Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

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Recreate the iconic Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken at home with this easy recipe. Learn the secret to ultra-crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and savory orange glaze.

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

  • Cuisine: American-Chinese
  • Category: Entrees, Chicken Dishes
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 480 calories

Making legendary takeout at home is easier than you think. Pure culinary magic. Crispy double-fried chicken thighs get tossed in a glossy, citrusy glaze that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Your kitchen will smell exactly like the mall food court.

The secret lies in the light cornstarch batter. It shatters beautifully. As the hot orange sauce hits the freshly fried chicken, it clings to every nook and cranny without making it soggy. Each bite delivers an incredibly satisfying, loud crunch.

Fresh orange zest elevates the sauce to another level. Taste the bright zing. Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar simmer together with garlic and ginger to create a deeply caramelized, savory depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth.

Chef Andy Kao invented this iconic dish in Hawaii. It changed everything. Now you can recreate this beloved American-Chinese masterpiece for game days, busy weeknights, or casual weekend family gatherings. It is guaranteed to please kids and adults alike.

Homemade versions give you complete control over the ingredients. No mystery additives here. You can adjust the sweetness, ramp up the spice, or use high-quality chicken thigh meat for the ultimate juicy texture. It outshines the restaurant original in every single way.

Recipe

Recreate the crispy, tangy magic of the food court favorite right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 pinch white pepper
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Method Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, salt, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir in the chicken pieces until well coated.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat about 2 to 3 inches of frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or wok to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. For extra crispiness, heat the oil back to 375°F and fry the chicken a second time for 1 to 2 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Drain again.
  6. To make the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, water, sugar, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  8. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
  9. Add the fried chicken pieces and sesame oil to the wok. Toss rapidly until every piece is beautifully coated in the sticky orange sauce. Serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Testing TikTok vs Panda Express express Orange Chicken!

Testing TikTok vs Panda Express express Orange Chicken! – step‑by‑step recipe tutorial

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 142 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Orange Chicken, Panda Express Copycat, Chinese Takeout, Easy Dinner, Crispy Chicken

Servings

Serve this mouthwatering orange chicken hot alongside your favorite Chinese takeout sides.

  • Pair it with classic steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the extra citrusy glaze.
  • Serve alongside homemade vegetable chow mein or fried rice for the ultimate food-court experience.
  • Accompany with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add a fresh, healthy green component to your meal.
  • Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Tips

  1. Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts to ensure the meat stays incredibly juicy and tender after frying.
  2. Do not skip the orange zest, as it contains essential oils that provide the signature bright, punchy citrus aroma.
  3. Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which can lead to greasy chicken.
  4. Double-fry the chicken pieces for the ultimate crunch that holds up exceptionally well even after being tossed in the warm sauce.
  5. Ensure your frying oil reaches exactly 375°F (190°C) before adding the chicken to get an instant sear.
  6. Mix the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.
  7. Use a wok if you have one, as its high sloping sides allow for fast tossing and even sauce distribution.
  8. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your family's preferences.
  9. Dry the chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels before dredging to help the coating adhere perfectly.
  10. Serve the dish immediately after tossing to enjoy the contrast of the hot, crispy exterior and sticky glaze.

Ingredient Substitutes

Easily adapt this recipe to fit your pantry contents or dietary preferences with these simple swaps.

  1. Chicken Breast: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for thighs, though you must monitor cooking times carefully to prevent drying out.
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar: If you run out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works as a suitable replacement with a mild, fruity acidity.
  3. Gluten-Free Tamari: Swap the traditional soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free flour to make this recipe completely gluten-friendly.
  4. Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different style of natural sweetness and glaze texture.
  5. Potato Starch: Use potato starch in place of cornstarch for an even lighter, crispier exterior coating on the fried chicken.

Remarks

This copycat Panda Express orange chicken recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience right to your dining table. It successfully captures the nostalgic, sweet, and zesty flavors of the mall favorite while utilizing fresh, wholesome ingredients. It is bound to become a highly requested staple in your weekly dinner rotation.

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