Panda Express Orange Chicken

The first bite of Panda Express Orange Chicken is like a burst of sunshine in your mouth. The crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are perfectly coated with a glossy, tangy orange sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s not just about the crunch or the sauce, though—it’s the balance between them that makes this dish so irresistible. You can taste the hint of citrus and the subtle zing of ginger, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings without overwhelming the senses.

What I love most is how the sauce clings to every crevice of the chicken, ensuring that every bite is flavorful from start to finish. It’s got a little bit of everything—the perfect amount of spice, sweetness, and richness to make it feel comforting yet exciting at the same time. And, of course, the texture of the chicken is key. It’s always crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside, giving you that satisfying contrast of crunch and softness with every bite.

As you eat, the aromatic citrus and soy mingle with a subtle note of garlic, making the dish so much more than just a simple meal. It’s the kind of comfort food you crave when you want something that’s both familiar and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or paired with a side of fried rice or chow mein, this Orange Chicken has a way of making every meal feel like a special treat. Every time I’ve served it to friends or family, there’s always a moment where everyone just stops, savoring the flavor before diving in for more. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser and a dish that never gets old.

Key Ingredients in Panda Express Orange Chicken

The beauty of Panda Express Orange Chicken lies not just in its vibrant flavor but also in the carefully selected ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice. Each element plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life, from the crispy chicken to the glossy sauce that coats every bite.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The foundation of this dish, chicken thighs are chosen for their tender, juicy texture and rich flavor. They hold up beautifully when fried, staying moist while getting perfectly crispy on the outside.
• Cornstarch: A key player in giving the chicken its crispy, golden-brown coating. Cornstarch helps create that crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat inside.
• All-Purpose Flour: When paired with cornstarch, the flour creates a light batter that crisps up during frying, adding to the chicken’s satisfying crunch.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors, salt brings out the savory notes and balances the sweetness of the orange sauce.
• Black Pepper: A subtle touch of heat, black pepper adds just the right amount of spice to complement the sweetness and tang of the sauce.
• Eggs: The eggs help bind the flour and cornstarch to the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly before frying for that perfect crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, vegetable oil provides a neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine without overwhelming the dish.
• Sugar: The sweetness in the sauce is what sets Panda Express Orange Chicken apart. Sugar balances the tartness of the orange juice and vinegar, creating that crave-worthy glaze.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice delivers the vibrant citrus flavor that defines the dish. It brings a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the other ingredients and rounds out the sweetness of the sugar and orange juice.
• Rice Vinegar: With its mild tang, rice vinegar cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a nice level of acidity that brightens the dish.
• Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding a nutty, aromatic depth to the sauce. It elevates the overall flavor profile and brings complexity to each bite.
• Ginger, Grated: The fresh, zesty heat from ginger adds a delightful kick that balances the sweetness and gives the dish an extra layer of flavor.
• Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a must-have for building savory depth. Its boldness complements the sweetness of the sauce and works in harmony with the ginger.
• Cornstarch (for Sauce): Used to thicken the sauce, cornstarch gives it that velvety, clingy texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Water: Helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency, ensuring it’s just the right thickness for drizzling over the crispy chicken.
• Orange Zest: A small but mighty ingredient, orange zest adds an extra burst of citrus fragrance that elevates the overall orange flavor in the dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: The final touch of spice, red pepper flakes give the dish a subtle heat that contrasts with the sweetness, adding an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Panda Express Orange Chicken

There’s nothing quite like pairing Orange Chicken with a fluffy bed of steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the vibrant sauce, balancing out the dish’s sweetness and providing a perfect, neutral base. You’ll find yourself going back for bite after bite—trust me!

For a pop of color and crunch, serve your Orange Chicken alongside some crispy stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. The freshness of the veggies complements the richness of the chicken and adds a delightful contrast of textures.

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, why not add some savory, stir-fried chow mein noodles to the spread? The noodles add a satisfying chewiness that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken and tangy sauce. It’s a full-on flavor-packed meal!

I’ve made all three of these before, and each combination brings something special to the table. What’s your favorite way to serve it? I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

How to Store Panda Express Orange Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your Panda Express Orange Chicken properly is key to keeping it tasting fresh and delicious. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps avoid condensation inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to three days, but I bet you won’t need that long to finish it—because it’s just that irresistible!

When reheating, try to avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the chicken lose its crispy texture, and let’s be honest, that’s one of the best parts! Instead, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of oil to help crisp it up again. Tossing the chicken around in the hot pan for a few minutes will give it a nice crunch and bring back that golden-brown exterior. If you’re in a rush, though, the microwave will work in a pinch—just make sure to cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Orange Chicken. If you have a big batch and want to save some for later, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it as you normally would. The sauce may separate a bit after freezing, but a quick stir in the pan will bring everything back together. Freezing won’t keep it quite as fresh as it was on day one, but it’ll still taste amazing!

Conclusion

There you have it—the full scoop on making Panda Express Orange Chicken right in your own kitchen! From the crispy, golden chicken to that tangy, sweet sauce that’s bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s one of those recipes that has all the right elements to make you feel like a pro, yet it’s simple enough for even a beginner to pull off with ease.

I truly hope you enjoy making (and eating) this Orange Chicken as much as I do. Whether you’re serving it with rice, veggies, or noodles, it’s a surefire way to create a delicious, comforting meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And hey, don’t forget about the leftovers—they’re just as good the next day, maybe even better!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to hear how it goes. Feel free to share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or just how much you enjoyed it. And, of course, if you have any questions or need a hand while cooking, don’t hesitate to reach out. Cooking is always more fun when we share the experience together!

Print Recipe

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Crispy, golden chicken pieces are coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce that packs the perfect balance of zesty citrus and savory richness. Every bite is a satisfying mix of crunch and flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar

• ¹⁄₂ cup orange juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
4. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them lightly.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, coating it thoroughly.
6. Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
7. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in the skillet or wok.
8. Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
11. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
13. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
14. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
15. Add the orange zest and crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, stirring to combine.
16. Carefully pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
17. Continue cooking the chicken and sauce together in the skillet for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
18. Serve the Panda Express Orange Chicken immediately, garnished with extra orange zest or green onions if desired.

Note

• Make sure to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures a crispier texture.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15-30 minutes before coating.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.
• For a lighter option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying.

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