Iconic Panda Express Orange Chicken at Home

Panda Express Orange Chicken stands as one of America’s most beloved fast-casual dishes. This iconic menu item combines crispy battered chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce that has captured millions of taste buds nationwide.

The dish represents a perfect fusion of American-Chinese cuisine, offering bold flavors in every bite. Since its introduction, Panda Express Orange Chicken has become synonymous with quick, satisfying meals.

The golden-brown chicken chunks are coated in a glossy sauce that balances citrus notes with subtle spice. Each serving delivers consistent quality that keeps customers returning.

This popular entrée has transcended typical fast food boundaries. It appears at family dinners, office lunches, and late-night cravings alike.

The dish’s widespread appeal stems from its accessible flavor profile and reliable preparation. Panda Express Orange Chicken remains a cornerstone of the chain’s success and a testament to well-executed comfort food.

Why Orange Chicken Is So Popular

The allure of Orange Chicken lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish combines:

• Crispy fried chicken bites
• A rich, sweet, and tangy orange sauce
• Aromatic notes of garlic, ginger, and soy
• A hint of spice for depth

It’s no surprise that this dish has become a staple on the Panda Express menu, often accounting for a significant portion of their sales.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To replicate the authentic taste of Orange Chicken, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few specialty items.

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Wok or deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Saucepan
• Zester or microplane
• Thermometer (for oil temperature)

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
• Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

2. Make the Orange Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
• Adjust seasoning with red pepper flakes for heat.

3. Combine and Serve

• Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm orange sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
• Double-fry for extra crispiness—fry once, let rest, then fry again briefly.
• Zest before juicing oranges to make the process easier.
• Balance sweetness and acidity by adjusting sugar and vinegar to taste.

Nutritional Considerations

While undeniably delicious, traditional Orange Chicken is high in calories and sugar. For a healthier twist:

• Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
• Use a sugar substitute like honey or agave.
• Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Variations to Try

Spicy Orange Chicken

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce.

Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and replace flour with rice flour.

Vegan Orange “Chicken”

• Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.

Pairing Suggestions

To create a full Chinese takeout-style meal, consider pairing your Orange Chicken with:

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati rice
• Fried rice
• Chow mein noodles
• Stir-fried bok choy or snow peas
• Egg rolls or spring rolls

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

The History Behind Panda Express Orange Chicken

Invented in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao, the Orange Chicken was inspired by traditional Hunan-style dishes but adapted to suit American palates. It quickly became the signature dish of Panda Express, helping the chain expand to over 2,200 locations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving for best texture.

2. What’s the best oil for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

3. Can I freeze Orange Chicken?

Yes, freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce. Reheat in the oven and toss with freshly warmed sauce.

4. Is Panda Express Orange Chicken spicy?

The original version has a mild kick. You can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.

5. What’s the difference between Orange Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken?

While both are sweet and spicy, Orange Chicken has a citrus-based sauce, whereas General Tso’s uses a darker, soy-based glaze.