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Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express Style Easy Homemade Guide

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A homemade version of the popular Panda Express orange chicken featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil preferred) for frying
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 medium oranges)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Optional garnishes: thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into 1 1/2 inch bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat eggs.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat evenly. Set aside.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 2 inches depth over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Drain on wire rack or paper towels.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  7. Gradually stir in cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
  8. Place fried chicken in a large bowl, pour warm orange sauce over, and toss gently to coat.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Pat chicken dry before battering for better crispiness. Fresh orange juice and ginger elevate the sauce flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and soy sauce with tamari. Baking is a healthier alternative but reduces crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, crispy chicken, Panda Express style, homemade orange chicken, easy dinner, copycat recipe, sweet and tangy chicken

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-orange-chicken-recipe-panda-express-style-easy-homemade-guide/