Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

This Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe tastes just like the takeout version with crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce.

I love a good takeout night, but this orange chicken recipe is honestly even better. It’s crispy, saucy, and way easier to make at home than you’d think. If orange chicken is your go-to order, you’re going to love this one.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Better-than-takeout: This homemade orange chicken tastes just like your favourite takeout (hello Panda Express) but it’s lighter and made with simple ingredients.
• Easy weeknight dinner: Perfect when you want a quick, flavour-packed dinner without ordering takeout.
• The best orange sauce: The homemade orange sauce is the perfect combination of sweet and a little spicy.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Canola oil – or another high smoke point oil like avocado oil.
• Chicken breasts – chicken thighs would also work.
• Eggs – coat the chicken in buttermilk instead.
• Cornstarch – try arrowroot or potato starch instead.
• Flour – swap out for a gluten-free flour of your choice.
• Green onions – white onion would also be good.
• Sesame seeds – leave these off in a pinch.

Orange chicken sauce

• Orange juice – freshly squeezed is best but you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch.
• Honey – agave or maple syrup can be used, but the flavour will be different.
• Hoisin sauce – use soy sauce or oyster sauce instead.
• Rice vinegar – apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will work as well.
• Garlic – fresh minced garlic is best but garlic powder will work in a pinch.
• Orange zest – you can use lemon zest, but the flavour will be different.
• Ginger – use fresh minced ginger. If you can’t find any, ground ginger can be used instead.

Rice

• White rice – brown rice or cauliflower rice would also be good.
• Butter – you can use a little bit of margarine or olive oil instead.

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Make the orange sauce.

Mix the sauce ingredients together.

Step 2: Coat the chicken.

Dredge the chicken in egg, then toss in the flour and cornstarch.

Step 3: Cook the chicken.

Brown the chicken in a skillet until cooked through, then drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Toss in the sauce.

Toss the chicken in the orange sauce then serve over rice.

Frequently asked questions

Is orange chicken spicy?

The hoisin sauce will give the orange sauce a bit of kick, but it’s not overly spicy. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!

How many calories are in this recipe?

One serving of Panda Express’ orange chicken has 490 calories without the rice. In comparison, my recipe has 449 calories including rice, so you’re saving calories by making it at home.

Can you make it in the slow cooker?

You can try cooking raw chicken in the sauce in the slow cooker, but you won’t be able to brown the chicken so it won’t have that amazing crispy texture.

Storing and reheating

Storing: Store the leftovers in the fridge for 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze the chicken for 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat to maintain that crispiness. You can microwave it for 1-2 minutes instead, but the chicken may get soggy.