A Cozy Take on Panda Express Orange Chicken
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the aroma of orange chicken wafting through the kitchen—a warm hug of citrusy sweetness intertwined with a crispy, savory crunch. I still remember the thrill of my first takeout order from Panda Express when I was a teenager, the excitement bubbling like the sauce that coated those tender pieces of chicken.
This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe brings all those feelings back but from the comfort of your home. Perfect for quick weekday dinners or a special gathering with friends, this recipe is a cozy way to elevate your weeknight meals into something really special. The best part? It’s an easy weeknight dinner that brings smiles to the table without requiring a trip to the restaurant.
So dust off your apron and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen with this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe—you’ll definitely want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors.
- Crispy Chicken Heaven: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken pieces.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect alongside fried rice or lo mein for a complete meal.
- Homemade Goodness: Skip the takeout and savor a cozy meal made right in your own kitchen!
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For this delightful Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Green onions, for garnish
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour until well combined. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Stir and cook over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly in that succulent orange glaze.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions, and accompany with fried rice or lo mein for an inviting family feast!
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Add Sweet Pineapple: Toss in some diced pineapple for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the citrusy sauce, adding a zesty zing to each bite.
- Incorporate Broccoli: For some added greenery, steam some broccoli florets and mix them in with the chicken for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha for a fiery kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Mandarin Boost: Add orange zest to the sauce for an even more pronounced citrus flavor that will transport your tastebuds right on a sunlit stroll through the orange groves.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead option: If you want to prepare ahead, fry the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven to freshen up that crispiness before tossing it in the sauce.
- Ingredient swaps: Don’t have chicken thighs? Chicken breasts work just as well! You could even use tofu for a plant-based version.
- Perfect frying: To ensure your chicken is crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This keeps the temperature consistent and ensures a lovely golden crisp.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just be aware that the chicken will lose some of its crispiness.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Fry the chicken in advance and reheat before adding it to the sauce for the best results.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to substitute chicken for tofu or even shrimp if you prefer!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
How long does it last?
If stored properly, this dish can last up to a week in the freezer, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
A Cozy Closing Note
Indulging in this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s about the memories, the family moments, and the cozy feelings that it brings along. You’ll find that each bite is filled with love and warmth—everything you need to make any day special. So why not save this delightful recipe to your dinner or weeknight meals board? You’ll definitely be glad you did! Happy cooking!
Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A cozy homemade version of the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken, crispy and coated in a sweet, tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the cornstarch and flour in a bowl until well combined. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Combine the sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a separate saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece in the orange glaze.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions, and enjoy with fried rice or lo mein.
Notes
Make-ahead option: Fry the chicken and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before tossing in the sauce for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A cozy homemade version of the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken, crispy and coated in a sweet, tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the cornstarch and flour in a bowl until well combined. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Combine the sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a separate saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece in the orange glaze.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions, and enjoy with fried rice or lo mein.
Notes
Make-ahead option: Fry the chicken and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before tossing in the sauce for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
