Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat Recipe)
This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe is easy, crispy, tangy, and sweet—just like the restaurant version. Make it at home in under 40 minutes with pantry staples.
Equipment
- deep skillet or wok
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Neutral oil, for frying (e.g. canola or vegetable)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 orange
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, sugars, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and add it to the pan. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
- Bread the chicken: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip each piece of chicken in egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Toss and serve: Place chicken in a clean bowl, pour the orange sauce over, and toss until coated. Serve immediately with rice or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 27gFat: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!