Panda Express Orange Chicken

Name: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (plus more for frying); 1/2 cup cornstarch (for breading); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce); 2 tablespoons rice wine; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 10 tablespoons white vinegar; 10 tablespoons sugar; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving that signature sweet, tangy, and crispy bite of Panda Express Orange Chicken? This easy homemade version delivers the same bold flavor, golden crunch, and irresistible orange glaze — all in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish recreates the fast-casual favorite without the wait or the cost. With tender dark meat chicken, a rich sauce spiked with fresh orange zest, and just the right touch of heat, this recipe nails the original — some say it’s even better!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Copycat

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is more than just a fast-food dupe — it’s a crave-worthy dish that’s:

Crispy yet juicy thanks to perfectly fried chicken thighs
Flavor-packed with fresh orange zest, garlic, ginger, and a sticky-sweet sauce
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Customizable for spice level and dietary needs
Better than takeout — you control the quality, freshness, and portions

What You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Orange Chicken

The magic of Panda Express Orange Chicken lies in the balance of sweet, tangy, and umami. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles in flavor and texture.

For the Sauce:

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that iconic sticky texture
Rice Wine: Adds subtle sweetness and depth (not the same as rice vinegar)
Water: Thins out the sauce slightly to help it coat the chicken evenly
Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, toasty undertone
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings salty, umami flavor
White Vinegar: The tangy backbone of the sauce; essential for brightness
Sugar: Balances acidity and helps create the sticky glaze
Fresh Orange Zest: The key to that unmistakable citrusy aroma

For the Chicken:

Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for frying
Egg: Helps the breading stick and adds a golden finish
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for depth
Vegetable Oil: Used for both frying and coating
Cornstarch & Flour: Creates a light, crispy breading that holds up to the sauce

For the Finish:

Fresh Ginger: Adds warm spice and depth
Fresh Garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory aroma
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat that elevates the sweet-tangy balance

Smart Ingredient Swaps

Don’t have something on hand? Here are a few tested substitutions that still deliver the Panda Express Orange Chicken experience.

Rice Wine → Substitute with mirin, dry white wine, or white grape juice (for alcohol-free)
White Vinegar → Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work in a pinch
Orange Zest → Add a splash of fresh orange juice for added citrus
Chicken Thighs → Chicken breast or even tofu (for a vegetarian twist)
Cornstarch → Arrowroot or tapioca starch are good gluten-free alternatives

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken at Home

Recreating Panda Express Orange Chicken in your kitchen is easier than it seems. Just follow these simple steps for a foolproof, restaurant-style result.

Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, rice wine, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and orange zest. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix egg, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of oil. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Breading the Chicken
Combine cornstarch and flour in a separate bowl. Dredge each chicken piece in the dry mix after dipping in the egg mixture.
Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil to 375°F in a wok or deep pan. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Set on a rack to drain.
Cook the Aromatics
Drain most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for 10 seconds.
Glaze with Sauce
Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a boil. Immediately turn off the heat.
Toss and Serve
Add fried chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Chef’s Secrets for the Best Orange Chicken Ever

Achieve the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken at home with these pro tips:

Double the sauce if you love extra glaze over rice
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying — it keeps the coating crisp
Let the chicken rest briefly after frying for ultimate crunch
Zest first, then juice your orange if you’re using fresh juice
Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the chicken crispy

How to Serve and Store Your Orange Chicken

This copycat dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides and can be stored for easy future meals.

Delicious Pairings:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic, neutral base
Chow Mein Noodles: For that full Panda combo feel
Stir-Fried Broccoli: Adds crunch and a healthy touch
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Great for appetizers or sides

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Reheat in a skillet to preserve the coating’s crispness
Freeze sauce and chicken separately for up to 3 months

Healthier Twists & Tasty Variations

Looking for a lighter version or creative spin on this classic? Try these:

Baked Orange Chicken: Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F until crispy, then toss in sauce
Ground Orange Chicken: Saute ground chicken and mix with sauce for a lighter, weeknight option
Spicy Orange Chicken: Add Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for heat
Orange Tofu: Substitute tofu cubes for a meatless meal
Low-Carb Option: Skip the breading and pan-sear the chicken, then coat in sauce

The Cultural Icon Behind the Dish

Panda Express Orange Chicken isn’t just a fast-food hit — it’s a cultural phenomenon. Invented in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao, this Chinese-American dish blends Cantonese techniques with bold American flavors. Its popularity has made it a staple in U.S. mall food courts and a comfort food classic for millions.

Bringing this iconic dish into your home kitchen means more than recreating a meal — it’s embracing a cross-cultural favorite with your own twist.

Now that you know how easy it is to make Panda Express Orange Chicken at home, there’s no reason to wait in line again. With bold flavor, crisp texture, and total control over ingredients, this homemade version might just become your new go-to favorite.

Wrapping Up: Why This Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe is your ticket to mastering one of the most beloved fast-casual dishes in the U.S., right from your own kitchen. With its crispy texture, bold citrus flavor, and restaurant-quality sauce, it satisfies every craving without the cost, wait, or mystery ingredients. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding picky eaters, or planning a cozy takeout-style dinner at home, this recipe delivers every time.

From its golden-crisp coating to the zesty sweet-and-savory glaze, this version nails the nostalgic taste while letting you tweak spice levels, sweetness, and ingredients to suit your preferences. Now that you’ve got the method down, don’t be surprised if this becomes a weekly favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Orange Chicken

What makes Panda Express Orange Chicken taste so unique?

The distinct flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken comes from the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami elements. Fresh orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, and white vinegar blend into a sticky glaze that clings to crispy chicken bites. A dash of sesame oil and a hint of ginger and garlic create depth, making this dish unforgettable.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt this Orange Chicken recipe for a gluten-free diet. Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The result is just as crispy and flavorful without the gluten.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after tossing it in sauce?

To maintain the signature crunch of Panda Express Orange Chicken, fry the chicken until deeply golden, drain it on a wire rack (not paper towels), and only toss it in the sauce right before serving. If needed, reheat the chicken briefly in a hot oven before combining with the sauce to restore its texture.

Is there a healthier way to make this dish?

For a lighter version, skip deep frying and sauté or air-fry the chicken instead. While the texture won’t be identical, the flavor-packed sauce ensures the dish still satisfies. You can also reduce the sugar in the sauce or swap in fresh orange juice for a natural sweetness boost.

More Relevant Recipes

Panda Express Orange Chicken – Best Copycat Recipe Ever

Table of Contents