Panda Express-Inspired Orange Chicken Recipe

Are you craving fast-food fried chicken with a sweet and sour twist? Then you have to try the orange chicken of Panda Express fame. An executive chef from the chain – himself inspired by flavors from Hunan, China – first developed the dish in the ‘80s. Almost 40 years later, it has remained an icon of American-Chinese cuisine and has even gained fans around the world.

This orange chicken recipe is known for its juicy, boneless meat, crisp coating, and orange-infused sticky glaze. Chef Wang of Panda Express shares that it “hits all the senses and taste buds in your mouth.” Others describe the sauce as a “yin and yang” of flavors. Curious now?

30 min.
5 People
Easy
Average

Ingredients

500 g chicken thigh fillets, cubed
pinch of salt and pepper
1 pc egg, beaten
oil, for deep-frying

For the breading:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
pinch of salt and pepper

For the orange sauce:

1 cup water
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1 pc Knorr Chicken Cube
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vinegar
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
2 tbsp cornstarch

Cooking Method

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Toss pieces in beaten egg.
Make the breading: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Mix well.
Add chicken into the flour mixture one piece at a time; coat well. Deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Make the orange sauce: Combine all ingredients in a pot. Mix well. Heat over medium flame and simmer, stirring continuously, until thick.
Toss chicken pieces in the orange sauce. Serve immediately.

Now that you know how to cook orange chicken at home, you may want to have it for every meal. If so, try experimenting with other cooking methods and ingredients to keep your orange chicken interesting – and maybe even healthier! Panda Express uses thighs (like in this recipe) for maximum flavor and juiciness, but chicken breast also works as a lean alternative. Adding veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and green beans can bring heft and nutrients. Do you want a vegan option? Try firm tofu, coated and fried until crispy like breaded chicken!