Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

I’ve been making this Panda Express Orange Chicken for years, and every time I cook it, the sweet, tangy smell of fresh oranges fills the kitchen. I first tried this Panda Express Orange Chicken on a busy weeknight, and even the picky eaters loved it. Over time, this Panda Express Orange Chicken became our family favorite for weeknights and surprise guests.

I like serving it with steamed rice, soft noodles, or Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Waffles, which I’ve tried with the recipe and taste amazing together.

INGREDIENTS

Chicken breast
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Salt
Black pepper
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Sugar
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Garlic
Ginger
Water
Green onions
Sesame seeds

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INGREDIENTS NOTES

• Chicken breast: This is the main protein of the recipe, it becomes juicy inside and crispy outside when cooked the right way.
• Cornstarch: This helps make the chicken coating light, crispy, and golden when fried.
• All-purpose flour: This mixes with the cornstarch to create a soft but crunchy coating.
• Salt: This brings out the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the sauce.
• Black pepper: This adds a very gentle warmth without being spicy.
• Eggs: These help the coating stick to the chicken pieces properly.
• Vegetable oil: This is used for frying and gives the chicken its crispy texture.
• Fresh orange juice: This gives the sauce its sweet and fruity orange flavor.
• Orange zest: This adds a bright orange smell and stronger orange taste.
• Sugar: This makes the sauce sweet and smooth.
• Soy sauce: This adds a salty, deep flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Rice vinegar: This adds a small tangy taste to keep the sauce from being too sweet.
• Garlic: This gives the sauce a warm and tasty aroma.
• Ginger: This adds a fresh, gentle spice that makes the sauce lively.
• Water: This helps thin the sauce so it coats the chicken evenly.
• Green onions: These add a fresh crunch and a mild onion taste on top.
• Sesame seeds: These are used for garnish and add a tiny nutty flavor.

How to make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe?

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly. Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle it with salt and black pepper. Mix gently so every piece gets seasoned.

Step 2: Make the coating

In another bowl, mix the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them lightly until smooth. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg first, then roll it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Step 3: Heat the oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or pot. Heat the oil on medium heat. The oil should be hot enough so the chicken sizzles when placed in, but not smoking. This helps the chicken become crispy without burning.

Step 4: Fry the chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry in small batches so the pan does not get crowded. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken turns golden and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra oil.

Step 5: Prepare the orange sauce

In a clean saucepan, add fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together while the heat is low. This helps the sugar dissolve slowly.

Step 6: Thicken the sauce

Turn the heat to medium and keep stirring the sauce. As it warms, it will start to thicken slightly. The sauce should look shiny and smooth, not too thick and not too runny.

Step 7: Combine chicken and sauce

Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Gently stir so every piece is coated. Let it cook together for a few minutes so the chicken absorbs the orange flavor.

Step 8: Final touch

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. The orange chicken is now ready to serve while warm and fresh.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Deep pan or pot
• Saucepan
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

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Storage Options

Orange chicken can be stored easily for later meals. Once it cools down, place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a pan on low heat or a microwave. Adding a small splash of water helps the sauce stay smooth.

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Variations for Orange Chicken Recipe

• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier texture.
• Add small pieces of bell pepper or broccoli for extra color and texture.
• Use honey instead of sugar for a softer sweetness.
• Make it less sweet by reducing the sugar slightly.
• Serve it with noodles instead of rice for a different experience.

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FAQ

What is this orange chicken recipe made of?

This orange chicken recipe is made of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger.

What does orange chicken taste like?

Orange chicken tastes sweet, slightly tangy, and savory at the same time. The orange flavor is bright and fresh, while the chicken is crispy and comforting.

Can orange chicken be made ahead of time?

Yes, orange chicken can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheating gently helps keep the sauce smooth and flavorful.

Is orange chicken spicy?

This orange chicken recipe is not spicy. It has a mild and gentle flavor that focuses on sweetness and citrus rather than heat.

Why is orange chicken so popular?

Orange chicken is popular because it combines crispy texture with a sweet and fresh sauce. The balance of flavors makes it comforting and enjoyable.