Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to your favorite Chinese takeout spot, except this homemade version is even better!

Orange chicken has become a staple of American-Chinese cuisine, loved for its crunchy texture and bright citrus flavor. Originally inspired by traditional Chinese sweet and sour dishes, it was popularized by Panda Express in the 1980s. Since then, it has become a favorite for many, whether served over fluffy rice or with a side of steamed vegetables.

Making this dish at home means you can enjoy all the flavors you love—without the extra oil and preservatives of restaurant versions. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple! With a crispy coating and a glossy, sticky sauce bursting with orange zest, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and flavorful – The chicken stays crunchy even after being coated in the delicious sauce.
• Perfectly balanced sauce – Sweet, tangy, and slightly savory, the sauce has just the right amount of citrus kick.
• Easy to make at home – No need for takeout when you can whip this up in under an hour!
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken but still smooth and pourable.

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated. Carefully drop them into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan, tossing until each piece is evenly coated in the rich orange glaze. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to ensure the flavors soak in.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Helpful Tips

• For extra crispiness, fry the chicken in two batches, letting it rest for a few minutes before giving it a second quick fry. This helps lock in the crunch!
• Fresh orange juice makes a difference – While bottled juice works, fresh oranges give the sauce a more vibrant flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness and spice – If you like a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Use a thermometer for frying – Keeping the oil at a steady 350°F ensures crispy chicken without being greasy.
• Make it ahead – You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Deep Frying & Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: American-Chinese
• Diet: Halal

Notes

• Double-frying for extra crispiness – If you want the ultimate crunch, fry the chicken once, let it rest for a few minutes, and then fry it again for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
• Sauce consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, a little extra cornstarch slurry will do the trick.
• Make it gluten-free – Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.
• Serving ideas – This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Storage tip – Keep the sauce and fried chicken separate if storing for later; this prevents the chicken from getting soggy when reheated.
• Customize the heat level – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you like extra spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast works well, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Instead of deep frying, you can air fry or bake the chicken. To air fry, coat the chicken lightly with cornstarch and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, but it’s also delicious with fried rice, chow mein, or sautéed vegetables.

How do I thicken my sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in while simmering. It will thicken within minutes.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer and toss with warm sauce.
• Reheating: To keep it crispy, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes instead of microwaving.

Related Recipes

If you love this Panda Express Orange Chicken, you might also enjoy these:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: A Sweet and Zesty Comfort Dish
• Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Cozy Culinary Tradition
• Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)
• Spicy Orange Chicken Wings

Conclusion

Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, sweet, tangy, and completely addictive. Once you realize how easy it is to make from scratch, you might never go back to takeout again! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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