Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Published Feb 14, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Tasty via YouTube

I bet we can all agree that Panda Express’ chicken orange is so delicious and is one of the best things on their menu. It’s a dish that I enjoy eating any day and is my go-to whenever I’m too tired or busy to cook and prepare my food. For a while now, I have been considering making them on my own at home, I just think they are more inexpensive that way, plus there would be more serving for me!

I was really glad when I found this video tutorial by Tasty on YouTube and learned that making this was super easy, and that you can cook it perfectly every single time. It tastes just as good as the original and is super convenient to make because it’s ready in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken:

Chicken

2 pounds of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tbsp of salt
1 tsp of white pepper
1 cup of cornstarch
3 cups of flour
1 egg
1½ cups of water
2 tbsp of oil
1.5L or 6 cups of oil, for frying

Orange Sauce

1 tbsp of oil
¼ tsp of chili flakes
1 tbsp of garlic, minced
½ tsp of ginger, minced
¼ cup of sugar
¼ cup of brown sugar
¼ cup of orange juice
¼ cup of white distilled vinegar
2 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tbsp of water
2 tbsp of cornstarch
1 tsp of sesame oil

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken:

Step 1

Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and set them aside, then in a mixing bowl, add salt, white pepper, cornstarch, and flour, and whisk them until combined. Add the egg, water, and oil, then continue to mix until smooth batter, and toss in the chicken pieces.

Step 2

Give them a good mix, then place them in the refrigerator, and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. Add oil to a wok or heavy-bottomed pan, then heat it to 180°C or 350°F, and gently add the chicken one at a time.

Easy Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe — Image credit: Tasty via YouTube

Step 3

Cook them in batches to not overcrowd the pan and fry them for about 5 to 6 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with a paper towel, then place a heavy-bottomed pot on a stove over medium-high heat, and add the oil.

Step 4

Add the red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic, then saute and cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly, add in the sugar and brown sugar, and continue to stir until combined. Add the orange juice, then stir them well until the sugars have dissolved, and then stir in the vinegar and soy sauce until combined.

Step 5

Whisk together the water and cornstarch before adding them to the pan, then give them a good mix, and cook them until desired consistency. Add the cooked chicken and give them a good toss until evenly coated, then drizzle some sesame oil, and serve. Enjoy!