Sharing is caring!

This Panda Express Orange Chicken will be your new favorite weeknight dinner!

 

Now you can make this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken right at home with just a few simple ingredients!  Tender chicken fries up in a delicious crispy batter and then gets coated in a sticky, sweet orange glaze with just a tiny kick from red pepper flake.  Serve it over rice or lo mein and you got yourself the perfect copycat in less than that it takes to hit the drive thru!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably hit that Panda Express drive-thru more times than you’d like to admit.  I mean it is so good, so addicting, the kids love and the main reason is that Orange Chicken. It’s crispy, sticky, sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. Honestly, I swear we are addicted. We love it so much that I knew I had figure out a way to make it at home.  And I figured out the best copycat version you can make right in your own kitchen, and I swear it’s easier than you think!

This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken is one of my go to recipes because I know that everyone in my house will eat it. It uses just a few simple ingredients you already have on hand and just a few seconds in the frying pan.  You end up with tender bites of chicken with the most deliciously crisp coating, tossed in a glossy, sticky orange sauce that has just the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and the tinest kick. It’s perfect for family dinners, takeout-style nights at home, or just when you’re craving something better than delivery and it is faster than delivery! Plus you can make extra and have leftovers, which is the best part!

If you’ve never made your own takeout style chicken at home before, don’t worry this recipes is super easy and totally doable, even on a busy weeknight, especially on a busy weeknight. The ingredients are pantry staples, the sauce comes together in one pan, and you can even prep it ahead of time to make things easier. And again since this is a dinner my whole family will eat I save time by not having to four different dinners!

This is fabulous over white rice, fried rice, lo mein or some sautéed veggies.

This recipe also makes a good amount of food so it’s great for feeding a crowd, or a big family like mine.  So if you’re trying to get dinner on the table quickly, this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, fun to make, and family-approved.

• Chicken tenderloins – These cook quickly and stay super juicy. You can also use boneless skinless thighs or breasts.
• Cornstarch + flour – The combo creates that light, crunchy, crispy batter we love.
• Egg + water + oil – Helps bring the batter together and gives it a nice light texture.
• Garlic + ginger + red pepper flakes – The flavor base that makes the sauce taste just like Panda’s.
• Orange juice – Gives that fresh, tangy citrus flavor.
• Sugar + brown sugar – The sweet balance to the tang.
• Soy sauce + vinegar – Add saltiness and zip.
• Sesame oil – Just a touch gives it that signature Chinese takeout aroma.
• Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the sauce until it’s perfectly sticky.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, egg, water, and oil until smooth.
2. Batter the chicken: Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and stir to coat.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat light oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the chicken for 5–6 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Make the sauce: In a separate large skillet, whisk together the red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, sugars, orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
6. Toss it all together: Add the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve over rice or lo mein noodles with a side of broccoli or steamed veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced scallions if you like!

Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs or breasts: Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Variations

• Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Try an air fryer: For a lighter version, skip the deep frying and air fry the battered chicken (though texture won’t be quite the same).
• Add veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli and toss them with the chicken for a full meal.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Work in batches so the oil temperature stays hot and your chicken gets super crispy.
• Stir the sauce constantly once it starts bubbling so it doesn’t burn or get too thick.
• Serve immediately for best texture, this dish is best hot and freshly tossed.
• Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy for drizzling over rice!  I recommend making double the sauce!
• Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken instead of paper towels for better crispness.
• Prep your sauce ingredients ahead of time so the cooking process goes smoothly and quickly.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to fry and toss it right before serving so the chicken stays crispy.

What’s the best oil for frying? Use a neutral, high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil.

Can I freeze this? Not recommended—the sauce and batter don’t hold up well after freezing and reheating.

Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes for a mild version.  But my kids love the little kick from the red pepper flake, it is not that spicy at all, but feel free to alter it to your kid’s taste.

Serving Ideas

• Serve over white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice.
• Pair with lo mein, stir-fried veggies, or steamed broccoli.
• Turn it into lettuce wraps or rice bowls with chopped green onions.
• Add a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a full takeout-at-home experience.
• Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds for a takeout-style look.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken as crisp as possible. Microwaving will soften the coating, but still tastes great.
• Don’t freeze: The coating won’t survive thawing and reheating well.
• Store sauce separately: If you’re prepping ahead, keep sauce and chicken separate and toss just before serving.

Did you make this COPYCAT PANDA EXPRESS ORANGE CHICKEN, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

Try These Next:

• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets – Crispy, golden perfection just like the original.

• Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza – A drive-thru favorite you can whip up at home.

• Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Beef – Perfect for tacos, bowls, or nachos!

• Copycat Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake – So rich and gooey, it’s the ultimate dessert.

• Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink – A sweet, creamy refresher everyone will love.