Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Complete Guide to Making the Iconic Takeout Favorite at Home

Panda Express Orange Chicken has become one of the most beloved fast-food dishes across the United States and beyond. Known for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange glaze, it brings bold flavor and comforting texture together in a dish that appeals to almost everyone. Whether you discovered it as a quick take-out meal or as a go-to comfort food, Panda Express Orange Chicken remains a cultural icon in the world of Asian-inspired American cuisine.

This guide dives deep into everything there is to know about Panda Express Orange Chicken. You will learn its origins, why the dish is so popular, essential ingredients, cooking tips, nutritional guidance, variations, serving ideas, storage recommendations, and step-by-step preparation. By the end, you will be fully equipped to recreate this well-known restaurant classic at home while maintaining its beloved taste and texture.

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What Is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a dish that blends crispy, deep-fried pieces of chicken with a flavorful sauce made primarily from orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ginger, and garlic. It is not a traditional Chinese recipe but an American-Chinese invention that has become incredibly popular.

The sauce is rich and glossy, offering the perfect balance between:

• Sweet

• Savory

• Tangy

• Lightly spicy

The chicken remains crispy even after being coated in the sauce, making every bite satisfying and bold. The dish is typically served with steamed rice, fried rice, or chow mein, making it ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.

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A Brief History of Panda Express Orange Chicken

The introduction of Orange Chicken at Panda Express changed the direction of the brand. The dish was created in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao, who wanted to invent a unique flavor profile that American customers would enjoy.

While inspired by traditional Hunan-style orange beef, the Panda Express version became distinct in several ways:

• The sauce is sweeter than the typical Chinese version.

• It leans heavily into citrus flavor.

• It uses boneless fried chicken rather than beef.

As a result, Panda Express Orange Chicken grew into a signature entrée, accounting for a large portion of the company’s food sales every year. Today, it remains an essential part of the menu and the best-selling dish in every location.

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What Makes Panda Express Orange Chicken So Popular?

There are several reasons why Panda Express Orange Chicken has risen to iconic status. Customers enjoy:

• Its familiar yet unique flavor

• The crispy texture of the chicken

• The comforting and satisfying sauce

• Its versatility with sides

• The ability to enjoy restaurant-quality taste at home

Additionally, it offers nostalgic appeal for many people who grew up eating it. Recreating Panda Express Orange Chicken at home carries that same experience into a homemade meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

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Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken: Ingredients and Tools

Making this recipe at home allows more control over ingredient quality, portion size, and flavor customization. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need.

Required Equipment

• Deep skillet or large pot for frying

• Medium saucepan for the sauce

• Mixing bowls for breading and egg mixture

• Slotted spoon for removing fried chicken

• Measuring cups and utensils

• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Chicken Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs

• Egg Mixture:

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (or other neutral oil)

  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Dry Breading Mixture:

  • ¾ cup cornstarch

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (heaping scoop)

Orange Chicken Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup white distilled vinegar

• ½ cup cane sugar

• ¼ cup water

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos if preferred)

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• ½ teaspoon grated ginger root

• 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as substitute)

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Marinate if desired using a tenderizing hack:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

• 1–2 cups cold water

• Let sit 30 minutes and rinse well before coating.

This technique is commonly used in restaurants to keep meat tender and juicy.

Step 2: Create the Coatings

In one bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, salt, and pepper.

In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and flour thoroughly.

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour to avoid clumping.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot or deep skillet. Ensure the oil level is at least 2 inches. Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Place all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring. The sauce will thicken within 1–2 minutes. Adjust thickness by adding a little water if needed.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Add fried chicken pieces directly into the warm sauce and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately for best texture.

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Flavor Tips and Tricks for Perfect Panda Express Orange Chicken

1. Use fresh ginger and garlic.
   This significantly improves the depth of flavor.

2. Double fry the chicken.
   This creates extra-crispy texture similar to restaurant style.

3. Adjust sweetness or heat.
   Increase sugar for sweeter sauce or red pepper flakes for spicy kick.

4. Use orange zest.
   Adds brightness and authentic citrus aroma.

5. Don’t overcook the sauce.
   Too much heat can make it overly thick or syrupy.

6. Serve immediately.
   Orange Chicken tastes best when the chicken remains crispy under the glaze.

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Side Dishes to Pair with Panda Express Orange Chicken

This iconic dish pairs well with a variety of Asian-inspired sides, such as:

• Fried rice (vegetable, chicken, or shrimp)

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Panda-style chow mein noodles

• Stir-fried vegetables with broccoli, carrots, and snow peas

• Spring rolls or egg rolls

• Wonton soup

Creating a complete at-home takeout experience turns a simple meal into a family-favorite dinner night.

