How to Make Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce: The Easiest Way Ever!

Have you ever craved that sweet tangy slightly spicy orange chicken from Panda Express but didn’t want to leave your house? Well, I’ve got good news for ya! You can totally make this delicious dish at home, and it’s way easier than you might think.

My family is absolutely OBSESSED with this recipe. Like, seriously obsessed They’ve been demanding I make this twice a week for the past month! But I don’t mind because it’s super easy and tastes just like the real thing

Today I’m gonna share two different ways to make orange chicken – one super quick method using store-bought Panda Express sauce (my go-to for busy weeknights) and another from-scratch version for when you’re feeling a bit more ambitious.

The Quick & Easy Method: Using Store-Bought Panda Express Sauce

What You’ll Need:

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil or olive oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (I prefer low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3/4 cup Panda Express Orange Sauce (available in most grocery stores)
• Rice for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Oil: Pour about an inch of oil into a large frying pan and set it on HIGH heat to get hot while you prep the chicken.

2. Cut & Coat the Chicken: Cut your boneless chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch pieces. Then toss them in cornstarch until they’re completely coated. This is what gives the chicken that amazing crispy exterior!

3. Fry the Chicken: Once your oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches (don’t overcrowd!). After about a minute, gently flip them over. They cook super fast – usually just a couple minutes. I always check with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach at least 165°F.

   Safety Tip: Please be careful when frying! I always wear an apron and use long tongs to keep my hands away from that hot oil. Nobody wants a burn!

4. Drain: Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Prepare for Saucing: Once all chicken is fried, let your skillet cool a bit. NEVER pour oil down the drain! I usually let it cool completely then discard it in a sealed container.

6. Make it Saucy: Add just enough fresh oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat on MEDIUM-HIGH. Add your minced garlic and soy sauce, stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Sauce the Chicken: Working with half the chicken at a time, add it to the pan along with about half of the orange sauce. Gently toss everything together and let it bubble for a minute. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining chicken and sauce.

8. Serve: Plate that delicious orange chicken over hot rice and enjoy!

This quick version is so simple, I often make a single portion for my tween’s lunch using just one chicken breast or thigh. It pairs perfectly with those Minute Ready Jasmine Rice cups that cook in the microwave!

The From-Scratch Version: Make Your Own Panda Express Orange Sauce

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous or don’t have access to the bottled sauce, here’s how to make orange chicken completely from scratch:

What You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 egg
• 1-1/4 cups cold sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Additional canola oil for frying

For the Homemade Orange Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced ginger (about a 1-inch piece)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut your chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1-1/2 inches) and set aside.

2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Then beat in the egg, cold sparkling water, and sesame oil until smooth. You want a consistency similar to thick pancake batter.

3. Coat & Rest: Toss the chicken pieces in the batter until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is super important! It lets the flour hydrate properly so the batter sticks better to the chicken and gets extra crispy.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F in a large wok or Dutch oven (about 1/2 to 1 inch of oil). Working in batches, fry the battered chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

5. Make the Sauce: While your last batch of chicken cooks, start the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and ginger, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

   Quick Tip: Don’t walk away during this step! Burnt garlic will make your sauce taste bitter, and you’ll have to start over.

6. Add the Sweet & Savory Elements: Add both sugars, orange juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to bubble.

7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Add this slurry to your sauce and whisk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens to about honey consistency.

8. Combine: Add your fried chicken to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated in that amazing orange goodness!

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

Rice is the classic pairing for orange chicken, but there are lots of options:

• Steamed jasmine rice (my family’s favorite)
• Fried rice (I have a super easy 5-minute recipe on my blog!)
• Steamed broccoli
• Udon noodles
• Lettuce wraps (for a lower-carb option)

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

This orange chicken makes AMAZING leftovers for meal prep! I use those Ziplock screw-top containers and fill them halfway with rice and halfway with orange chicken. It’s perfect for my husband and kids to grab the next day, though honestly, these usually end up being late-night snacks in our house!

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this recipe so awesome? A few things:

1. Chicken Thighs vs. Breast: Using chicken thighs gives you that tender, juicy texture that Panda Express is known for. You can use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs are more authentic.

2. The Batter: The combination of flour and cornstarch with sparkling water creates that signature light, crispy coating.

3. The Orange Sauce: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, that sweet-tangy-spicy sauce is the star of the show!

4. Quick Cooking Time: Even the from-scratch version can be on your table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love this orange chicken recipe as much as my family does! It’s become our go-to meal when we’re craving takeout but want to save some money (and not have to change out of our pajamas, lol).

The store-bought sauce version is my personal favorite for busy nights, but the from-scratch sauce is truly amazing when you have just a few extra minutes. Either way, you’ll have delicious Panda Express-style orange chicken that tastes just like the real thing!

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FAQ About Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce

Can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can skip the wet batter ingredients and just toss the chicken in the dry ingredients. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Fry the chicken first, then transfer to a greased slow cooker. Mix the sauce ingredients and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the sauce has thickened.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or orange juice if needed.

Where can I find Panda Express Orange Sauce?
Most major grocery stores carry it in the Asian foods section, or you can order it online.