Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Craving that sweet, tangy, and crispy takeout favorite? This easy Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe delivers all the iconic flavor right in your own kitchen. With a perfectly balanced orange sauce and a quick frying method, you can create a dish that’s arguably better than takeout. For another Asian-inspired meal, try this Salad With Asian Dressing (High Protein) Recipe.
PrintCopycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- The Sauce:
- 1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes (add more for extra heat!)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tbsp ginger root (minced)
- 2 tbsp rice wine
- 2 tbsp water
- 4 tbsp white sugar
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 tbsp white vinegar
- zest of 1 orange
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing dish, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and put aside. In a small dish, mix together the egg, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Put 1/2 cup of cornstarch and flour into a shallow dish and whisk well to combine. Add enough oil to a big frying pan over medium-high heat to deep fry the chicken pieces. Preheat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as the oil is heated, dunk the chicken chunks in the beaten eggs first, then in the flour mix before placing them in the pan. Do not overfill the pan with chicken pieces; if necessary, cook in groups. Fry the chunks for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crunchy. Place on a cooling rack once fried. Remove the majority of the oil from the pan, reserving about 1 tablespoon. Pour in the orange sauce and bring it to a boil. Take the pan off the heat and mix in the cooked chicken until thoroughly covered. Serve with rice with a garnish of orange zest, sesame seeds, and green onions, if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components ahead. Fry the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crisp, then toss it in the freshly heated sauce just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to get the sauce to thicken properly?
The key is the cornstarch slurry. Whisk it into the simmering orange juice mixture and cook for a minute or two until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon. This creates the signature sticky glaze for your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You can bake it for a lighter version. Toss the coated chicken in a little oil and bake on a rack at 400°F until cooked through, then broil briefly for crispness. Note that baking yields a different texture than the deep-frying used in the classic Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe.
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