Easy Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe tastes just like the classic takeout dish and comes together fast with crispy chicken and a sweet, tangy orange sauce that the whole family loves.

Prep Time18

Cook Time12

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Asian

Keyword: easy orange chicken, Orange Chicken

Servings: servings

Cost: $10.25

Ingredients

1 pound frozen crispy chicken strips or make chicken from scratch; see note 1
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic see note 2
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 large oranges
1/4 cup soy sauce not lite
1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
Cooked rice optional, for serving
Serving suggestions optional, see note 3

US - Metric

Instructions

Prepare chicken from scratch (see note 1) or prepare frozen chicken strips according to package directions. I like air frying them best, which takes about 11 to 12 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl.
While the chicken cooks, place a medium pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
Add both sugars and 2 teaspoons orange zest, if using. Stir to moisten the sugar, then add 1/2 cup fresh orange juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the vinegar and soy sauce and stir to combine.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into the sauce and stir. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more red pepper flakes for heat or a pinch of salt if desired.
Pour as much sauce as you’d like over the cut-up chicken pieces (you may not want it all depending on how saucy you prefer your meal). Drizzle the remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil on top of coated chicken. Gently toss and serve immediately. I like to serve over cooked rice with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

Video

Notes

Note 1: I use Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips (not sponsored), which cook up in about 18 minutes in an oven or 11–12 minutes in an air fryer. Or, here's how to make the exact Panda Express chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces. Breasts not recommended since they dry out quickly
1-1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 cup cornstarch
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 cup cold water, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour. Add the egg, water, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Working QUICKLY, brisk vigorously until smooth, adding more water as needed until the batter reaches a pancake batter consistency. Add the chicken to the batter and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Pour the frying oil into a large heavy-bottom pot or deep fryer and heat to 350 degrees F. Use a thermometer if possible to keep the oil temperature steady for even frying.

Add the chicken to the hot oil in a single layer, working in batches so the oil is not crowded. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly golden and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Use a slotted metal spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel lined plate. Toss the chicken in the sauce to taste and enjoy right away.

Note 2: To make prep seriously quick and easy, use pre-minced garlic and ginger paste.

Note 3: Serving suggestions: green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition Note: Nutrition information does not include the optional rice, green onions, or sesame seeds.

Storage: Once fried, chicken loses its crisp quickly, so store the sauce and chicken separately. The sauce keeps in the fridge for a few days. Fry fresh chicken, warm the sauce, and toss together right before serving.

Nutrition