Easy Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that dances on your taste buds like a well-rehearsed flash mob. That’s right; I’m talking about Panda Express Orange Chicken—the dish that’s become synonymous with takeout cravings and late-night snacking adventures.

Nothing says comfort food quite like this delightful creation. I still remember the first time I devoured it; my taste buds were practically throwing a party. The mingling scents of citrus and soy wafting through the air felt like an irresistible invitation to indulge. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish never disappoints.

A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.

The first time I made this dish for my friends, they devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Around 1 pound works well; ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use this for dredging the chicken to achieve that signature crispy coating we all love.
• Eggs: Two large eggs help the flour stick to the chicken; whisk them until frothy for the best results.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor; you want that zesty brightness in every bite.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal for controlling saltiness without compromising taste.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances out the acidity from other ingredients; it’s essential for achieving that sweet flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth; mince them finely to release their natural oils.
• Ginger Root: Freshly grated ginger gives a warm spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
• Green Onions: These are fantastic as a garnish; they add color and a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Oil: A dash at the end brings an extra layer of nutty goodness to this dish.
• Cornstarch: Use cornstarch when frying to create an ultra-crispy texture on your chicken.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Create Your Dredging Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper. This setup ensures each piece of chicken gets perfectly coated.

Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken, dip it in flour first, then egg, and finally coat it in cornstarch for maximum crispiness. Lay them neatly on a plate while you heat up your oil.

Heat Up Your Oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once shimmering (not smoking), it’s time to fry!

Fry It Up: Carefully place your coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them from oil and drain on paper towels.

Create That Saucy Magic: In another pan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly—about 4-5 minutes.

Toss It All Together: Add your crispy chicken back into the pan with the sauce; toss gently until everything is well-coated. You’ll know it’s ready when that enticing aroma fills your kitchen—everyone will come running!

Now you have crafted your very own version of Panda Express Orange Chicken at home! Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles and watch as everyone enjoys every last bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to develop flavor. Then, fry until golden brown before tossing it in the sauce. This ensures that each bite is juicy and coated perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition. You can also adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes if you enjoy a kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain that delightful crispiness.

The first time I made Panda Express Orange Chicken at home, my friends devoured it within minutes, asking for seconds like they were at an all-you-can-eat buffet!

FAQ

How do I make Panda Express Orange Chicken healthier?

Swap frying for baking or air-frying to reduce oil usage while maintaining crunch.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, try tofu or shrimp for a delicious twist on this classic dish.

What can I serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Print

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring crispy chicken in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals or special gatherings.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• Green onions, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper.
2. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip it in egg, then coat it in cornstarch.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. In another pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• For added nutrition, consider adding bell peppers or broccoli.
•  Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar according to your taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg