Orange Chicken from Panda Express features tender, battered chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce with hints of ginger and garlic, delivering a vibrant, glossy finish and a perfect mix of crispy and saucy textures.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Deep fryer or deep, heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Paper towels
- Plate or tray
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry)
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Ensure your chicken thighs are boneless and skinless to achieve the right texture and ease of cooking. Measure both flour and cornstarch accurately to create a batter that is crispy yet light. Fresh orange juice and orange zest are key to delivering the authentic tangy and sweet flavor profile in your sauce. Use grated ginger and minced garlic to enhance the sauce's aromatic quality, providing a balance to the sweetness from sugars. Your copycat Orange Chicken from Panda Express will capture the perfect mix of crispy and saucy textures with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup water.
- In another bowl, combine flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch.
- Dredge chicken in egg mixture, then coat with flour-cornstarch mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 5–6 minutes.
- Remove chicken with slotted spoon or spider strainer; drain on wire rack with paper towels underneath.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry.
- Add slurry to sauce; cook until thickened and glossy.
- Add fried chicken to saucepan; toss to coat evenly in sauce.
- Transfer orange chicken to a plate or tray.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Substitution
Orange Chicken from Panda Express copycat recipes often call for boneless chicken thighs for juiciness and a tender texture. You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but be cautious as they may dry out faster during frying. If deep frying is not an option, oven baking at a high temperature until crispy can work well, though the texture may be less crunchy. When fresh orange juice is unavailable, high-quality bottled juice or orange concentrate diluted with water can be used to maintain the tangy sweetness of the sauce. Your choice of frying oil should have a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.
Tips
Ensure your oil maintains a steady temperature of 350degF (175degC) for perfectly crispy chicken without greasiness. Use a wire rack with paper towels to drain excess oil, preventing sogginess while keeping the chicken crisp. When making the sauce, whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency. You should toss the fried chicken gently but quickly in the sauce to maintain its crisp texture while ensuring even coating.
Nutritions
Orange Chicken from Panda Express delivers approximately 490 calories per serving with a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Your meal contains around 28 grams of protein from chicken thighs, supporting muscle maintenance and energy. Sugars from fresh orange juice and added brown sugar contribute both natural and refined sugars, totaling about 20 grams per serving. Sodium intake is notable at roughly 900 mg due to soy sauce and oyster sauce, so consider this if monitoring salt consumption.
Storage
Store your leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container to maintain its crispy texture and prevent the sauce from becoming soggy. Refrigerate the container promptly and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and food safety. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to preserve the crispy coating while warming the tangy orange sauce evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting fry time slightly to prevent dryness. You can replace the orange juice with mandarin juice or grapefruit juice for a different citrus profile while maintaining the tangy sweetness. Experiment with baking the coated chicken at 400degF (200degC) for 20 minutes instead of deep frying for a healthier alternative that still retains a crispy texture. Incorporate a splash of honey into the sauce to add natural sweetness and enhance the glaze's shine on your orange chicken.
Allergies
Orange Chicken contains common allergens such as soy from soy sauce and oyster sauce, as well as wheat from all-purpose flour, which may trigger reactions in individuals with soy or gluten sensitivities. Eggs used in the batter can also pose risks for those with egg allergies. Your best option is to review ingredient labels carefully or consult with the restaurant to ensure safe consumption.
Why this recipe?
Orange Chicken from Panda Express is celebrated for its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors combined with tender, crispy chicken pieces. The dish's unique orange sauce, made with ingredients like soy sauce, orange zest, sugar, and garlic, creates an addictive taste that appeals to a wide audience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the flavor intensity and freshness while saving money compared to dine-out prices. Your homemade Orange Chicken experience can replicate the beloved taste while satisfying personal preferences and dietary needs.