Craving that perfect sweet-and-tangy orange chicken from Panda Express—but want to skip the takeout line? You’re in the right place. This homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe combines crispy fried chicken bites and a bold citrus sauce for a restaurant-style experience at home.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor without the hassle. From crispy texture to the iconic sticky glaze, this dish has everything stir-fry lovers dream of—and it’s ready in under 40 minutes!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
- ✅ Crispy and tender every time
- ✅ Sticky orange sauce made with fresh ingredients
- ✅ No MSG or preservatives
- ✅ Beginner-friendly with easy steps
- ✅ Meal prep and freezer friendly
- ✅ Far more affordable than ordering out
- ✅ Kid-approved and great for picky eaters
🥢 What Makes Panda Express Orange Chicken So Addictive?
The secret lies in the balance of flavor and texture:
- Sweetness from orange juice and sugar
- Tanginess from vinegar and citrus zest
- Savory depth from soy sauce
- Crispy exterior from the egg-cornstarch coating
- Mild heat from chili flakes
When all these elements come together, you get a glossy, sticky, crispy chicken that’s practically irresistible.
🧂 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this easy homemade orange chicken recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for pan frying)
For the Sauce:
- ½ tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ¼ tsp crushed red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- ½ tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
🧰 Kitchen Tools Required
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan or wok
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Whisk
- Grater or microplane (for zest and ginger)
- Paper towels or a wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry using a paper towel. This helps with crispiness.
- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
🔹 Step 2: Coat Chicken
- Dip chicken cubes into the egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mix.
- Place coated pieces on a plate—do not overcrowd.
🔹 Step 3: Fry Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes).
- Set aside on a wire rack (not paper towels) to preserve crispness.
🔹 Step 4: Make Orange Sauce
- In a clean pan, heat ½ tsp oil.
- Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add soy sauce, water, orange juice, zest, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
🔹 Step 5: Thicken Sauce
- Mix ½ tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water.
- Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened (1–2 minutes).
🔹 Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
🌟 Expert Tips for Crispy Perfection
- Double fry the chicken for extra crunch.
- Use a wire rack to keep chicken crispy—paper towels make it soggy.
- Fresh orange juice adds natural sweetness and a cleaner flavor.
- Add extra chili flakes if you like more heat.
- Keep the sauce separate until serving if meal-prepping.
🔄 Variations and Customization Ideas
- Air Fryer Version: Spray coated chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes.
- Baked Version: Bake on parchment paper at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets.
- Low-Carb: Skip the flour and use almond meal or keto-friendly breadcrumbs.
🍚 What to Serve with Orange Chicken
Round out your meal with these pairing ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Absorbs the orange sauce perfectly |
| Garlic Noodles | Adds a savory depth to contrast sauce |
| Stir-Fried Veggies | Adds crunch and nutrition |
| Egg Fried Rice | Great for using leftovers |
| Asian Slaw | Provides a fresh, tangy crunch |
🧊 How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture. Microwave only if in a rush.
Pro Tip: Store sauce separately if possible—it helps preserve crispiness.
🚫 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Chicken turns soggy | Let it rest on a wire rack after frying |
| Sauce too thin | Cook longer after adding cornstarch slurry |
| Overcooked or dry chicken | Use a thermometer; remove at 165°F |
| Sauce too sweet or tangy | Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste |
| Batter not sticking | Dry chicken well before coating |
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 620mg
(Varies based on oil absorption and exact portion size.)
❓ FAQs – Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. They’re juicier and work beautifully.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick. Adjust chili flakes to suit your preference.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Fry in batches and make extra sauce to coat evenly.
📝 Final Thoughts
Panda Express Orange Chicken is more than a comfort food—it’s a craving that hits hard. But now, with this homemade version, you can enjoy all the flavors you love without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a family dinner, this crispy, sticky, citrusy stir-fry is guaranteed to impress.
Try it once, and it may just become your new weeknight favorite.
📌 Recipe Card: Panda Express Orange Chicken (Homemade)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Elena Cooks
Ingredients
(Full list repeated for convenience – see earlier section)
Instructions
(See step-by-step breakdown above)
