Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} – TipBuzz

Introduction

This Orange Chicken Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home, reminiscent of everyone’s favorite Panda Express takeout. Crispy pieces of tender chicken are coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce that’s utterly crave-worthy. The simplicity and freshness of this homemade version not only taste more vibrant, but it also allows you to tailor spice and sweetness to your liking. Perfect for family dinners or parties, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Bold, Zesty, and Irresistible Orange Chicken

The secret to outstanding orange chicken lies in achieving the ideal crispy crust that stands up to a glossy, bold sauce. This copycat recipe uses a simple dredge for shatteringly crisp bites, while the homemade orange sauce brings fresh citrus zest, umami, and just the right amount of heat. Every bite bursts with sticky, zesty goodness, making it a clear winner for easy Chinese-inspired meals.

Prepping Chicken & Vegetables for Success

To get evenly sized chicken pieces for that perfect golden fry, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This tool’s precise dicing guarantees uniform cooking and faster meal prep. For the sauce, fresh orange zest and juice make all the difference—use a sharp chef’s knife and a zester for maximum flavor.

Chop green onions and, optionally, red chilies for garnish to bring extra color and a gentle kick.

The Best Crispy Orange Chicken – Fry or Air Fry

While traditional recipes call for deep-frying, you can lighten it up by using the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 for a crispy, less oily result. Classic deep-frying in a nonstick pan also works beautifully—just be sure to monitor oil temperature for even browning.

To keep cleanup simple, line your workspace with sheets from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This protects your counters from splatters and drips, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.

Coating with That Iconic Orange Sauce

A quick stir of orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and aromatics in a small saucepan makes the heart of this recipe. For a silky-smooth sauce, whisk ingredients vigorously and simmer until thickened. Use a sturdy nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for even, mess-free glazing.

Once the chicken is golden and crispy, toss it gently with the thickened sauce so every morsel gets deliciously coated.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Orange Chicken Experience

Serve your orange chicken over perfectly steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a nourishing meal. Store any leftovers in the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 to keep them fresh and easily reheat for next-day lunches.

Garnish with extra orange zest and sliced green onions to elevate your dish’s aroma and presentation.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 hearty portions. Each serving typically contains about 400–450 calories, depending on oil usage and portion size. With most ingredients pantry-friendly and no preservatives, it’s a satisfying treat that feels lighter and cleaner than takeout.

Orange Chicken Recipe {Panda Express Copycat} Recap

This Panda Express-inspired Orange Chicken is a must-try for fans of bold, tangy flavors and crispy textures. It rivals restaurant quality but is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, instantly upgrading your home cooking with that irresistible orange glaze.

Instructions

1. Set up a clean workspace lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup. Prep chicken by dicing into 1-inch pieces using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for speed and precision.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs. In a separate large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring a good coating.
3. For classic frying: Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or wok. Fry chicken in batches, turning to brown all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. For air-frying: Place coated chicken in a single layer in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 basket and spray lightly with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Meanwhile, to make the sauce, combine orange zest, juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then add cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring, until thickened and glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch (or clean wok). Pour sauce over and toss gently to coat every piece.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice with green onions, sesame seeds, and orange slices as desired. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 and enjoy within 2 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy bold, homemade Orange Chicken bursting with flavor, ready faster than delivery!