Craving the iconic, tangy-sweet flavor of Panda Express orange chicken but don’t want to head out to the restaurant? We’ve got you covered! This easy and delicious Panda Express orange chicken recipe will bring the magic of this signature dish straight to your kitchen. With crispy chicken bites tossed in a mouth-watering orange glaze, this recipe is a sure way to satisfy your cravings. Not only does it taste like the real deal, but it also allows you to tweak the flavor to your preference, whether you want it more tangy or extra spicy.
Let’s dive into how you can recreate the magic of Panda Express orange chicken at home.
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed for best flavor
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry
Instructions for Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat the chicken pieces by first dipping them into the egg mixture, followed by dredging them in the cornstarch-flour mixture until evenly coated. This double coating will ensure your chicken turns out crispy, just like at Panda Express.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat a large pan or deep fryer with about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is fried, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is frying, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture well and let it come to a simmer.
If you prefer a bit of heat in your sauce, add red pepper flakes at this stage. This will give the sauce a nice balance of sweet and spicy, much like the version served at Panda Express.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the sauce is simmering, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the sauce to thicken it. Keep stirring the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it reaches the desired thickness.
Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Orange Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the prepared orange sauce. Ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the sweet, tangy glaze.
Step 6: Serve Your Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken
Your Panda Express orange chicken is ready to serve! Plate the chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Why We Love Panda Express Orange Chicken
There’s a reason why Panda Express orange chicken is such a beloved dish. It’s the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a little bit spicy. The crispy fried chicken pairs beautifully with the sticky orange glaze, creating a dish that’s indulgent and comforting.
By making this orange chicken recipe at home, you can enjoy all the flavor without the need for takeout. Plus, you have the freedom to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences.
Tips for Perfecting Your Panda Express Orange Chicken
To ensure your homemade Panda Express orange chicken turns out just as delicious as the restaurant version, here are a few tips:
1. Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness
While some recipes call for chicken breast, chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they remain juicy and tender after frying. If you prefer a leaner option, feel free to substitute with chicken breasts—just be mindful not to overcook them.
2. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness
For an even crispier texture, you can fry the chicken twice. After the first round of frying, let the chicken rest for a minute or two, then return it to the hot oil for a second quick fry. This technique helps achieve that crunchy texture you get from restaurant-style orange chicken.
3. Fresh Orange Juice is Key
To get the best flavor in your sauce, use freshly squeezed orange juice. It adds a bright, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the soy sauce and ginger in the dish.
4. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar or add an extra splash of rice vinegar to increase the tanginess. You can also amp up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
5. Keep the Chicken Warm
If you’re frying the chicken in batches, keep the cooked pieces warm by placing them in a low oven (around 200°F) until all the chicken is done. This ensures everything stays crispy until you’re ready to toss it in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Panda Express Orange Chicken
This Panda Express orange chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your homemade orange chicken:
- Steamed Rice: The classic side for any Chinese-inspired dish. You can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds crunch and freshness to the meal.
- Fried Rice: If you want to keep things indulgent, whip up a batch of fried rice to go with your orange chicken.
- Lo Mein: Noodles tossed with soy sauce, garlic, and vegetables make a great side dish.
Conclusion
With this easy Panda Express orange chicken recipe, you can enjoy one of the most popular fast-food dishes in the comfort of your own home. The crispy chicken, tangy orange sauce, and simple cooking steps make this recipe perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.