fryer? Did your family scrape the pan clean too?

Please share this recipe with friends and leave a comment below. Your tips, swaps, and serving ideas might help someone else make their best batch yet.

Disclaimer

This is a copycat recipe inspired by the flavors of Panda Express® Orange Chicken. It is not the actual restaurant recipe, and no knowledge of the original proprietary recipe is implied. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Panda Express.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. That means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment