Craving that crispy, sweet, and tangy flavor of Panda Express Orange Chicken? You’re in luck! In this simple recipe, I’ll show you how to recreate this beloved dish from the comfort of your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll whip up a mouthwatering version that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to get started? Let’s make some delicious Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken!

$- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) Gather these simple ingredients to make a delicious meal. The chicken thighs bring a rich flavor. Cornstarch and flour help create a crispy coating. The eggs bind the breading nicely. Garlic powder adds a hint of flavor. For the sauce, fresh ginger and orange juice bring brightness. The honey adds sweetness. Soy sauce and rice vinegar balance it with saltiness and tang. Crushed red pepper gives a little heat, while sesame oil brings depth. Finally, sesame seeds and green onions add a nice touch for the finish. Make sure you have everything ready before you start. It keeps the cooking process smooth and fun! To start, take your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with garlic powder and grated ginger. This step helps infuse the chicken with great flavor. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes. This waiting time is key for a tasty dish. Next, set up your breading station. You will need three bowls: one with cornstarch, another with beaten eggs, and a third with flour. This setup makes the breading process easy. First, dredge each chicken piece in flour. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs to moisten. Finally, coat it with cornstarch. Press lightly to help it stick. Repeat this for all chicken pieces. Now it’s time to fry! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve crispiness. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate with paper towels. This step helps absorb excess oil. For the sauce, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. Once your sauce is ready, carefully add the fried chicken pieces. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak in all those delicious flavors. Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the coated chicken. Add finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch. For presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle extra sauce on top and sprinkle more sesame seeds. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed veggies for a complete meal. To get that perfect crunch, heat your oil to about 350°F. This is the sweet spot for frying. If your oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. On the other hand, if it's too hot, your chicken might burn before cooking through. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches. This lets the heat stay even and helps your chicken crisp up. If you add too many pieces, the temperature drops. That leads to less crispy chicken. For extra flavor, consider adding spices like five-spice powder or some black pepper. You can also mix in a bit of orange zest to heighten that citrus taste. Balancing sweetness and spiciness in the sauce is key. If you like it sweet, add more honey. For heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Tasting as you go is the best way to find what you like. Serve your orange chicken with steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that tasty sauce. Another great side is sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. They add color and crunch. For an extra touch, drizzle more sauce over the chicken right before serving. This makes it look nice and adds a burst of flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds for a fun crunch! {{image_4}} You can make this dish lighter in two main ways. First, try using an air fryer. It cooks the chicken with less oil, making it crispy without all the fat. Second, swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast or even tofu. This gives a tasty vegetarian option that still packs great flavor. Get creative with the sauce! You can add different citrus juices, like lime or lemon, for a fun twist. This makes your dish bright and fresh. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with sauces. Try adding sweet chili sauce or teriyaki for a unique flavor profile. Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables. Peppers, carrots, and snap peas work great in this dish. They add color and crunch. You can also serve your orange chicken with traditional sides. Consider steamed rice or stir-fried greens for a complete meal that feels authentic. Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. The chicken lasts for about three to four days in the fridge. Before storing, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture build-up. To freeze Orange Chicken, first, let it cool. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best results, reheat your Orange Chicken in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you want to use a microwave, put it on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist. Avoid reheating too long to prevent sogginess. Yes, you can make this recipe without eggs. Some good substitutes are unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. These work well for breading. You can also use a mix of water and cornstarch. This mix helps the coating stick to the chicken. Just replace the eggs one-to-one in the recipe. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use cornstarch for the breading. For the soy sauce, choose a gluten-free version or use tamari. These swaps help you keep the great taste without gluten. This chicken pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. Sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers also work great. For a fresh touch, add a side salad. These sides make your meal more balanced and tasty. Crispiness can fade as time passes. To keep the chicken crispy, store it in a single layer in a container. Don’t stack the pieces. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. This helps keep the crunch. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. This keeps everything fresh. When ready to eat, you can combine them. Just reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy. Absolutely! If you want less spice, reduce or skip the crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use chili paste for a different flavor. Adjust the spice to fit your taste! This blog post covered all you need for delicious Orange Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for the best results. Remember, marinating and frying properly make a big difference. You can also try different flavors and cooking methods. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative, your meal will shine. Enjoy sharing this dish with friends and family! Happy cooking!$

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1 cup cornstarch

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Additional Ingredients

– 2 large eggs, beaten

– 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

– 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Gather these simple ingredients to make a delicious meal. The chicken thighs bring a rich flavor. Cornstarch and flour help create a crispy coating. The eggs bind the breading nicely. Garlic powder adds a hint of flavor.

