introduction

This Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) is sweet, tangy, and crisp. I make it at home to save money and to eat warm food with a fresh bite. You can also try a 3-ingredient orange chicken for a very quick meal if you want a fast test of the flavors.

why make this recipe

You will like this dish if you want food with bright orange taste and a little heat. It cooks fast and feeds a family. The sauce is made from simple things you have in the store. For an easy take on the orange taste, see an easy orange chicken recipe that also uses common store items.

how to make Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

You will coat the chicken, fry it until crisp, and then toss it in a warm orange sauce. Follow the steps below and keep each part ready before you cook. You can learn more about a similar roast method in this roasted orange chicken method to change how you cook the chicken.

Ingredients :

2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup orange juice
3 tbsp soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
Dried chili peppers
Red pepper flakes
salt and white pepper (to taste)
oil for frying
orange zest, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic (for sauce)

You can also read about other ways to use orange and spice in a roasted orange chicken ingredients guide.

Directions :

Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper in one bowl. Whisk eggs and a little oil in another bowl.
Coat chicken pieces first in the egg wash, then in the cornstarch mixture.
Heat oil in a deep pan; fry chicken until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes per batch. Drain on a rack or paper.
In a saucepan, mix orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir over low heat until the sauce thickens.
Stir-fry dried chili peppers and garlic in a skillet for a few seconds. Add the orange sauce and fried chicken. Toss to coat all pieces well.
Add red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Serve hot with sliced green onions on top.

You can also look at a very different oven idea like the baked ranch chicken guide if you want to try the sauce on baked meat.

how to serve Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

Serve the chicken hot on a bed of white rice or fried rice. Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. Garnish with sliced green onions and a little sesame seed if you like.

how to store Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

Cool the chicken to room temp for no more than two hours. Put in an air-tight box and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan for best crisp. Do not leave the food out at room temp for many hours.

tips to make Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

Dry the chicken pieces well before you coat them.
Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot and the chicken gets crisp.
Make the sauce a little thick so it sticks to the chicken.
Use fresh orange juice and a bit of zest for a bright taste.
If you like less heat, skip the dried chili peppers and red pepper flakes.

variation (if any)

Make it with thighs for more juice and flavor.
Bake or air fry the chicken for a lower oil version.
Add bell peppers and onions to the pan for more veg.
Try a lighter sugar option, or use honey for a bit different sweet note.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw the chicken fully and pat dry before you coat and fry it.

Q: Is cornstarch needed?
A: Cornstarch gives a light, crisp coat. You can use all flour but the texture will change.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Cool the sauce and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it up before you add the fried chicken.

Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Cut the brown sugar amount or add a little more soy sauce and a splash of vinegar.

Q: Can I use oranges instead of orange juice?
A: Yes. Fresh orange juice and some extra zest make the sauce brighter.