Have you ever craved the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors? If so, then you’re about to discover how to create a delightful dish right in your kitchen. Panda Express Orange Chicken is a beloved staple known for its crispy texture and luscious orange sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma of ginger and garlic fills the air as it cooks, making it impossible to resist.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
- How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Tips and Tricks
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?
- How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?
- Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?
- How long does Panda Express Orange Chicken last in the fridge?
- Conclusion for Panda Express Orange Chicken
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish embodies comfort food at its finest, ideal for cozy family dinners or an impressive meal for guests. Imagine tender chunks of chicken enveloped in a glossy, citrusy glaze that not only looks appealing but also tastes divine. Whether served over fluffy rice or paired with stir-fried vegetables, this orange chicken promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of preparing a restaurant-quality dish at home without compromising flavor.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.
Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are recommended; feel free to adjust depending on portion sizes.
- Eggs: Use two large eggs to create a batter that coats the chicken perfectly before frying.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for breading the chicken and achieving that crispy texture when fried.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose oil with a high smoke point for frying; canola or peanut oil works well.
For the Sauce:
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is best, adding natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels while providing depth to the sauce’s flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the coating on the chicken during cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, beat the eggs until they’re frothy. In another bowl, add flour seasoned with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then roll it in the flour until fully coated. This double coating ensures maximum crispiness when cooked.
Step 3: Heat Oil
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add your coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about five minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare Sauce
In another saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic minced finely, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add your fried chicken back into the saucepan with sauce. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated and heated through. Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For optimal flavor, always use fresh oranges instead of bottled juice when possible.
- Control Heat While Frying: Maintain medium-high heat during frying; too low will result in soggy chicken while too high may burn it.
- Toss with Sauce Just Before Serving: For maximum crispiness on your fried chicken pieces, toss them with sauce just before serving rather than letting them sit in it too long.
Serving Suggestions
This Panda Express Orange Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice complements the tangy orange sauce perfectly, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds crunch and nutrition, balancing the dish’s richness.
- Chow Mein: This classic noodle side brings a savory element that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and zesty orange chicken.
FAQs
What is Panda Express Orange Chicken made of?
Panda Express Orange Chicken features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sauce typically combines orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Some recipes include red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This dish stands out due to its crunchy texture from the battered chicken and the glossy finish of the sauce. For those looking to replicate this iconic dish at home, using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
How can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?
To create a healthier version of Panda Express Orange Chicken, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Use whole-grain breadcrumbs for coating to add fiber while reducing calories. Additionally, you can modify the sauce by reducing sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Incorporating more vegetables into the dish not only boosts nutrition but also enhances flavors. Serve it over brown rice or quinoa for an even healthier meal option.
Can I make Panda Express Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce in both the coating and the sauce. Ensure that any additional ingredients like cornstarch or breadcrumbs are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors without compromising your dietary needs. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe.
How long does Panda Express Orange Chicken last in the fridge?
Panda Express Orange Chicken can last in the fridge for about three to four days when stored properly in an airtight container. To maintain its texture, reheat it gently in a skillet rather than using a microwave, which may make it soggy. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. When frozen correctly, it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it overnight before reheating for optimal taste and texture.
Conclusion for Panda Express Orange Chicken
In summary, Panda Express Orange Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures right at home. It features crispy chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that is truly irresistible. Pairing this dish with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables enhances its appeal while adding nutritional value.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a deliciously addictive dish that brings the zing of sweet and tangy flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Beat the eggs in one bowl and season flour with salt and pepper in another.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then coat with flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 5 minutes until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic; heat until sugar dissolves.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated; serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg