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Orange Chicken has been my Panda Express order for as long as I can remember. It never matters how many new menu items they come out with—I always end up ordering Orange Chicken. There’s just something about that crispy chicken coated in that sweet sticky orange sauce that I can’t resist. Eventually I decided I needed to figure out how to make it at home, and after a few batches, this recipe became the one everyone asks for.

 

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 use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They stay extra juicy and tender while frying and hold up beautifully in the orange sauce.

Can I make Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can fry the chicken several hours ahead of time and store it separately from the sauce. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer and toss it with the warm orange sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.

Can I freeze Orange Chicken?

You can! I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and the sauce separately for the best texture. Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and combine before serving.

Why isn’t my orange sauce thickening?

Usually the sauce just needs another minute or two of simmering. If it still seems thin, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Of course! Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You’ll still get that sweet, citrusy orange flavor without much heat.

What makes this taste like Panda Express?

The combination of orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vinegar creates that signature sweet-and-tangy sauce everyone loves. Tossing crispy fried chicken in the sauce just before serving keeps it as close to the restaurant version as possible.

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.

When To Serve This Recipe

This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken is perfect for:

• Friday night takeout at home
• Busy weeknight dinners
• Family movie nights
• Meal prep lunches
• Chinese takeout cravings
• Birthday dinners
• Casual entertaining
• Back-to-school nights
• Weekend dinners
• Anytime you’re craving your favorite Panda Express meal without leaving the house

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Serving Ideas

This Orange Chicken is delicious served with:

• Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
• Steamed white rice
• Fried rice
• Jasmine rice
• Brown rice
• Vegetable fried rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Egg rolls
• Crab Rangoon
• Stir-fried vegetables

For the full Panda Express experience, serve it with my Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein and a side of steamed broccoli.

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 

More Copycat Restaurant Favorites

If you love recreating your favorite takeout and restaurant meals at home, these easy copycat recipes are sure to become new family favorites. From crispy chicken and comforting bowls to bold Mexican flavors and hearty sandwiches, these homemade versions deliver all the flavor you love without the restaurant price tag. They’re perfect for satisfying those takeout cravings any night of the week.

• Copycat Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers – crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and smoky honey chipotle sauce makes this restaurant favorite easy to enjoy at home.
• Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwiches – crispy chicken, buttery buns, and classic toppings recreate one of the most popular fast food sandwiches in your own kitchen.
• Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza – crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, sauce, and melted cheese make this fan-favorite surprisingly easy to make at home.
• Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Beef – tender shredded beef slow cooked with bold Mexican-inspired flavors is perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.
• Copycat KFC Famous Bowls – layers of mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, corn, gravy, and cheese create the ultimate comfort food dinner.
• PF Chang’s Hot and Sour Soup – this restaurant favorite is packed with bold savory flavors, tender vegetables, and just the right amount of heat for a comforting bowl that’s better than takeout.