Intro

There are certain takeout dishes that live rent-free in our minds, and Panda Express Orange Chicken is definitely one of them. Crispy chicken. Sticky orange sauce. That perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. It’s the kind of meal you crave on busy nights, lazy weekends, or honestly… any time.

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is my homemade version of that iconic favorite. It gives you all the bold flavor and crunch you love, but made fresh in your own kitchen. No long lines, no takeout containers, and no mystery ingredients. Just crispy chicken coated in a glossy orange sauce that hits all the right notes.

Once you make it at home, you’ll be shocked at how doable it is.

What Is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a Chinese-American classic made with battered and fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sauce is sticky, glossy, and bursting with citrus flavor, balanced by soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of heat.

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe focuses on:

Crispy bite-sized chicken
A bright orange sauce with real citrus flavor
That signature sweet-savory balance
Restaurant-style texture without deep-frying stress

It’s bold, comforting, and totally addictive.

Why This Recipe Works at Home

Let’s be honest. Orange chicken can be hit or miss at home. Sometimes the sauce is too sweet. Sometimes the chicken turns soggy. Sometimes it just doesn’t taste right.

This recipe solves all of that.

The chicken stays crispy
The sauce is balanced, not sugary
The orange flavor actually shines
Everything comes together fast

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe tastes like takeout, but fresher and lighter.

My Personal Orange Chicken Story

The first time I tried making orange chicken at home, I overthought it. Too many ingredients. Too many steps. Too much stress.

Over time, I simplified. I focused on flavor instead of fuss. I learned that the magic isn’t in complicated techniques — it’s in getting the sauce right and cooking the chicken properly.

Now this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is one of my most requested meals. It’s my go-to when I want something fun, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.

Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here. Just basic kitchen tools.

Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Frying pan or deep skillet
Saucepan
Slotted spoon
Paper towels

That’s it.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce

¾ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in cornstarch. This coating is what gives you that crisp, golden texture.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, orange zest, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This usually takes 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan and gently toss until every piece is coated in that beautiful orange sauce.

Serve immediately.

What This Dish Tastes Like

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe hits every flavor note.

Sweet from the orange juice and sugar
Tangy from the vinegar
Savory from the soy sauce
Bright citrus from fresh zest
Slight heat from chili flakes

The chicken stays crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sauce clings without drowning it.

It’s bold. It’s comforting. It’s impossible to stop eating.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken

Use fresh orange juice for real flavor
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying
Toss chicken in sauce just before serving
Adjust sugar or spice to your taste

Little tweaks make a big difference.

Make It Lighter (Optional)

If you want a lighter version:

Air-fry or bake the chicken
Use less sugar
Add extra orange zest for flavor

You still get that classic taste, just a little lighter.

What to Serve With It

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with:

Steamed white rice
Fried rice
Chow mein
Steamed broccoli or snap peas

Keep the sides simple and let the chicken shine.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a skillet
Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens

For best texture, enjoy it fresh.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

This recipe works because it respects what makes orange chicken special. It doesn’t try to reinvent it. It just makes it better for home cooking.

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe is:

Easy
Reliable
Crowd-pleasing
Full of flavor

It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever craved that sticky, sweet, tangy orange chicken and wished you could make it at home — this is your sign.

This Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. It’s fun to make, even better to eat, and guaranteed to satisfy that takeout craving.