Orange chicken recipe Panda Express is a popular Chinese-American dish made with bite-sized crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet orange-based sauce.
The flavor is rich, bold, and slightly spicy, making each bite incredibly satisfying. I decided to make this orange chicken recipe after watching a behind-the-scenes kitchen video where it was freshly prepared.
I felt inspired to bring that restaurant-style taste into my home. The main specialty of this orange chicken is its glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the crispy chicken perfectly. I will now show up and guide step-by-step how I prepared this orange chicken recipe Panda Express.
Why We Love This Recipe?
We love this Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express because it brings the bold, sweet, and tangy flavors of restaurant-style orange chicken right to the home kitchen.
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and gives that perfect crispy texture we all crave. The balance of juicy chicken and rich orange glaze makes every bite satisfying. Whether cooking for yourself or sharing with others, this dish always feels like a treat without needing takeout.
How To Prepare Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main course
Difficulty: Medium (requires frying)
Cuisine: Chinese‑American
Yield: Serves about 4
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Heavy skillet or wok
- Deep‑frying pan or pot
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels or cooling rack
- Whisk and spatula
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Coating:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground white or black pepper
- Oil for deep frying (e.g., peanut or canola oil)
For the Orange Sauce:
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1–2 Tbsp water (for slurry)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite‑sized chunks, season with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Breading
Beat the egg in one bowl. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat in the dry mix.
3. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a wok or deep pan to 350 °F (175 °C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (about 4–6 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels or a rack.
4. Make the Sauce
In a separate pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and chili flakes briefly. Add sugar(s) and stir until melting. Mix in orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and zest. Bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Stir in cornstarch slurry gradually until the sauce becomes glossy and thick like syrup.
6. Combine & Serve
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated. Drizzle in sesame oil if using. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Facts Of Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18–20 g |
| Protein | 30–35 g |
| Carbs | 60–70 g |
| Sugars | 20–30 g |
| Sodium | 900–1,200 mg |
Hot Tips For Making The Best Orange Chicken Panda recipe Express Style
1. Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites.
2. Double-coat the chicken in the batter for extra crispiness.
3. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and avoid soggy chicken.
4. Use fresh orange zest and juice for the most vibrant sauce flavor.
5. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry it thickens the sauce perfectly.
6. Toss the chicken in the sauce right before serving to keep it crispy and coated.
How To Make Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express Tastier?
To make orange chicken recipe Panda Express tastier, focus on balancing the flavors in the sauce by using fresh orange juice and zest for brightness, adding a touch of ginger and garlic for depth, and including a small pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Double-coating the chicken and frying it until extra crispy helps the sauce cling better, enhancing every bite. Finishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions adds a fresh, nutty flavor that really elevates the dish.
Serving Suggestions For Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express Style
1. Serve over steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
2. Pair with fried rice for a hearty, filling meal.
3. Add a side of steamed or stir-fried broccoli for a fresh, healthy contrast.
4. Serve with crunchy chow mein noodles for added texture.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How Do You Preserve Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express?
To preserve orange chicken recipe Panda Express style, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
For freezing, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze it on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the sauce in a separate container.
Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture, and warm the sauce on the stovetop before combining.
Conclusion
I enjoyed every moment making this easy and delicious orange chicken recipe Panda Express style. It was a simple process and the result tasted amazing crispy chicken with that perfect orange flavor.
I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe yourself. It’s not complicated, and the taste is truly worth it. Now it’s your turn to make it soon and let me know how delicious it turned out. I’m excited to hear about your experience after you give it a try!
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