For the sauce, fresh ginger and orange juice bring brightness. The honey adds sweetness. Soy sauce and rice vinegar balance it with saltiness and tang. Crushed red pepper gives a little heat, while sesame oil brings depth. Finally, sesame seeds and green onions add a nice touch for the finish.

Make sure you have everything ready before you start. It keeps the cooking process smooth and fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To start, take your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with garlic powder and grated ginger. This step helps infuse the chicken with great flavor. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes. This waiting time is key for a tasty dish.

Breading the Chicken

Next, set up your breading station. You will need three bowls: one with cornstarch, another with beaten eggs, and a third with flour. This setup makes the breading process easy. First, dredge each chicken piece in flour. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs to moisten. Finally, coat it with cornstarch. Press lightly to help it stick. Repeat this for all chicken pieces.

Frying the Chicken

Now it’s time to fry! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve crispiness. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate with paper towels. This step helps absorb excess oil.

Preparing the Sauce

For the sauce, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once your sauce is ready, carefully add the fried chicken pieces. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak in all those delicious flavors.

Garnishing and Serving

Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the coated chicken. Add finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch. For presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle extra sauce on top and sprinkle more sesame seeds. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispiness

To get that perfect crunch, heat your oil to about 350°F. This is the sweet spot for frying. If your oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and become soggy. On the other hand, if it’s too hot, your chicken might burn before cooking through.

Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in small batches. This lets the heat stay even and helps your chicken crisp up. If you add too many pieces, the temperature drops. That leads to less crispy chicken.

Flavor Enhancement

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like five-spice powder or some black pepper. You can also mix in a bit of orange zest to heighten that citrus taste.

Balancing sweetness and spiciness in the sauce is key. If you like it sweet, add more honey. For heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Tasting as you go is the best way to find what you like.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your orange chicken with steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that tasty sauce. Another great side is sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. They add color and crunch.

For an extra touch, drizzle more sauce over the chicken right before serving. This makes it look nice and adds a burst of flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds for a fun crunch!

Variations

Healthier Alternatives

You can make this dish lighter in two main ways. First, try using an air fryer. It cooks the chicken with less oil, making it crispy without all the fat. Second, swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast or even tofu. This gives a tasty vegetarian option that still packs great flavor.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with the sauce! You can add different citrus juices, like lime or lemon, for a fun twist. This makes your dish bright and fresh. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with sauces. Try adding sweet chili sauce or teriyaki for a unique flavor profile.

Asian-Inspired Additions

Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables. Peppers, carrots, and snap peas work great in this dish. They add color and crunch. You can also serve your orange chicken with traditional sides. Consider steamed rice or stir-fried greens for a complete meal that feels authentic.

Storage Info

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. The chicken lasts for about three to four days in the fridge. Before storing, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture build-up.

Freezer Storage

To freeze Orange Chicken, first, let it cool. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

For the best results, reheat your Orange Chicken in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you want to use a microwave, put it on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist. Avoid reheating too long to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can make this recipe without eggs. Some good substitutes are unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. These work well for breading. You can also use a mix of water and cornstarch. This mix helps the coating stick to the chicken. Just replace the eggs one-to-one in the recipe.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use cornstarch for the breading. For the soy sauce, choose a gluten-free version or use tamari. These swaps help you keep the great taste without gluten.

What can I serve with Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken?

This chicken pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. Sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers also work great. For a fresh touch, add a side salad. These sides make your meal more balanced and tasty.

How long does the chicken stay crispy?

Crispiness can fade as time passes. To keep the chicken crispy, store it in a single layer in a container. Don’t stack the pieces. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. This helps keep the crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. This keeps everything fresh. When ready to eat, you can combine them. Just reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! If you want less spice, reduce or skip the crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use chili paste for a different flavor. Adjust the spice to fit your taste!

This blog post covered all you need for delicious Orange Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for the best results. Remember, marinating and frying properly make a big difference. You can also try different flavors and cooking methods. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative, your meal will shine. Enjoy sharing this dish with friends and family! Happy cooking!

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Savor the delightful flavors of Crispy Honey Sesame Orange Chicken with this easy recipe! In just 45 minutes, you can create a dish that's perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with sweet and tangy goodness. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic powder and grated ginger. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Breading Setup: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one for the cornstarch, another for the beaten eggs, and a third for the all-purpose flour.

Bread the Chicken: Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it first in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to moisten, and finally, coat it with cornstarch, pressing lightly to ensure adherence. Repeat for all chicken pieces.

Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in small batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, carefully add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and allow to cook together for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the coated chicken. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large platter with a drizzle of extra sauce on top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.