Name: Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon white pepper; 1 large egg; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cups peanut oil, or as needed, for frying; 3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; ¼ cup white vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 3 cups cooked rice, or as needed; sliced green onions for garnish; sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 13 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that distinct citrus-kissed tang and perfectly crispy coating of Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’re not alone! This homemade version brings you everything you love about the original: juicy, golden fried chicken tossed in a glossy orange sauce that balances sweet, sour, and just a hint of heat. Best of all, you’re in total control of the ingredients, which means you’ll get maximum flavor and freshness in every bite—no takeout counter required!

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This fun and flavorful Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken is built from a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to give you the crunch, color, and bold flavor you crave—let’s talk through what you’ll need and what each one brings to the party.

Flour: This forms the backbone of the crispy coating for the chicken, giving it structure and bite.
Cornstarch: Helps create that ultra-light, shatteringly crisp texture on the chicken pieces.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the batter and bringing out the other flavors.
White pepper: Adds a subtle earthy kick and a touch of heat that regular black pepper doesn’t provide.
Egg: Helps bind the batter to the chicken and adds a hint of richness.
Water: Loosens the batter for even coating and optimal crunch.
Canola oil: Used both in the batter and to sauté aromatics for the sauce, its mildness won’t dominate other flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for that iconic bite-sized orange chicken texture.
Peanut oil: Ideal for frying because of its high smoke point, which helps get the chicken beautifully crisp.
Sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma near the end, lending depth to the sauce and final dish.
Crushed red pepper: Infuses a gentle background heat that defines classic orange chicken.
Minced ginger: Fresh, zesty ginger creates an aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Minced garlic: Adds robust, savory flavor that rounds out the citrus.
Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize and cling to each piece of chicken.
Fresh orange juice: Delivers fresh, natural citrus zing—bottled juice just can’t compare.
White vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a clean tang.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth, ballooning the overall umami of the dish.
Extra water and cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to that perfect, glossy, sticky consistency.
Orange zest: Packs a punch of citrusy perfume, making the whole dish vibrantly fresh.
Cooked rice: The essential bed for soaking up all that sauce.
Sliced green onions: These make a sharp, colorful garnish that cuts through the richness.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle for a final flourish and nutty crunch.

How to Make Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Make the Batter and Coat the Chicken

Start by whisking together your flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper in a big bowl. Once combined, crack in your egg, pour in the water, and drizzle in most of the canola oil—stir until you have a sticky batter. This mixture should be sturdy enough to coat the chicken but loose enough to give you a craggy, fully enveloping crust. Toss your cut chicken thighs into the bowl and stir well to coat every piece. To keep things ultra-crispy, let the battered chicken chill in the refrigerator while you heat your frying oil.

Step 2: Heat the Frying Oil

Pour peanut oil into a deep saucepan or Dutch oven until you have about two inches of depth. Place a thermometer in the pot and heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). It’s worth the patience—maintaining a steady fry temperature is the trick to crispy chicken, not greasy chicken!

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Sauce

While your oil heats, grab a large skillet and add the remaining canola oil and two teaspoons of sesame oil. Warm them over medium-high heat, then add your crushed red pepper, ginger, and garlic. Stir quickly—these will turn fragrant in just 30 seconds. Next, stir in the brown sugar, fresh orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce. Let it bubble up, which helps the flavors come together into that tangy, sweet profile we know and love in Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix three tablespoons of cold water with two tablespoons of cornstarch until dissolved. Pour this slurry into your bubbling sauce and gently stir as it thickens to a glossy, wonderful glaze. If it seems too thick, just splash in a bit more water. Once it reaches the right consistency, turn off the heat and keep the sauce warm while you finish the chicken.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

With your oil nice and hot, gently add the battered chicken pieces in batches. Give the oil a chance to return to temperature between batches to ensure golden, crispy results. Each batch will take about five to six minutes, with occasional stirring to brown all sides. When they’re done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over paper towels—this keeps them crisp until you’re ready for the saucy finale.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now for the best part! Return your sauce to medium heat, thinning with water if needed. Add all the hot, crispy chicken pieces and toss thoroughly so every nook and cranny is coated in deliciousness. Finish with the remaining sesame oil and a sprinkle of orange zest, tossing just until glossy. Serve your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken immediately atop fluffy rice, and get ready for applause at the dinner table!

How to Serve Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes—they make your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken look as amazing as it tastes! Sprinkle plenty of sliced green onions for a pop of color and sharp, fresh bite. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds gives extra crunch and a delicate nutty aroma. Add a few extra strips of orange zest if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This bold, craveable chicken loves simple sides. It’s terrific served over a bed of steamed white or jasmine rice, perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce. If you want to round out your spread, try steamed broccoli, Asian-style stir-fried veggies, or even vegetable spring rolls for a full Panda Express experience at home!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Serve Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken in small bowls or cups for party-friendly bites. For meal prep, portion the chicken and rice into containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Or turn it into an orange chicken wrap with fresh lettuce and a little extra sauce—unexpected, but oh so good!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken cool completely before storing. Pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps preserve the flavor and keeps the chicken from getting soggy too quickly.

Freezing

For a longer-term solution, freeze cooled orange chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Try to separate the chicken pieces as much as possible to avoid clumping. It’ll keep well for up to two months, so you can satisfy that orange chicken craving anytime!

Reheating

To keep the chicken crispy, reheat leftovers in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely so the steam doesn’t make the chicken too soft. The sauce may thicken as it sits—add a splash of water and stir before reheating if needed.

FAQs

What’s the secret to extra crispy Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken?

The magic lies in the combination of flour and cornstarch in the batter, and keeping your oil at the perfect 350-375°F range. Chilling the battered chicken before frying also helps the coating stick and crisp up beautifully.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs give you that succulent, juicy bite, chicken breast works well too—just be careful not to overcook so the pieces stay tender.

How spicy is this orange chicken?

This Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken has a gentle heat from the crushed red pepper. If you like it hotter, feel free to add more red pepper or even a touch of chili oil to the sauce.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and make sure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can. The orange sauce can be made and refrigerated up to three days in advance. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked chicken when you’re ready for your orange chicken feast.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve always wanted to master Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken at home, now’s your chance! This recipe delivers that irresistible balance of fresh citrus, sweet-tangy sauce, and crispy, tender chicken. I can’t wait for you to dig in, share it with loved ones, and discover just how easy it is to bring takeout magic to your own kitchen. Give it a try and let yourself fall in love with homemade orange chicken all over again!