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Variations on Panda Express Orange Chicken

Making this dish at home means you can adapt it to your lifestyle. Some common variations include:

Baked Orange Chicken

• Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 18–22 minutes

• Toss in sauce afterward for a lighter, reduced-oil version

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

• Air fry at 375°F for 14–18 minutes

• Flip halfway through for even crispiness

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

• Substitute gluten-free flour

• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce

Vegetarian Orange “Chicken”

• Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower

• Coat and fry the same way for crispy texture

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How to Store and Reheat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Storing and reheating properly helps maintain flavor and texture.

Refrigeration

• Store in airtight container up to 4 days

• Keep sauce and chicken separate if possible

Freezing

• Freeze chicken pieces separately after frying

• Reheat in oven or air fryer, then add fresh sauce

Best Reheating Methods

• Air fryer for crisp texture

• Oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes

• Stovetop for sauce, but avoid microwaving when possible

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Nutritional Information

While exact nutrition will vary based on cooking method and serving size, Panda Express Orange Chicken is not considered low-calorie or low-carb, primarily due to:

• Frying oil

• Sugar in the sauce

• Carbohydrate-rich breading

You can reduce calories by using:

• Less sugar

• Air frying instead of deep frying

• More lean chicken breast pieces

Balanced portioning with vegetables can turn it into a more complete meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Orange Chicken

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes. Add sriracha, chili paste, or increase red pepper flakes.

Can I use pre-breaded frozen chicken?

It is possible but less authentic. The sauce will still provide flavor, but frying fresh chicken gives best results.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be refrigerated up to one week and reheated right before tossing with the chicken.

Is this dish similar to General Tso’s Chicken?

They are related but distinct:

• General Tso is spicier and darker in color.

• Orange Chicken is more citrus-forward and sweeter.

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Why Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken Is Better Than Takeout

• You control quality of ingredients.

• Chicken pieces are often larger and juicier.

• Sauce can be customized to taste.

• Cost is significantly lower per serving.

• It is fun and rewarding to recreate a restaurant classic.

A homemade dish also eliminates preservatives and allows full control over sodium levels.

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Recipe Card: Panda Express Orange Chicken

Below is a simplified snapshot if you wish to print or save the essentials:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American-Chinese

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken

• Egg and seasoning mixture for coating

• Cornstarch and flour for breading

• Orange sauce made with vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and orange juice concentrate

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Coat chicken with egg mixture then flour mix.

3. Deep fry until golden and fully cooked.

4. Prepare the orange sauce in a saucepan until thickened.

5. Toss fried chicken in sauce and serve hot.

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Final Thoughts

Panda Express Orange Chicken continues to be a widely loved dish because of its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and nostalgic place in American takeout culture. Recreating this delicious entrée at home provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a restaurant favorite made fresh from your own kitchen. With crispy, perfectly fried chicken and a sauce that balances sweet citrus, savory notes, and a hint of spice, this meal is guaranteed to impress family and friends.

By following the recipe and suggestions shared here, you can perfect your own version of Panda Express Orange Chicken and customize it to match your preferences. Whether served alongside fried rice and vegetables or enjoyed as a standalone entrée, it never fails to deliver satisfying comfort and delightful flavor.

This recipe also invites creativity. From air fryer adaptations to gluten-free options, you can modify this dish to fit your dietary needs while preserving the taste that made it a worldwide favorite. Every bite offers a reminder of why Panda Express Orange Chicken became a cherished menu item for so many people.

Bring the experience of dining out into your home kitchen today by preparing this iconic dish with simple steps and accessible ingredients. You may find that your homemade version becomes a new tradition for special occasions, weekend dinners, or any evening when you crave that familiar combination of crispy chicken and vibrant orange sauce.

Enjoy mastering this restaurant classic, and savor every moment spent cooking, sharing, and tasting your very own Panda Express Orange Chicken.