Craving that iconic sweet and tangy flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken but don't want to leave the house? Or perhaps you are trying to limit the take-out, yet still enjoy this amazing dish? I get it! Nothing beats the convenience of fast food when you are busy. But what if you could recreate that same deliciousness at home, in a way that's quicker, healthier, and even more flavorful? I'm here to give you the Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe so you can savor every bite without the guilt. Trust me, this recipe will become a family favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, our family restaurant outings were a rare treat. But when we’d go to the mall, my Grandma always made a beeline for Panda Express, ordering a heaping plate of Orange Chicken with fried rice. The sweet, tangy aroma and crispy chicken always filled the air, making it the perfect bonding recipe. This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe helps recreate that same familiar nostalgic experience for me every single time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
To Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge Chicken: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, and coating it evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the Chicken: Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack lined with paper towels. It will help maintain the crispness.
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic, and ginger.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe!
Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Dredge Chicken: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, and coating it evenly.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, vegetable oil
- Drain the Chicken: Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack lined with paper towels. It will help maintain the crispness.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic, and ginger.1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe!Green onions, Sesame seeds