Okay, so let’s talk about that orange chicken craving, right? You know the one! That sticky, sweet, slightly tangy, totally irresistible goodness from Panda Express. For years, I’d just grab takeout when the mood struck. But then I thought, “Why not try to make that magic myself?” And let me tell you, figuring out this **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** has been a game-changer!
Seriously, this recipe brings all those amazing flavors and that perfect crispy-then-saucy texture right into your own kitchen. It’s way easier than you might think, and honestly, I think mine tastes even better because I can control everything. Plus, it saves a few bucks compared to getting it delivered! Making this at home is just so rewarding, and the smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. Get ready to skip the drive-thru!
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Alright, so why bother making this at home when you can just hit up the drive-thru? Trust me, there are SO many reasons! This **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** is going to be your new favorite weeknight go-to because:
- It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, even on a busy night, you can whip this up.
- You control the flavor! Want it a little tangier? A little spicier? Go for it!
- Hello, budget-friendly! Making this at home stretches your dollar way further than takeout.
- That fresh-fried goodness! Eating it straight out of the pan when it’s perfectly crispy and saucy? Unbeatable.
- Major bragging rights. Tell your friends you made *that* orange chicken yourself!
It’s just a win-win situation, honestly.
Essential Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Okay, now for the good stuff – what you actually need to make this magic happen! Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples, but a couple of fresh things really make this **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** shine. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cut into nice, bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Thighs stay super juicy!
- 1 large egg: Our binder for that crispy coating.
- 0.5 cup cornstarch: This is key for getting that classic crunchy exterior.
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour: Works with the cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil: For frying up that chicken to golden perfection.
- 0.5 cup orange juice: The star of the sauce!
- 0.25 cup soy sauce: Adds that essential savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a little tang.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: For sweetness and that lovely sticky glaze.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Please use fresh! It makes a huge difference.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must here.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Brightens up the whole sauce!
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, add these in.
- Cooked rice: For serving – gotta have it!
- Chopped green onions: For garnish and a little freshness.
See? Nothing too crazy! Just good, simple ingredients ready to become something amazing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Making this **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** is all about breaking it down into a few simple steps. Don’t feel intimidated – if I can do it (often with a little chaos!), you totally can too. Just follow along, and you’ll have that delicious orange chicken ready in no time.
Preparing the Chicken for Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
First things first, the chicken! You’ve got your lovely chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, right? Now, grab a medium bowl. Whisk that large egg in there until it’s nice and beaten. Then, whisk in the cornstarch and flour until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. Toss your chicken pieces into this bowl and make sure every single piece is completely coated. This coating is what gives us that fabulous crispy exterior!
Frying the Chicken for the Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Now for the frying part! Pour your vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok and heat it over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering, but not smoking. Carefully add your coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan! You’ll probably need to do this in batches. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. Use tongs to pull them out and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate while you cook the rest.
Crafting the Signature Orange Sauce for Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
While your chicken is draining, let’s make that irresistible sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together your orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, orange zest, and those red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a good whisk to make sure the sugar dissolves. Now, pour this glorious mixture into the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to clean it!). Bring it to a simmer and let it bubble gently for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken slightly – that’s exactly what you want!
Combining Chicken and Sauce for Your Delicious Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Okay, final step before eating! Take your beautifully fried chicken and gently add it back into the skillet with the simmering orange sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully toss the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated in that sticky, glossy sauce. Let it cook for just another minute or so, just long enough for the chicken to get nice and warm again and for the sauce to really cling to it. And there you have it – your homemade **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** is ready!
Tips for Success with Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make this **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** sing. These simple tips will take your homemade version from good to “Wow, did you *really* make this?!”
- Don’t Crowd the Pan! I know it’s tempting to dump all the chicken in at once to save time, but trust me, you’ll end up with soggy chicken instead of crispy. Fry in batches so each piece has room to get golden brown and delicious.
- Spice it Up (or Down!). Those red pepper flakes are totally optional. If you love a little heat, add more! If you’re not a spice fan, leave them out completely. Taste the sauce before you add the chicken and adjust.
- Sauce Consistency is Key. Let that sauce simmer for the full 2-3 minutes, or even a little longer if it seems too thin. You want it to be slightly thickened so it hugs the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter. Using fresh ginger and garlic really does make a difference in the vibrancy of the sauce’s flavor.
Follow these little pointers, and you’re going to nail this recipe every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Alright, your amazing **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** is ready! Now, how to serve this masterpiece? The classic and my absolute favorite way is over a pile of fluffy, hot cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, whatever you love! Then, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped green onions over the top for a little pop of color and fresh bite. Simple, perfect, and just like the real deal!
Storing and Reheating Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** actually keeps pretty well. Just pop any extra chicken and sauce into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’s usually good for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat it, the best way is gently in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. This helps the chicken stay a little crispier than the microwave, though the microwave works in a pinch too!
Nutritional Information for Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutrition stuff for this **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe**. While I try my best to give you an idea, please know that these numbers are just estimates. Things like the exact ingredients you use, the brand, and even how much oil gets absorbed during frying can totally change the final nutritional values. So, think of this as a helpful guide, but maybe not gospel!
Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Okay, I get a lot of questions about this **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe**! It makes sense, you want to get it just right. Here are some of the most common things people ask me:
Can I Use Chicken Breast in My Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can use chicken breast! Just cut it into those same 1-inch pieces. Chicken breast is leaner, so just be careful not to overcook it when frying, or it can dry out a little. Thighs are my favorite for that juicy texture, but breast works too!
How to Make Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe Spicier
Easy peasy! The red pepper flakes in the recipe are your best friend for heat. The recipe calls for 0.5 teaspoon, but if you want more fire, just add a little extra! You can also add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you’re feeling brave.
Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken in Your Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Want that extra crunch? The best trick is to double fry the chicken. After the first fry and draining, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then pop it back into the hot oil for another minute or two until it’s super golden and crispy before tossing with the sauce. Game changer for texture!
Share Your Experience with This Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
So, you made it! How did your **Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe** turn out? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear about it! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Did you add extra spice? What did you serve it with? Rate the recipe too! And if you snap a pic, please share it on social media and tag me! Happy cooking, friends!
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Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe: A 1-click Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Make your own Panda Express Orange Chicken at home with this easy copycat recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, and flour. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the orange sauce into the same skillet used to cook the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, double-fry the chicken pieces.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Panda Express, Orange Chicken, Copycat, Chinese-American, Chicken Recipe