Name: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Chinese/American
Ingredients: FOR THE CHICKEN; 1.5 lb (700 g) boneless and skinless chicken breast; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp white pepper; 1 cup (125 g) cornstarch (cornflour); 3 cups (375 g) plain flour; 1 egg; 2 tbsp oil; 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water; 4 cups (1 litre) vegetable oil for frying; FOR THE SAUCE; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tsp minced ginger; ¼ tsp chilli flakes; 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar; 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar; 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice; 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar(60 ml); 4 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp water mixed into 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp sesame oil

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Crispy deep-fried chicken in a glossy, sticky sauce. You’ll never order takeout again once you’ve tried this delicious copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Orange chicken is a popular American-Chinese dish, known for its thick and citrusy sauce. Panda Express Orange Chicken uses tender chicken pieces which are deep-fried until golden and crispy then tossed in a glossy, flavourful sauce.

This copycat Orange Chicken recipe tastes just like the one from Panda Express. You won’t find a better imitation recipe. This one is flawless because I made sure it was last time I visited family in the US!

Copying a recipe like this Panda Exprees Orange Chicken is always easier when you have the real thing in front of you to compare and improve upon.

Exactly like you will find in Panda Express. You will love this copycat recipe!

About this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe.

This Orange Chicken recipe is a perfect copycat of the popular dish from Panda Express.

By using fresh ingredients and following this recipe, you can recreate this iconic dish at home. With this recipe, you can enjoy a Panda Express quality meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Panda Express or simply love a good orange chicken, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful dining experience right in your own kitchen.

What’s more… it’s a lot less expensive.

Can I make my chicken pieces extra crispy?

To achieve that signature crispiness, double fry the chicken. First, fry the chicken pieces until they are just cooked through.

Then remove them from the oil, let them rest for a few minutes before frying them again until they are golden brown and extra crispy.

How long will my Panda Express Orange Chicken keep in the fridge?

As I’m sure you will know, recipes like this Panda Express orange chicken are best served hot from the wok. If you do want to store leftovers, you can though.

This orange chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store the chicken in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out.

Also, if possible, store the sauce separately from the chicken. This helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness and prevents it from becoming soggy.

To reheat, just heat up your wok with a little oil and toss the leftovers around until heated through. That or use your microwave but a wok is the best choice.

Can I freeze the orange chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this orange chicken recipe. Allow both the chicken and sauce to cool completely before freezing.

Orange Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. For the best texture, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy when reheated.

What can I serve with this Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This recipe is best served with fried rice. You might like to try this Chinese Egg Fried Rice recipe. Alternatively, you can try this Perfect White Rice. You can even prepare the rice in your air fryer by following this Air Fryer Rice recipe. If you like using the air fryer, this recipe also goes well with Salt and Pepper Chips. Add an extra dish to this feast by trying this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken or Sesame Chicken recipe.

Pro Tips:

Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavour, use fresh garlic, ginger, and orange zest in your sauce. Fresh ingredients bring a more vibrant and authentic taste compared to dried or powdered alternatives.

Get the batter right: When coating the chicken, ensure each piece is evenly and lightly coated in the batter. Shake off any excess batter before frying. This helps achieve an even, golden-brown crust without it being too thick or soggy.

Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent at around 350F/180C when frying the chicken. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.

What if you don’t have an oil thermometer?

They aren’t expensive but if you don’t have one and would still like to try this Panda Express orange chicken, try this…

Place a wooden chopstick in the oil. If thousands of little bubbles start forming around it on contact, your oil is ready to cook.

Step by step photographs…

ingredients for panda express orange chicken

Prepare your ingredients in advance. This will save you time!

Mix both the flours with the salt and pepper. Then crack the egg into the bowl and add the oil.

Making the batter for the panda express orange chicken.

Start to whisk the ingredients whilst gradually pouring in the water until you have a pancake batter consistency.

Add the chicken to the bowl. Coat in the batter.

Cover and leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Heat the oil in a large pan until visibly hot. You want the temperature to be 350F/180C. If you do not have a thermometer, test the temperature with little bit of the batter to check that it sizzles instantly. Cook the chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.

Place the cooked chicken on a plate with a sheet of kitchen roll to soak up any excess oil.

sauce ingredients for panda express orange chicken.

In a wok or pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over a medium-high heat. When visibly hot, add the garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds.

Add the sugar and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

Add the orange juice and allow the sugars dissolve. Stirring regularly.

Stir in the soy sauce and vinegar.

Gradually add the cornstarch and water slurry until you have a syrup consistency. You may not need it all.

Chicken added to the pan for the Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Now, add the cooked chicken to the sauce and coat well.

Once coated, your pan should look like this. Top with sesame oil.

Panda express orange chicken served up with fried rice

Top with spring onion (scallions) and serve with fried rice. You will love this copycat Panda Express recipe.

Like this copycat recipe? Why not try some of these other copycat recipes?

Have you tried this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe?

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Yield: 6