If you’ve ever found yourself craving the sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy orange chicken from Panda Express, you’re not alone. This iconic dish is a favorite for a reason—it’s crispy, flavorful, and completely addictive. But what if you could make it at home and have it taste just like the real deal (or even better)? With this copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen.
This homemade version is everything you want: crispy chicken bites coated in a luscious orange glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory with a subtle kick of heat. The sauce is made with fresh orange juice, zest, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar and sugar for that signature Panda Express tang.
The chicken is first marinated in a simple mixture for extra flavor, then coated in cornstarch and lightly fried to golden perfection. After that, it’s tossed in the glossy, citrusy sauce until each piece is fully coated and glistening. It’s a true flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or chow mein.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s approachable and requires no deep fryer. A shallow pan and some oil are all you need to achieve that irresistible crunch. And if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you can even try baking or air-frying the chicken instead.
While the restaurant version is great for takeout, the homemade version lets you control every ingredient—no preservatives or mystery sauces here. Plus, you can customize the sweetness, spice level, and even make it gluten-free if needed.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cooking when you want something special. It’s kid-friendly, fun to make, and super satisfying to eat. You’ll be surprised at how much it tastes like the original—and maybe even better.
Not only does this recipe deliver amazing taste, but it also comes together faster than you might think. In just under 45 minutes, you can have a hot and fresh batch of Panda Express-style orange chicken ready to go.
Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s bright, bold, and guaranteed to impress.
From the crispy texture to the vibrant sauce, this orange chicken checks all the boxes. And once you’ve tried it, you may never go back to takeout again.
So grab some fresh oranges, heat up the pan, and get ready to recreate a Chinese-American classic that everyone will love.
Servings: 4
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
- For a lighter version, bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying.
- Adjust sugar or red pepper to taste if you prefer sweeter or spicier.
- Make extra sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It tastes just like (or better than) Panda Express.
- Crispy, saucy, and full of bold orange flavor.
- Easy to make at home with no special tools.
- Great for both casual dinners and impressing guests.
- You control the ingredients—no mystery takeout.
Summary: This Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat recipe brings the perfect balance of crispy texture and citrusy flavor to your kitchen. Juicy chicken pieces fried until golden and tossed in a sticky orange sauce make for a crave-worthy meal you’ll want to make again and again.
