Description
This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe brings crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce just like your favorite takeout spot. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in a mix of cornstarch and flour.
- Dip each piece in beaten eggs, then dredge again in the flour mixture. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok to 350–375°F. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain.
- In a saucepan, sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper in 1 tbsp oil. Add orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugars, and zest. Bring to a boil.
- Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened and glossy.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- Double the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for best taste.
- To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, use an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken, homemade Chinese food, orange chicken recipe, easy Asian dinner, crispy chicken recipe