About this recipe

This is a simple copy of Panda Express Orange Chicken that you can make at home. The sauce tastes bright and sweet. The chicken gets crisp and stays juicy. If you like a different oven method, see this roasted orange chicken recipe for more ideas.

Why make this recipe

You can make this dish fast at home. You use common items from the store. Kids and guests will eat it up. If you want a very quick orange chicken, try this three-ingredient orange chicken to save time.

How to make Panda Express Orange Chicken

You will cut the chicken, make a light batter, fry the pieces, and toss them in the sauce. You can make the sauce while the chicken fries. If you want another easy chicken dish to cook on slow heat, try this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a change.

Ingredients :

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- Zest of one orange (optional)

Directions :

Pat the chicken dry and add a little salt and pepper.
Put flour and cornstarch in a bowl. Put eggs in another bowl.
Dip the chicken in egg, then coat with the flour mix.
Heat oil in a pan to medium-high. Fry chicken in small batches until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towel.
For the sauce, mix orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest in a pan. Bring to a low boil.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens and looks glossy.
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until each piece has a good coat.
Serve hot.

For a rich, creamy side idea, you can look at this marry me chicken pasta recipe to pair with your meal.

How to serve Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serve the orange chicken over white rice or fried rice. Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. For a casual meal, place the chicken on a platter and let people help themselves. You can also serve it with this crack chicken tenders recipe as a crunchy side for kids.

How to store Panda Express Orange Chicken

Cool the chicken to room heat before you store it. Put it in an airtight box. Keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan so the sauce shines and the chicken does not get soggy. You can freeze the chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Tips to make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Use dark meat (thighs) for more juice.
Do not crowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches.
Dry the chicken well so the batter sticks.
Make the sauce a bit thick so it clings to the chicken.
Taste the sauce and add more sugar or soy sauce to match your sweet-sour taste.

Variation (if any)

Make a baked version: spray the chicken with oil and bake at 425°F until crisp.
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Use honey instead of sugar for a different sweet note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast works fine. Cut it into even pieces and watch the cook time.

Q: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Cut the sugar by one third and add a little more soy sauce or a splash more vinegar.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw it first. Pat dry before you batter and fry.

Q: Can I air fry the chicken?
A: Yes. Spray the chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F until crisp.

Q: How do I keep the chicken crisp when I reheat?
A: Reheat in a hot pan or oven. Do not microwave if you want crisp skin.

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe