Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
If you have ever craved that perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and crispy flavors that make your taste buds sing, then this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful dish that captures the magic of a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen, using simple ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture you’ll find irresistible. From the light, crispy chicken to the luscious orange glaze with just the right balance of sweetness and zest, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting an unforgettable Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe. From the crispy coating to the bright and tangy sauce, every element enhances the dish in texture, flavor, or color.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and eating.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for the crispy outer coating that creates that perfect crunch.
- 2 eggs: Helps the flour stick to the chicken and adds a light layer of binding.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed for frying the chicken to a golden brown crisp.
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice: Provides the fresh, natural citrus flavor for the sauce’s vibrant base.
- Zest of 1 orange: Adds an extra punch of bright orange flavor and fragrant oils.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings balance with its salty umami depth that complements the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Contributes rich sweetness and caramel notes to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds acidity that cuts through the sugar and oil for a well-rounded flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the sauce a subtle savory kick that enhances complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Fresh ginger lends a warm, slightly spicy aroma that brightens the dish.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pieces
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to cook evenly and get that perfect crispy coating on every chunk. Uniform pieces will ensure consistent cooking times and a better textural bite.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Next, organize your breading station with two shallow bowls — one with all-purpose flour, and the other with beaten eggs. This classic combo is essential for getting that crispy coating to adhere beautifully to the chicken, giving you that iconic crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off before rolling it in the flour. This double step ensures the chicken is well coated and will fry up nicely. Don’t rush this part; a thorough coating makes all the difference.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Then, fry the coated chicken pieces for around 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so they get evenly golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil and keep them wonderfully crunchy.
Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Warm the sauce over medium heat until it starts bubbling gently. This helps the flavors meld together into a rich, tangy glaze that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Toss and Coat the Chicken
Finally, toss the fried chicken pieces in the hot orange sauce until they are fully coated in that glossy, flavorful glaze. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple fried chicken into a vibrant, crave-worthy dish that’s bursting with bright orange flavor and irresistible texture.
How to Serve Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds not only a pop of color but also a mild crunch and a burst of fresh flavor. These small touches elevate the presentation and taste, making your dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this orange chicken with steamed white rice to soak up the luscious sauce or some stir-fried veggies for added crunch and nutrients. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even a light cabbage slaw complement the sweetness and bring balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the orange chicken wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option, or pile it atop a fluffy bed of quinoa for a protein-rich bowl. You can even garnish with thin orange slices alongside the zest for a pretty, aromatic touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to preserve that saucy goodness and maintain flavor integrity.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze your cooked and sauced chicken in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 1 month. Just thaw it thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep textures and flavors intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to help maintain the crispiness of the chicken while warming the sauce through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. A quick toss in a hot pan works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and can add more flavor, but make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking. The breading and sauce method works perfectly with either cut.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking is a healthier option. Coat the chicken as directed, then bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. The sauce can be tossed on the baked chicken just the same.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the orange sauce to give it a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness. Adjust according to your heat preference.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is ideal due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil if you prefer. The key is to have enough oil to allow the chicken pieces to fry evenly without touching the pan’s surface.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken pieces and keep them coated in the fridge for a few hours before frying. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated when ready. This makes dinner faster and less stressful on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is a hands-down winner for anyone who loves flavorful and crispy chicken with a bright, irresistible orange glaze. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests or family. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for satisfying those takeout cravings!
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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken bites coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory orange sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe captures the iconic flavors of the popular restaurant dish with simple ingredients and accessible cooking methods.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 cups)
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Set up breading station: Place the all-purpose flour in one shallow bowl and beat the eggs in another. This will allow you to easily coat the chicken pieces.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1/2 inch depth and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, ideal for frying.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each piece for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the orange sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced fresh ginger. Stir and heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and sugar is dissolved.
- Toss the chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken by repeating the egg and flour coating step before frying.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant orange flavor.
- Adjust sugar to balance sweetness if preferred.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish from becoming overly salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
