This Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken is crispy, sweet, and tangy! It features tender chicken coated in a sticky orange sauce you’ll love.
You can whip this up at home when those takeout cravings hit. Plus, it feels great to enjoy it in your pajamas! 😉 Serve it with rice, and you’ve got a delicious meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I recommend using chicken breast for a tender bite, but thighs work well too. They add more flavor and stay juicy, especially if you prefer dark meat.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: This combination gives a crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Cornstarch helps to create that extra crunch!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is the best for depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will do. You might even use lemon juice for a twist, but it’ll change the flavor substantially!
Sugar: Use granulated sugar as specified, but honey or agave syrup could work too. Just adjust to taste as they are sweeter and may slightly alter the consistency.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add heat, but you can skip them or substitute with crushed black pepper for a milder dish. If you love spice, try adding a dash of sriracha to the sauce!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Fried Chicken?
Frying chicken can be daunting, but getting it just right is easy with a few tips! The key is the batter and the oil temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold water in your batter; it helps create a lighter, crispier coating.
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C); too hot, and the coating will burn, too cool, and the chicken will get greasy. You can test it by dropping a small bit of batter in the oil—if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady for a perfect crunch.
- Once golden brown, drain the chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil for a cleaner finish.
How to Make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious orange chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend time preparing the chicken and sauce, frying them, and finally combining everything. In just a little over half an hour, you can enjoy a homemade version of your favorite dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by mixing the dry ingredients! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add in the cold water while whisking until you have a smooth batter. This will coat your chicken nicely!
2. Fry the Chicken:
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Dip each chicken piece into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 4-6 minutes. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain the excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, let’s make the orange sauce! In a saucepan, mix together the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and orange zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally so everything combines well.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Once your sauce is boiling, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Keep cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage!
5. Combine:
Now for the fun part! Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until they are completely coated and covered in that delicious glaze.
6. Serve:
Transfer your scrumptious orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like. This dish is fantastic served over steamed rice or alongside fried rice. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express copycat meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is commonly used, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier flavor. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if they are thicker.
Can I Make the Orange Sauce in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat it gently on the stove before tossing with the chicken. If it thickens too much while storing, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce is too thick, add a little orange juice or water to loosen it.
