Go Back

Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat

Orange chicken is one of my favorite dishes when I'm craving something sweet AND savory! Let's make it at home and even better than Panda Express.
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • salt and pepper

Orange Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Other

  • vegetable oil for frying
  • green onions and sesame seeds optional garnish

Instructions 

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sprinkle of salt, and sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
  3. In small deep bowl, whisk together eggs, sprinkle of salt, and sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
  4. Dip a few chicken pieces at a time first in the wet batter, letting any excess drip off, and then into the dry, shaking off any excess. Set on a plate and finish breading all the chicken.
  5. Over medium-high heat, add soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes to a pot. Bring to a simmer and then pour in the cornstarch slurry (water and cornstarch whisked together) to thicken into a glaze. Once it is thick, take off the heat and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
  6. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a frying pan. Drop the breaded chicken in, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry in two batches. Once golden, about 4 minutes, take out of the oil and drain on a paper towel.
  7. Toss the chicken in the glaze.
  8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and enjoy with rice or noodles!

Notes

  • Instead of using chicken thighs, you can use breast, tofu, or even beef!
  • To enhance the orange taste, add some orange zest into the glaze after it thickens.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!