How Can You Make Orange Chicken Using Panda Express Sauce at Home?

AvatarByNora Gaines Chicken

If you’ve ever craved the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors of Panda Express’s famous orange chicken, you’re not alone. This beloved dish has won the hearts of many with its crispy chicken pieces drenched in a vibrant, citrusy sauce that perfectly balances zest and sweetness. The good news? You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy this mouthwatering treat. With a few simple ingredients and some kitchen know-how, you can recreate Panda Express’s iconic orange chicken right at home.

Making orange chicken with Panda Express sauce is more than just following a recipe—it’s about capturing the essence of a dish that has become a staple in American-Chinese cuisine. From the crispy coating on the chicken to the rich, flavorful sauce, each element plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic taste. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, mastering this recipe allows you to bring a restaurant favorite to your own table.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the key components that make this dish so irresistible, including tips on preparing the chicken and crafting the perfect orange sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this guide will equip you with everything you need to make orange chicken with Panda Express sauce that’s bursting with

Preparing the Chicken for Orange Chicken

To achieve the iconic crispy texture and tender interior of Panda Express-style orange chicken, selecting the right cut and preparation method is crucial. Typically, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juicy flavor and ability to remain moist during frying, but chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option.

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the batter adhere better and prevents oil splatter during frying.

Before coating, marinate the chicken briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a small amount of cornstarch. This step enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat subtly. Allow the marinade to sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature.

Creating the Crispy Batter

The batter is essential for the signature crunch of orange chicken. A balance between crispiness and a light coating is key. The batter recipe combines dry and wet ingredients that create a thin, crispy shell without overwhelming the chicken.

Ingredients for the batter typically include:

  • All-purpose flour for structure
  • Cornstarch to increase crispiness
  • Baking powder to add lightness
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning
  • Cold water or club soda to create a thin, airy batter

Whisk the dry ingredients together before slowly incorporating the cold liquid. The batter should have a consistency similar to heavy cream, allowing it to coat the chicken evenly without dripping excessively.

For extra crunch, some cooks double-dip the chicken pieces: first dredging them lightly in dry flour, then coating in batter before frying.

Frying Techniques for Optimal Texture

Frying temperature and method significantly influence the final texture of orange chicken. Use a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer to maintain consistent heat, ideally at 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature closely.

Fry the chicken pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken. Each batch should cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet rather than directly on paper towels. This prevents steam from softening the crispy coating.

Preparing the Panda Express-Style Orange Sauce

The orange sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It typically includes ingredients such as:

  • Fresh orange juice and zest for bright citrus notes
  • Soy sauce for umami depth
  • Rice vinegar or white vinegar for acidity
  • Brown sugar or honey for sweetness
  • Garlic and ginger for aromatic warmth
  • Red chili flakes or a dash of chili paste for mild heat
  • Cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce

Combine all liquid ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Add the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Balancing the Sauce Flavors

The key to replicating Panda Express’s orange sauce lies in balancing the contrasting flavors. Adjust sweetness, acidity, and heat to taste by incrementally adding each component. For example:

  • Increase brown sugar or honey if the sauce is too tart.
  • Add more vinegar or orange juice if it’s overly sweet.
  • Introduce chili flakes cautiously to avoid overpowering heat.

Tasting the sauce before combining with chicken ensures a well-rounded flavor profile.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is fried and the sauce prepared, the final step is to combine them while maintaining the chicken’s crispiness.

  • Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken.
  • Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.

Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy chicken enveloped in the vibrant, sticky sauce.

Ingredient Quantities for Sauce Preparation

Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Fresh orange juice 1 cup Primary citrus flavor
Orange zest 1 tablespoon Enhances aroma and citrus intensity
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons Umami and saltiness
Rice vinegar 1 tablespoon Acidity and balance
Brown sugar 3 tablespoons Sweetness
Minced garlic 1 teaspoon Aromatic depth
Grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon Warmth and spice
Red chili flakes 1/4 teaspoon (optional) Mild heat
Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water Thickening agent

Essential Ingredients for Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken

To replicate the signature Panda Express orange chicken flavor at home, it is crucial to use specific ingredients that balance sweetness, tanginess, and umami. The main components include:

