Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz (2024)

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This Chinese Orange Chicken is made with crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky orange chicken sauce. Just like Panda Express but even better!

Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz (1)

Orange chicken is one of the most popular Chinese dishes, and for good reason! Panda Express made this dish famous, and it’s on most takeout menus alongside dishes like General Tso’s Chicken.

Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to make homemade orange chicken without the restaurant price tag, plus there are fewer calories than the Panda Express version. We’re simply battering cubed chicken thighs and frying until crispy before coating in a sticky homemade sauce with tangy citrus flavors!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

How to Make Orange Chicken

Tips for Making Orange Chicken

Healthier Variations

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

More Chinese dishes:

Chinese Orange Chicken

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as they’re moister and more flavorful. Chicken breasts also work but require extra care to avoid overcooking.
  • Batter/marinade for the chicken:
    • All-purpose flour
    • Cornstarch
    • Salt and pepper
    • Egg
    • Vegetable oil such as canola, sunflower or peanut oil
  • Orange chicken sauce:
    • Orange: You’ll be juicing and zesting a large orange for this recipe
    • Soy sauce: low-sodium recommended
    • Vinegar: rice vinegar is best or white vinegar
    • Brown sugar
    • Garlic: freshly minced is best but garlic powder as a substitute
    • Cornstarch
    • Red pepper flakes: optional if you want some heat

Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz (2)

How to Make Orange Chicken

Marinate the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces, or 1-inch cubes. Then make the batter. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a bowl. Then whisk in the egg, oil and water until smooth (the consistency should resemble thin pancake batter). Add the chicken pieces to the batter until nicely coated. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to marinate (or just 10 minutes if you’re in a rush).

Fry the chicken: Using a medium saucepan or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (177°C). While you’re waiting, line a plate with paper towels and set aside a slotted spoon or mesh strainer. Deep fry the chicken pieces in batches of 8-10 pieces at a time until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Then remove to the plate, covering with foil to keep warm.

Make the orange chicken sauce: Add the orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and garlic to a small saucepan. Raise the heat to medium and cook until it reaches a low boil. Whisk the cornstarch and water into a slurry and into the saucepan. Stir until it starts thickening and turning glossy, anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes.

Toss with the sauce: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce to coat, and a nice glaze will form. Garnish with optional sesame seeds, green onions and red pepper flakes (for a kick).

Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz (3)

Tips for Making Orange Chicken

  • To get crispy chicken, the oil should be 350˚F (177˚C) before frying and remain above 300˚F (149˚C) at all times. Use a thermometer to monitor, as the temperature will usually drop after you add the chicken.
  • Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pot or deep fryer and get even cooking. Cover the fried chicken with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  • When thickening the sauce, make a cornstarch-water slurry so it dissolves easily. If the sauce seems too thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon or two of water. If it’s too thin, let it bubble for an extra minute or two to thicken further.
  • Orange chicken is great to make ahead of time including for meal prep.

Healthier Variations

Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of deep-frying the chicken, you can bake it in the oven for fewer calories. Place the battered chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400˚F (204˚C) for 20-25 minutes until golden (slightly less if using chicken breast meat).

Stir-fried Orange Chicken: Skip the battering and frying steps altogether. Pat dry the cubed chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with salt and pepper. Then stir fry with 1 tablespoon of oil in a hot skillet until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

  • Steamed rice
  • Bok choy or broccoli
  • Beef chow mein

More Chinese dishes:

  • Lemon Chicken
  • Sesame Chicken
  • Sweet and Sour Chicken

More Chinese recipes

Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz (4)

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Chinese Orange Chicken

This Chinese Orange Chicken is made with crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky orange chicken sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 6 thighs, or 3 chicken breasts*
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, canola, sunflower etc.
  • vegetable oil , for frying depending on the size of your pan

Sauce

  • 1 large orange, you'll need the juice and zest
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar, or white vinegar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced, or 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water

Garnishes (optional)

  • sesame seeds
  • green onions, chopped
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

Chicken

  • Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Add the egg, oil and water, whisking until smooth.

  • Add the chicken cubes to the mixture, making sure the chicken gets thoroughly coated. Cover and chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. (If you're in a hurry, 10 minutes will do.)

  • In a medium saucepan or deep fryer, add 2 inches of oil and heat to 350˚F (177˚C). Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.

  • Add the marinated chicken cubes in batches of about 10-15 pieces, shaking off excess batter if needed. Deep fry for 2-3 minutes until golden, turning halfway through with a slotted spoon for even browning.**

  • Remove to the plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.

Orange Chicken Sauce

  • To a medium saucepan, add orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.

  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low boil. Carefully taste a few drops and adjust sugar, soy sauce and vinegar to suit your preference.

  • Mix the cornstarch and water in a cup to make a slurry and pour into the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. (This can take as little as 30 seconds or as long as several minutes.)

  • Add the fried chicken and toss until the sauce coats it thoroughly.

