Crispy Orange Chicken – Panda Express Style
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowls, whisk, deep fryer or large pot, wok or large skillet, tongs, paper towels
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (905 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup (125 g) cornstarch
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups (360 mL) water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55 g) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup (60 mL) white distilled vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together salt, white pepper, cornstarch, and flour.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add water and 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter
Coat the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 6 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
Prepare the Orange Sauce:
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add red chili flakes, minced garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce.
Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Slowly add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
🥢 The Secret Behind Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Homemade Delight
If you’ve ever dined at Panda Express, chances are high that you’ve tasted their most iconic dish — Orange Chicken. This crispy, sweet, and tangy masterpiece has become a fast-food legend, and it’s not hard to see why. With its golden battered chicken and glossy orange sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
🍊 What Makes Panda Express Orange Chicken So Addictive?
The magic of Panda Express Orange Chicken lies in the sauce — a harmonious blend of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and a hint of chili. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors hits all the right notes. But it’s not just the sauce — the chicken is coated in a light batter, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed generously in the orange glaze.
It’s a comfort food that brings together American and Chinese flavors in the best way possible.
🍽️ Why Make It at Home?
Sure, you can grab a box at your local Panda Express, but making Orange Chicken at home gives you full control over the ingredients — from the quality of the chicken to how sweet or spicy you want the sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and can be customized to fit different dietary needs.
Homemade versions also allow for healthier alternatives, like baking or air frying the chicken, and swapping out refined sugar for natural sweeteners.
🧄 Tips for the Best Homemade Orange Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results. They stay tender even after deep frying.
- Cornstarch in the batter creates a light, crispy coating.
- Don’t skip the orange zest — it adds brightness and depth to the sauce.
- Double the sauce if you love a saucy stir-fry. It also goes great with steamed broccoli or rice.
👨🍳 Popular Copycat Recipes
There are plenty of copycat recipes online that recreate the famous Panda Express Orange Chicken, but the best ones stay true to the flavor profile while simplifying the cooking steps. Whether you’re using a wok or a skillet, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
One of the most beloved versions includes marinating the chicken in a flavorful batter before deep frying, then tossing it in a homemade orange sauce that mirrors the original — sweet, sticky, and delicious.
🏷️ Final Thoughts
is more than just a fast-food favorite; it’s a modern classic that you can enjoy anytime in your own kitchen. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll be dishing out restaurant-quality Orange Chicken that tastes just as good — if not better — than the original.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will never fail to satisfy.
Other menu recipes can be see here
Original inspiration: Tasty
