If you have ever craved the sweet, tangy, and crispy delight from Panda Express, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe. It captures all the iconic flavors and textures you love—crispy golden chicken pieces drenched in a luscious, sticky orange sauce that balances sweetness and zest flawlessly. This recipe brings the restaurant experience right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a perfect go-to for those comforting weeknight dinners or anytime you want a burst of bright, addictive flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, maintain the perfect crispy texture, and provide that vibrant orange color that makes the dish so irresistible.
- Chicken Thigh Fillets (400 grams): Using thigh cuts keeps the chicken juicy and tender through frying and saucing.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Egg (1, beaten): Helps the coating stick perfectly to each bite of chicken.
- Cornstarch (½ cup + 1 tbsp for sauce): Adds extra crispiness to the batter and thickens the orange sauce.
- Flour (¼ cup): Combines with cornstarch to create a light, crunchy coating.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Minced Ginger (1 tsp): Brings a warm, aromatic kick that brightens the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (pinch): Adds subtle heat to balance the sweet tang.
- Water (½ cup): Dilutes the sauce just enough for silky consistency.
- Fresh Orange Juice (¼ cup): The star ingredient supplying that signature citrusy zing.
- Lemon Zest (1 tsp): Sharpens the citrus notes, making the flavor pop.
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a delicious nutty depth to the sauce aroma.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances acidity with natural sweetness for that perfect glossy glaze.
- Soy Sauce (1.5 tbsp): Adds savory umami punch that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh Chopped Spring Onions: A crisp, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness and brightens each mouthful.
How to Make Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
The flavor journey begins by seasoning your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every piece has a foundation of savory goodness that shines through after frying and saucing.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
Next, whisk together cornstarch and flour in a bowl. This combination is key for creating that legendary crisp exterior—cornstarch contributes crunch, while flour provides structure to the batter.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the beaten egg, then thoroughly coat in your flour-cornstarch mixture. This double-layer approach locks in moisture while setting you up for golden, irresistibly crispy bites.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
In a deep pan or fryer, heat plenty of vegetable oil to the right temperature for crisping. Fry the coated chicken until beautifully golden and crunchy on the outside but tender inside, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a clean pan over medium heat, then add minced ginger and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir these aromatic ingredients until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). This warm base brings complexity to the orange sauce.
Step 6: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine water, fresh orange juice, lemon zest, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and well mixed—this is the magic sauce that will coat your chicken with vibrant flavor and glossy shine.
Step 7: Cook the Sauce to Thickened Glaze
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with ginger and red pepper flakes. Bring it gently to a simmer while whisking constantly. Soon, it will thicken, taking on a beautiful glossy sheen that clings perfectly to each chicken piece.
Step 8: Coat the Fried Chicken in Sauce
Return the golden fried chicken to the pan with the simmering sauce. Toss thoroughly so every piece is enveloped in sticky, flavorful orange goodness, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your orange chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped spring onions. This final touch adds a burst of color and fresh crunch that balances the rich sauce beautifully.
How to Serve Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped spring onions bring a crisp, mildly pungent freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and savory orange glaze. For extra flair, consider a few toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This orange chicken pairs superbly with fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For veggies, garlic sautéed green beans or crispy stir-fried broccoli complement the dish while adding textural variety and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in a beautiful bowl with scattered spring onions and orange zest on top for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also plate it alongside a simple Asian slaw or scoop it onto lettuce wraps for a fun and interactive meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy chicken will soften as it sits, but the flavors remain deeply satisfying and delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze portions in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much texture and flavor as possible.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until warmed through and the sauce is shiny again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep some crispness—this method preserves texture best.
FAQs
Can I make this dish with chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook it, as breast can dry out faster than thighs. Keep an eye on frying time for best results.
How spicy is this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe?
The recipe has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount to your personal heat preference or leave it out entirely if you want a milder dish.
Is fresh orange juice necessary or can I use bottled juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the brightest, most natural citrus flavor. However, 100% bottled orange juice can work in a pinch, just try to avoid juice with added sugars or preservatives to keep the balance right.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When ready, simply heat it gently and add your fried chicken for fresh, saucy goodness.
What’s the secret to super crispy chicken in this recipe?
The combination of cornstarch and flour in the coating is the key. Also, frying in hot oil until golden and draining well on paper towels ensures that wonderful, crunchy texture we all crave.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a joyous adventure in creating your favorite takeout dish with your own hands. Its balance of crispiness, zest, and sweetness makes it endlessly satisfying and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find this recipe becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Description
This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe delivers a crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and sticky orange sauce, replicating the beloved takeout classic at home. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with a bright citrus glaze infused with ginger, soy, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 400 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets (cut into bite-size pieces)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Egg (beaten)
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- ¼ cup Flour
- Vegetable Oil for Frying
Orange Sauce
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Minced Ginger
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ cup Water
- ¼ cup Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
Garnish
- Fresh Chopped Spring Onions
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch until combined thoroughly, which will create a crispy coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge them in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger and a pinch of red pepper flakes; sauté until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together water, fresh orange juice, lemon zest, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan with aromatics, bring it to a gentle simmer, and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sticky orange glaze.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped spring onions for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping again in egg and coating mixture before frying.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly according to your taste.
- Fresh orange juice is preferable for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
- Use chicken thigh fillets for juicier and more flavorful results compared to chicken breast.
- Keep the sauce warm before combining with fried chicken to maintain the glaze’s texture.
