If you’ve ever craved the signature sweet and tangy Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’re about to discover a kitchen secret. This full recipe and step-by-step guide will give you every detail, from choosing the best chicken to perfecting that addictive orange glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll love how close this homemade version comes to the restaurant favorite. With fresh, easy-to-find ingredients and smart cooking tips, your taste buds are in for a crowd-pleasing treat. Embrace the fun of cooking from scratch and impress your family tonight!
Why This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe Is Close to My Heart
A Taste of Nostalgia
Growing up, weekend mall trips were a ritual. My family—and half the neighborhood—could never resist walking past the bright, bustling counter at Panda Express. The enticing aroma of sizzling chicken coated in tangy orange sauce always drew us in. for delicious takeout. The Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe became my gold standard Years. later, when I began recreating it at home, each batch sparked those same fond memories.
Shared Family Moments
When I first tried this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the original. I tested, adjusted, and finally “cracked the code.” That first bite was electric: crispy chicken, glossy orange glaze, and vibrant citrus warming every corner of my kitchen. Sharing this meal with my own family quickly became a tradition. It became Friday night’s highlight—savory, homemade, and always requested.
The Allure of Takeout-at-Home
There’s a thrill in making restaurant classics from scratch. The familiar flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe, with its irresistible balance of sweet and savory, feels just a little extra special when you’ve made it yourself. It’s the definition of comfort food—without waiting in line. Best of all, you control every ingredient for a genuine homestyle twist.
Healthier and Happier
Another reason I adore this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is the flexibility. I adjust the sweetness. I swap ingredients for what’s on hand. My family appreciates knowing exactly what goes into each bite. From birthday dinners to weeknight cravings, this dish never lets us down. The smell alone means we’re in for a great meal.
Making Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe at Home: Your Essential Guide
Tips for Perfect Chicken
- Choose the right chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs give juicier, tender results, while breasts taste light and crisp.
- Tenderize for added juiciness: Soak chicken in 1 tsp baking soda, 2 Tbsp white vinegar, and 1-2 cups cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse, then cut. This step makes the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe taste extra tender.
- The best breading: Combine cornstarch and flour for the classic crispy crust. A heaping third-cup of flour keeps the breading light—and the cornstarch ensures that unmistakable crunch.
Key Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or large pot: Ensures even frying and keeps oil splatter to a minimum.
- Ziplock bag: Dredging chicken is easy and cleanup is even easier.
- Small mixing bowls: For prepping the egg wash and breading.
- Saucepan: For simmering that shiny, sweet orange sauce.
Mastering The Sauce
- Fresh flavors: Crushed garlic and zested ginger deliver punchy aromatics that elevate this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe.
- Balance is key: Soy sauce adds umami, while orange juice concentrate or zest delivers citrusy brightness.
- Easy tweaks: Out of concentrate? Substitute 3 Tbsp orange juice, or use marmalade for a dash of sweetness.
Planning and Prep
- Timing: Prepare the breading while you heat your oil for peak efficiency. You can prep the sauce ingredients ahead to save time.
- Cooking in batches: Fry chicken in 2 or 3 rounds to avoid crowding the pan. This guarantees ultimate crispiness.
Full Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients List
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Egg Mixture:
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp sunflower oil or any neutral oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Dry Breading:
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (heaping)
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tsp zested ginger root, peeled
- 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate or 3 Tbsp orange juice
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice wine or apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick. Preheat 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep skillet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
- Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
- Deep fry the chicken in batches at 350°F until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- For the orange chicken sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until desired thickness (1-2 minutes).
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and transfer to a serving dish.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a large pot for your sauce—you’ll need space to toss in all the chicken!
- For even coating, add chicken to the sauce while still hot from frying.
- If using boneless chicken breasts, try the quick tenderization marinade for extra juiciness.
- Want a lighter sauce? Use low-sugar orange juice and coconut aminos.
Serving Suggestions
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe shines with classic sides:
- Fluffy steamed rice
- Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell pepper, or snap peas
- Simple green onion garnish
For a takeout-style touch, serve with fortune cookies or a crisp salad.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and retain crispiness, use a hot skillet or air fryer rather than a microwave. Add a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce becomes too thick.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Tradition with Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Homemade versions of restaurant classics have an undeniable magic, and tfhis Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe truly brings that magic to your table. Each step—from marinating the chicken to stirring the glossy orange sauce—invites you to slow down and revel in the experience of crafting a beloved dish from scratch. The beauty of making this savory-sweet favorite at home is the way it transforms a simple dinner into a celebration of comfort, flavor, and family.
What truly elevates this meal is the opportunity to share it. Gathering around a table filled with a golden platter of Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is about more than satisfying a craving. It’s about laughter echoing across the kitchen, family asking for seconds, and stories traded as everyone dives in. The control over ingredients ensures each bite is perfectly tuned to your family’s needs—less sugar, extra ginger, or a splash more citrus—without sacrificing flavor.
Don’t underestimate the versatility of this recipe, either. Want to make it lighter? Switch to baking instead of frying. Looking for a gluten-free alternative? A quick swap of flour does the trick. Hungry for a new twist? Toss in fresh bell peppers or serve over brown rice. The foundational elements of this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe hold up to your creativity, making it as timeless as it is adaptable.
What keeps people making this recipe again and again isn’t just the taste; it’s the sense of accomplishment and joy that comes from creating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. There’s pride in presenting a meal that looks—and tastes—like it came straight from your favorite spot. With every batch, you deepen your culinary confidence and expand your repertoire.
So, the next time you crave that sticky-sweet, tangy flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken, reach for this recipe and make it your own. You’ll be amazed how a handful of simple ingredients can deliver such bold and memorable results. Whether you’re reminiscing about mall food court lunches, introducing your household to a new favorite, or just looking for a fun and flavorful meal, this dish is sure to earn a regular spot at your table.
Looking for more inspiration to complete your takeout-style dinner at home? Pair your homemade orange chicken with these savory Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken or complement it with a bed of flavorful Chicken Over Rice. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, there’s always room for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Egg Mixture:
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp sunflower oil or any neutral oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Dry Breading:
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour heaping
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1/2 tsp zested ginger root peeled
- 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate or 3 Tbsp orange juice
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice wine or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick. Preheat 2 inches of oil in a large pot or deep skillet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.
- Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
- Deep fry the chicken in batches at 350°F until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- For the orange chicken sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until desired thickness (1-2 minutes).
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
- Use a Ziplock bag for dredging chicken for easy cleanup.
- Use a large pot for the sauce to easily add the fried chicken.
- For boneless chicken breasts, marinate in 1 tsp baking soda, 2 Tbsp white vinegar, and 1-2 cups cold water for 30 minutes to tenderize quickly. Rinse before cutting.
- Substitute 3 Tbsp orange juice for concentrate or use 1 Tbsp marmalade if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe taste authentic? The signature flavor comes from a sauce that balances sweetness, tang, and spice. Key ingredients include vinegar, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating a truly addictive glaze.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken? Absolutely! While frying delivers traditional crunch, baking works for a lighter option. Simply place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
How can I make the sauce less sweet? Reduce the amount of cane sugar or use fresh orange juice for more tartness. Adding extra soy sauce or a dash of rice vinegar also helps balance flavor.
Is this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your soy sauce or liquid aminos is certified gluten-free.