If there’s one dish that brings the takeout experience right to your home kitchen, it’s crispy orange chicken. With its shatteringly crisp coating and sticky, citrusy glaze, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and just a touch spicy. This version dials up the flavor while keeping things refreshingly simple, making it a weeknight staple that's just as satisfying as any restaurant version. Think of it as your go-to Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken—only fresher, bolder, and with a little more love in every bite.
Crispy Orange Chicken in a Sweet and Zesty Sauce
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Wok or Deep Skillet A wok is ideal for stir-frying and deep frying. A heavy-bottomed deep skillet or Dutch oven also works.
Tongs or slotted spoon To safely remove chicken from hot oil.
Thermometer (Optional but Useful) Helps maintain oil at the optimal frying temp (around 350°F).
Whisk To ensure a lump-free orange sauce.
Paper Towels + Wire Rack For draining fried chicken pieces while keeping them crispy.
Mixing bowls For dredging and preparing sauces.
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces for best juiciness)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
- ¾ cup orange juice preferably fresh-squeezed for natural sweetness
- Zest of 1 orange
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional, for extra depth
- 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste for a Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe twist
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry for thickening
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Orange slices or zest curls
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut your chicken thighs into uniform, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge through the flour/cornstarch mix, making sure every piece is well-coated. For extra crunch, press the coating in slightly.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!) for about 4–5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crisp. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is resting, combine orange juice, zest, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the sauce is ready and the chicken is fried, toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce while still hot. Use just enough sauce to coat—the goal is glossy, not soggy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a few curls of orange zest. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, or for a full takeout-style experience, try it with homemade chow mein noodles.
Perfect Pairings
To turn your crispy orange chicken into a full meal, consider these delicious sides:
- Homemade Chow Mein: A Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe made with stir-fried noodles, cabbage, and carrots makes the perfect noodle base to soak up all that extra orange glaze.
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Keeps things simple and lets the chicken shine.
- Garlic Stir-Fried Broccoli: Adds color and crunch—plus it’s a healthy contrast.
- Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar Dressing: The refreshing acidity balances the richness of the dish.
- Sweet Fire Chicken Panda Express Inspired Stir-Fry: For those craving double the bold flavors, this sweet-and-spicy pepper and pineapple mix is a perfect companion.
For drinks, lightly sweetened iced green tea or a citrusy sparkling water cuts through the richness of the fried chicken beautifully.
FAQs
1. What cut of chicken should I use—breast or thigh?
Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicier and more tender during frying. However, if you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breast—just be sure not to overcook it.
2. Can I make this Orange Chicken Recipe Healthy?
Absolutely. Skip the deep fry and opt for air frying or oven baking. Also, reduce the sugar slightly and use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavor light yet vibrant.
3. How spicy is this recipe?
The chili flakes give a gentle heat, making it mild-medium on the spice scale. For a true Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe, double the chili or add a splash of chili oil to the sauce.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The orange sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with the chicken.
5. Is this recipe similar to other Panda Express Copycat Recipes?
Definitely—it sits comfortably next to popular dishes like Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken or Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken in terms of flavor intensity. It’s also one of the most requested Panda Express Copycat Recipes because it captures that signature sweet-and-savory magic.
