introduction
This is a simple copy of Panda Express Orange Chicken. It makes sweet and tangy chicken you can eat at home. The sauce tastes bright and fresh. You can cook it fast for a week night meal. For another easy version, see the easy orange chicken recipe.
why make this recipe
You make this recipe to get the same sweet orange taste at home. You can control the salt, sugar, and oil. You can make a small or large batch. If you want a very small plan, check a 3-ingredient orange chicken idea for a quick try.
how to make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Work in steps so you do not rush. First, coat the chicken and fry until it is brown and crisp. Next, make the orange glaze in a small pan and let it thicken. Toss the hot chicken in the glaze so all pieces get a shine. You can serve it with rice or noodles. For more ideas on good pairings, look at the copycat Panera chicken and wild rice soup recipes as a warm side.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange glaze until well coated.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions.
how to serve Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Serve the chicken over white rice or fried rice. Add steamed broccoli or a green salad on the side. For a warm bowl idea, you can pair with copycat Panera chicken and wild rice soup for a full meal.
how to store Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temp before you store it. Put it in an airtight box and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat so the sauce does not burn. You can also freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
tips to make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Dry the chicken well before you coat it so the coating sticks. Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. Do not crowd the pan when you fry. If you like less oil, bake the pieces at 425ยฐF until crisp. For more kitchen tips and side ideas, read the copycat Panera chicken wild rice soup notes.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken breast if you want lean meat.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap sugar for honey for a deeper sweet note.
- Use gluten-free flour and tamari for a gluten-free plate.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Cut the breast into even pieces and watch the cook time so it stays moist.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before you toss with chicken.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a small mix of cornstarch and water and stir it in until thick.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No. It is sweet and tangy. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want heat.
Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A homemade version of Panda Express Orange Chicken that features sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange glaze until well coated.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
Dry the chicken well before coating and use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Optionally bake at 425ยฐF for a lower oil preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
