Cooking at home doesn’t have to be a hassle! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious and easy recipe for Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken that’s perfect for quick family dinners. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Chinese takeout but wants to make it at home. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for weeknight dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Better than takeout and healthier too
- Can be made in advance for meal prep
- Kid-friendly and customizable to your taste
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe:
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering orange chicken recipe:
1. Preparing the Chicken Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined. This coating will give your chicken that signature crispy texture you love from Panda Express.
2. Coating the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, coating it completely, then roll it in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray and set aside until ready to fry.
3. Frying the Chicken
Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Making the Orange Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the sesame oil and orange zest.
5. Tossing the Chicken in Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serving
Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. Fry in batches if necessary, to ensure even cooking.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the orange juice, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
How to Serve
This orange chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
- Add some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
- Pair it with some Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles for a quick and easy meal.
- For a balanced meal, try it with a side of Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how you can make this recipe ahead of time and store leftovers:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken coating and sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For the best results, reheat it in a skillet over low heat to crisp up the chicken again.
- Freezing: While the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the crispiest texture. Simply thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and use it when ready.
Looking for more quick and easy recipes to add to your weeknight dinner ideas? Check out this Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner that’s both healthy and delicious!
Enjoy making this Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water adjust as needed
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or bottled
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 orange zest zest of 1 orange
- green onions sliced, for serving (optional)
- sesame seeds for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- 2. In a separate bowl, mix egg and water. Add the chicken pieces, coating them evenly.
- 3. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- 4. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- 5. Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until well-coated. Garnish with orange zest, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.