Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Make It at Home

I can’t get enough of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken—it’s that perfect blend of sweet and tangy that always hits the spot. But what if you could recreate that mouthwatering flavor right in your own kitchen?

After some tasty experimentation, I’ve developed a copycat recipe that’s just as satisfying as the original. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking to impress at your next dinner party, this Orange Chicken is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Gather all the following ingredients to recreate the irresistible Panda Express Orange Chicken right in your kitchen.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold water

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Tools and Equipment

To master this Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the essentials I use in my kitchen:

• Large Mixing Bowls

• For marinating the chicken and combining batter ingredients.

• Whisk

• Ensures a smooth batter without lumps.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Precision is key for balancing flavors and achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

• Deep Fryer or Large, Heavy-Bottomed Pot

• Ideal for frying chicken evenly and achieving that crispy texture.

• Cooling Rack

• Drains excess oil, keeping the chicken crisp after frying.

• Saucepan

• Perfect for simmering the orange sauce to the right thickness.

• Spatula or Tongs

• Safely handle hot chicken pieces and stir the sauce without spills.

• Knife and Cutting Board

• For mincing garlic and ginger finely, releasing their full flavors.

• Cooking Thermometer

• Maintains the oil at the optimal frying temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C).

• Wire Strainer or Sieve

• Removes any excess batter or oil from the chicken before tossing it in the sauce.
• Combines the crispy chicken with the tangy orange sauce seamlessly.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken at home. Each stage is crucial for achieving the authentic flavors and crispy textures you love.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Add the chicken pieces and toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together:

1. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add 3/4 cup of cold water to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a cooking thermometer.
2. Fry the Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
3. Crisp the Chicken: Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine:

1. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine and Serve

1. Toss the Chicken: Place the fried chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite sides.

Make-Ahead Tips

As a chef who loves perfecting dishes ahead of time, I’ve found several strategies to streamline making my copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken. These tips help save time and ensure your dish is as delicious when served later.

Marinate the Chicken in Advance

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness. Here’s how you can prepare it ahead:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Marinate: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Make the Orange Sauce Ahead

The sauce can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch.
2. Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
3. Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Prepare the Batter and Coatings

Having the batter and coating ready beforehand speeds up the frying process.

1. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Store: Cover and keep the batter mixture in the pantry for up to a week.

Freeze the Fried Chicken

Frying in batches and freezing the chicken ensures you have crispy chicken ready whenever you need it.

1. Fry the Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy.
2. Cool Completely: Let the fried chicken pieces cool on a wire rack.
3. Freeze: Place the cooled chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to serve, follow these steps to maintain the chicken’s crispiness and the sauce’s flavor:

1. Reheat the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread the frozen fried chicken on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

1. Warm the Sauce:

• Pour the refrigerated sauce into a saucepan.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring until smooth and warmed.

1. Combine and Serve:

• Toss the reheated chicken in the warm sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite sides.

Quick Reference Table

By incorporating these make-ahead tips, you can effortlessly prepare your Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve perfected your Panda Express Orange Chicken, it’s time to elevate your meal with the perfect accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delicious dish:

Perfect Pairings

• Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy and fragrant, steamed jasmine rice is the classic choice that soaks up the tangy orange sauce beautifully.

• Garlic Fried Rice

For a savory twist, garlic fried rice adds a rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the orange chicken.

• Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas provides a fresh and crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken.

Garnish with Freshness

• Sesame Seeds

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty flavor and a lovely visual touch.

• Green Onions

Finely chopped green onions bring a mild onion bite that balances the sweetness of the dish.

Beverage Pairings

Presentation Tips

• Plating

Arrange the orange chicken in the center of the plate, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and place your chosen sides around the chicken for a balanced look.

• Color Contrast

Incorporate vibrant vegetables to add color and make the dish visually appealing. Bright greens, reds, and yellows enhance the overall presentation.

• Serving Vessels

Serve on a large platter for family-style dining or use individual plates for a more formal presentation.

Make It a Complete Meal

To turn your orange chicken into a well-rounded meal, consider adding the following:

• Egg Rolls or Potstickers

These appetizers add variety and are always a hit at the dinner table.

• Asian Slaw

A tangy slaw with crisp vegetables provides a refreshing side that complements the main dish.

Conclusion

Making Panda Express-style Orange Chicken at home has been a fun journey for me It’s rewarding to recreate such a flavorful dish right in my kitchen Whether you’re craving takeout or looking to impress your guests this recipe is sure to satisfy I hope you enjoy experimenting with the flavors and textures as much as I do Cooking it yourself gives a sense of accomplishment and allows you to tweak the recipe to your liking Give it a try and bring the beloved Orange Chicken to your next meal