  • Garnish with optional sesame seeds, green onions and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • * Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Chicken breasts will also work, but dry out more easily so watch carefully.
  • ** To get crispy chicken, maintain the oil temperature as close as possible to 350°F. Any lower and the chicken will be greasy. Any higher and the outside will crispen too quickly before the inside is done. Also avoid crowding the pot/deep fryer.
  • Make Ahead: You can make this dish one day ahead of time and reheat in the microwave. It's also well-suited to meal prep.
  • Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Nutrition Facts

Chinese Orange Chicken

Serving Size

6 oz

Amount per Serving

Calories

445

% Daily Value*

Fat

10

g

15

%

Saturated Fat

5

g

25

%

Sodium

547

mg

23

%

Potassium

457

mg

13

%

Carbohydrates

61

g

20

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

31

g

34

%

Net Carbs

59

g

118

%

Protein

27

g

54

%

Vitamin A

207

IU

4

%

Vitamin C

25

mg

30

%

Calcium

66

mg

7

%

Iron

3

mg

17

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Please read our nutrition disclaimer.

Author: TipBuzz

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Keyword: chinese orange chicken, orange chicken

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Recipe tools:

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Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} - TipBuzz (2024)

FAQs

What is orange chicken made of at Panda Express? ›

Ingredients: dark meat chicken, water, sugar, distilled vinegar, modified food starch, corn starch, potato starch, contains less than 2% of: wheat, orange extract, caramel color, salt, garlic, phosphoric acid, rice wine, sesame oil. *The dish uses a proprietary batter and sauce.

Does Panda Express use high fructose corn syrup? ›

We have been reducing sodium in our food gradually over the last few years and are committed to cutting the amount of sodium and sugars across the menu by 2025. It starts with completely removing high-fructose corn syrup by 2021.

What type of rice does Panda Express use? ›

Just like Panda Express, we use Jasmine rice. You can use any medium or long grain rice for this dish.

What is orange chicken made of in China? ›

This Chinese Orange Chicken is made with boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces, dredged, and then fried until golden and crispy. The orange sauce is divine! It is a sweet orange sauce made with orange juice, vinegar, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, red chili flakes, and orange zest.

Why did Panda Express stop selling orange chicken? ›

Why this petition matters. Panda Express have discontinued serving the Beyond Meat orange chicken, the only vegan/vegetarian entree option. They have said this was due to the entree being a limited time item, but the popularity should make them change their minds.

Does Panda Express use MSG in orange chicken? ›

From world-famous orange chicken to delicious chow mein, Panda Express defines American-Chinese cuisine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Panda Express entrees and sides contain zero grams of trans fat per serving and adds no MSG in their food.

What is the unhealthiest thing at Panda Express? ›

The #1 worst Panda Express order is…the Chow Mein and Orange Chicken. "Panda Express's Orange Chicken and Chow Mein are considered unhealthy due to their high levels of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats," says Young. The Chow Mein and Orange Chicken is packed with: Calories: 1,000.

Why is Panda Express chicken so soft? ›

Why is Panda Express chicken so soft? Chinese restaurants use a cooking technique called velveting. One method is to marinate the meat with cornstarch to create a moist, velvety soft texture. Another method is to coat the meat in baking soda for about 20 to 30 minutes, rinse, and use in the recipe as directed.

How long can I eat leftover Panda Express? ›

Discard all perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, eggs, side dishes, or casseroles, left at room temperature longer than two hours; one hour in room temperatures above 90 °F. Once leftovers are stored safely, they will remain safe three to four days. For more information please visit Safe Handling of Takeout Food.

Is Panda Express white rice or brown rice healthier? ›

If you're craving rice with your Panda Express meal, Sabat suggests choosing brown over white, "because it contains more fiber and nutrients." Including rice with your entree instead of Super Greens does add a significant amount of calories to your meal, but at only 460 calories, combining this with one of the entree ...

Who owns Panda Express? ›

Andrew Cherng (Chinese: 程正昌; pinyin: Chéng Zhèngchāng; pronounced /ˈtʃɜːrŋ/; born April 1948) is a Chinese-born American billionaire restaurateur. He is the founder and chairman of Panda Restaurant Group, based in Rosemead, California. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Panda Express.

What is the difference between General Tso and orange chicken? ›

What is the difference between orange chicken and General Tso? Orange chicken is crispy fried with a fruity, sweet, and tangy sauce that's caramelized into a glaze. General Tso is stir-fried in a sweet, sour, and spicy umami sauce.

What is the original orange chicken? ›

The original “Orange Chicken” had no breading around each piece of chicken and the sauce was made of leftover orange or lemon peels cooked with soy sauce, chilis and garlic. The sauce had a citrus element, but it wasn't as pronounced or sweet like you would think of today.

What Chinese chicken is similar to orange chicken? ›

If you have never tried it, it has been called the spicy cousin to Orange Chicken. In the American Chinese takeout versions, they are both deep-fried (except in our version is crunch baked) but General Tso's Chicken is characterized by the sweet and spicy sauce that is kicking with garlic and ginger.

Is Panda Express orange chicken breast meat? ›

Panda orange chicken uses boneless and skinless chicken thighs. The chicken is breaded and deep-fried and served with rice. The famous Panda Express orange sauce combines water, orange extract, distilled vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

Is Panda Express orange chicken made with white meat? ›

Panda Express' orange chicken is made with dark meat chicken

And when prepared correctly, a boneless, skinless chicken breast can be a thing of beauty. But dark meat has its benefits, too, and Panda Express realizes this.

Is orange chicken from Panda Express unhealthy? ›

How Healthy Is Panda Express Orange Chicken? Not very. This fan favorite is one of the highest-calorie, highest-sugar options on the Panda Express menu. One serving of this dish has 490 calories, 23g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 51g carbohydrate, 25g protein, and 820mg sodium (9).

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