Panda Express Orange Chicken

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Recreate the legendary Panda Express Orange Chicken at home with this ultimate copycat recipe featuring crispy fried chicken in a tangy, sweet citrus glaze.

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken

  • Cuisine: American Chinese
  • Category: Main Course, Chicken
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 420 calories

Making legendary takeout at home is easier than you think. It is pure magic. This crispy, golden chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze perfectly captures the iconic flavors that made Panda Express famous worldwide. You will love the sensory explosion of citrus and spice.

Achieving that signature shattering crunch requires a special cornstarch corn-flour batter. Listen to that crackle. As the battered thigh meat hits the hot oil, it puffs up into light, airy pockets designed to catch every drop of sauce. Dark meat stays incredibly juicy throughout this fast frying process.

The secret lies in balancing the intense sweet and sour elements. Citrus aroma fills the air. Fresh orange juice combines with soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar to create a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the high heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle, warming kick.

Chef Andy Kao invented this iconic culinary masterpiece back in 1987. It changed fast food forever. Inspired by the flavors of Hunan province, he adapted traditional bone-in citrus chicken to suit the fast-casual tastes of hungry American diners. Today, it remains the ultimate comfort food for millions.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish during your next casual weekend game night. Everyone will crave seconds. It pairs wonderfully with steaming jasmine rice or classic chow mein to recreate the authentic restaurant experience right at your dining table. Your guests will definitely beg you for this secret recipe.

Recipe

Bring the beloved flavors of the food court straight to your kitchen with this incredibly easy, crispy, and highly addictive homemade orange chicken recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for the marinade)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for the slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Method Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir in the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Dredge the coated chicken pieces thoroughly in this flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken in small batches for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
  4. In a clean wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the orange juice, white vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and brown sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the liquid begins to simmer.
  6. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  7. Add the fried chicken pieces to the wok and toss quickly until every piece is evenly coated with the sticky orange sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve hot.

Recipe Video

The Original Orange Chicken by Panda Express

The Original Orange Chicken by Panda Express – step‑by‑step recipe tutorial

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 1248 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Panda Express Orange Chicken, Orange Chicken Recipe, Copycat Panda Express, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Crispy Orange Chicken

Servings

This delicious copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken makes four generous servings and can be served in several appetizing ways:

  • Serve over a bed of steaming white jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the extra citrus glaze.
  • Accompany with classic stir-fried chow mein noodles and mixed vegetables for a complete takeout-style plate.
  • Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.
  • Pack into meal prep containers with fried rice for a flavorful, easy-to-reheat lunch throughout the week.

Tips

  1. Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast to ensure the meat stays incredibly juicy and tender.
  2. Maintain the frying oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) so the chicken crisps quickly without absorbing excess oil.
  3. Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which causes sogginess.
  4. Double-fry the chicken for an extra minute just before tossing in the sauce to achieve ultimate, long-lasting crispiness.
  5. Zest a fresh orange into the sauce to intensify the natural, bright citrus aroma and flavor.
  6. Ensure the cornstarch slurry is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent lumpy glaze.
  7. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce immediately before serving so the crispy exterior doesn't get soggy.
  8. Use a high-smoke-point oil like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil for frying the chicken safely at high temperatures.
  9. Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to customize the heat to your personal preference.
  10. Let the chicken sit in the egg marinade for 10-15 minutes before dredging to help the coating adhere better.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you are missing some ingredients, try these easy substitutes to keep your cooking on track:

  1. Chicken Thighs: Substitute with boneless chicken breasts, firm tofu cubes, or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative.
  2. White Vinegar: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you do not have distilled white vinegar on hand.
  3. Cornstarch: Replace with potato starch or arrowroot powder to achieve a similarly light and crispy batter texture.
  4. Soy Sauce: Use tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free alternative that still provides that deep umami flavor.
  5. Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to sweeten the orange glaze naturally.

Remarks

Recreating this beloved restaurant favorite at home is incredibly rewarding and simple. Your family will love it. By mastering the balance of crispy frying and sweet-tangy sauce reduction, you can enjoy fresh, hot, and preservative-free orange chicken anytime the craving strikes. Gather your ingredients and start cooking this ultimate comfort meal tonight.

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