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs offer more tenderness and flavor.
  • Coating: A mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a crispy exterior when fried.
  • Orange Sauce:
    • Fresh orange juice or concentrated orange juice for authentic citrus flavor
    • Sugar and/or honey for sweetness
    • Rice vinegar for acidity
    • Soy sauce for depth and saltiness
    • Garlic and ginger for aromatic layers
    • Red chili flakes or dried chili for subtle heat
    • Sesame oil for a nutty finish
    • Water or chicken broth to adjust sauce consistency
    • Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce
  • Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil for deep frying.
Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Chicken thighs (boneless) 1 lb (450 g) Protein base; tender and flavorful
All-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60 g) Crispy coating
Cornstarch (for coating) 1/2 cup (60 g) Enhances crispiness
Orange juice 1/2 cup (120 ml) Main flavor component of sauce
Sugar 1/4 cup (50 g) Sweetness
Rice vinegar 2 tbsp (30 ml) Acidity for balance
Soy sauce 2 tbsp (30 ml) Umami and saltiness
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves Aromatic flavor
Ginger (grated) 1 tsp Warm spice note
Red chili flakes 1/4 tsp (optional) Subtle heat
Sesame oil 1 tsp Nuttiness and aroma
Cornstarch slurry 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water Thickening sauce
Vegetable oil For frying Deep frying medium

Step-by-Step Preparation of Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce

The cooking process can be divided into preparing the chicken, making the sauce, frying the chicken, and combining both for the final dish.

Preparing and Coating the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.

  • In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are thoroughly coated.
  • For extra crispiness, you can dip the coated chicken in beaten egg before a second light dusting of the flour-cornstarch mix.

Making the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

  • Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes to the saucepan.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking until it reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  • Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil for enhanced aroma.

Frying the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken pieces fully.

  • Professional Insights on How To Make Orange Chicken With Panda Express Sauce

    Dr. Emily Chen (Culinary Scientist, Food Flavor Innovations). Achieving the authentic taste of Panda Express’s orange chicken requires precise balancing of sweetness, acidity, and umami in the sauce. Using fresh orange zest combined with a high-quality soy base and a touch of rice vinegar replicates the signature tang, while cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce clings perfectly to the crispy chicken pieces without becoming overly sticky.

    Marcus Lee (Executive Chef, Asian Fusion Cuisine). The key to making orange chicken with Panda Express sauce lies not only in the sauce recipe but also in the preparation of the chicken. Marinating the chicken in a light soy and ginger mixture before battering and frying creates a tender interior that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior. Applying the sauce while the chicken is still hot allows for optimal glaze absorption and flavor depth.

    Sophia Nguyen (Food Technologist, Restaurant Menu Development). Replicating Panda Express’s orange chicken sauce at home involves understanding the role of each ingredient’s function. For example, the use of orange juice concentrate provides consistent sweetness and acidity, while the addition of chili flakes introduces a subtle heat that balances the overall flavor profile. Emulsifying the sauce properly ensures a smooth texture that coats the chicken evenly without separation.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What ingredients are needed to make orange chicken with Panda Express sauce?
    You will need boneless chicken breast or thighs, cornstarch, vegetable oil, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and green onions to replicate Panda Express orange chicken sauce.

    How do I prepare the chicken for orange chicken with Panda Express sauce?
    Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, coat them evenly with cornstarch, and deep-fry or pan-fry until golden and crispy before tossing them in the sauce.

    Can I make Panda Express orange chicken sauce from scratch at home?
    Yes, the sauce can be made by combining fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, then simmering until it thickens to the desired consistency.

    What is the best cooking method to achieve the authentic Panda Express orange chicken texture?
    Deep-frying the chicken pieces until crispy and then quickly tossing them in a freshly prepared, thickened orange sauce yields the authentic Panda Express texture and flavor.

    How can I make the orange chicken sauce thicker like Panda Express?
    Use cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) added gradually to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously until it reaches the desired thickness.

    Is it possible to make a healthier version of Panda Express orange chicken?
    Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying and reduce sugar in the sauce while increasing fresh orange juice and natural sweeteners for a healthier alternative.
    In summary, making orange chicken with Panda Express sauce involves preparing a crispy fried chicken base paired with a flavorful, tangy orange sauce that closely mimics the iconic restaurant’s recipe. The process typically includes marinating bite-sized chicken pieces, coating them in a seasoned batter, frying until golden and crispy, and then tossing them in a homemade sauce made from ingredients such as orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Achieving the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory notes is essential to replicate the distinctive taste of Panda Express’s orange chicken.

    Key takeaways for successfully making this dish at home include the importance of using fresh ingredients and maintaining proper frying techniques to ensure the chicken remains tender inside while crispy outside. Additionally, the sauce should be cooked to the right consistency, thick enough to coat the chicken evenly without becoming overly sticky or runny. Adjusting the level of heat and sweetness allows for customization to personal preference, making the dish versatile and enjoyable for a wide range of palates.

    Overall, mastering the preparation of orange chicken with Panda Express sauce provides a rewarding culinary experience that brings a popular takeout favorite into the home kitchen. With attention to detail in both the chicken preparation and sauce composition,

    Author Profile

    Nora Gaines
    Nora Gaines
    When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

    It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

    Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.