Panda Express Orange Chicken Your Takeaway Favourite at Home

Q: What if I don't have Shaoxing wine for the marinade? Is there a substitute?

No worries if you don't have Shaoxing wine – dry sherry makes a great substitute! It gives a similar depth of flavour to the chicken. You could even use chicken broth in a pinch, though it won't provide the same authentic taste.

Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat My GoTo Fakeaway

By Priya DesaiSeptember 10, 2025Updated: September 9, 2025

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5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a cheeky Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) tonight? Honestly, who doesn't love that sweet and tangy flavour? Get ready to bring the takeout experience home!

Brief Overview

This recipe is all about recreating that classic American Chinese favourite. While not traditionally chinese, it’s become an icon. It’s a medium difficulty recipe that takes around an hour, giving you four generous servings.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe? You control the ingredients! This Homemade Orange Chicken is perfect for a cozy night in.

What makes it special is that perfectly balanced sauce zesty, sweet, and just a bit spicy. This Takeout Fakeaway Recipes it's a healthier and more delicious alternative.

Ready to get cooking?

Let's talk Ingredients

For this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe , you'll need chicken thighs, some standard pantry bits and pieces, and of course, oranges! Let's break it down, shall we? This is going to be epic!

Ingredients & Equipment

Panda Express Orange Chicken Your Takeaway Favourite at Home presentation

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! To nail this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) , you need some bits and bobs. Don't worry, nothing too cheffy.

Main Ingredients

Right, here's the shopping list for your takeaway fakeaway recipes feast.

Chicken : 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are best. They stay juicy. Make sure they’re firm to the touch.
Egg : 1 large egg. Free range if you can!
Cornstarch : 1/4 cup ( 30g ). This makes the chicken super crispy.
All-purpose flour : 1/4 cup ( 30g ). Plain flour works just fine.
Salt : 1/2 tsp ( 2.5ml ). Sea salt is my go-to.
Black pepper : 1/4 tsp ( 1.25ml ). Freshly ground, please.
Vegetable oil : About 4 cups ( 950ml ). For frying. Any neutral oil does the trick.

For the Marinade :

Soy sauce : 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). I use low-sodium.
Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) : 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Don't worry if you don't have it. Sherry will do.
Grated ginger : 1 tsp ( 5ml ). Fresh is best. Honestly.
Minced garlic : 1 clove . Garlic makes everything better.
White pepper : 1/4 tsp ( 1.25ml ). It's subtler than black.

Orange Chicken Sauce :

Fresh orange juice : 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Squeeze your own. It's worth it.
Rice vinegar : 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Adds a lovely tang.
Granulated sugar : 1/4 cup ( 50g ). For that sweetness.
Soy sauce : 2 tbsp ( 30ml ). More umami.
Cornstarch : 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). To thicken things up.
Water : 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Mix with the cornstarch.
Orange zest : 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Don't skip this. It's pure flavour.
Sesame oil : 1 tsp ( 5ml ). A little goes a long way.
Red pepper flakes : 1/2 tsp ( 2.5ml ). Adjust to your taste. I like it spicy.
Minced garlic : 1 clove .
Grated ginger : 1 tsp ( 5ml ).

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk about those flavours. The soy sauce, ginger, and garlic are key. They give that authentic Asian Chicken Stir Fry vibe.

Red pepper flakes? Essential! If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great sub. A little extra orange zest never hurts.

For Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe you can add more sugar or rice vinegar.

Equipment Needed

Only the essentials, I promise.

Large bowl . For marinating.
Whisk . For the sauce.
Shallow dish . For coating the chicken.
Large skillet or wok . A wok is perfect, but a skillet will do.
Slotted spoon . To scoop out the chicken.
Thermometer (optional). To check the oil temp. Aim for 350° F ( 175° C) .
Paper towels . To drain the chicken.

Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat): Your Takeaway Favourite at Home!

Fancy some Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) tonight? Who doesn't! Honestly, sometimes I just need that crispy orange chicken recipe .

This recipe is my go-to. It's way better than ordering takeout, trust me. It’s gonna knock your socks off!

Prep Like a Pro: The Essential Mise en Place

First things first, get your ducks in a row. Chop your 1.5 lbs chicken thighs into bite sized pieces. Mix your marinade: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or sherry), 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of white pepper (1/4 tsp).

Trust me, proper prep is half the battle in getting that perfect homemade orange chicken . I usually prep all my ingredients before I start cooking.

Saves a whole heap of time.

The Frying Game: A step-by-step to Golden Perfection

Marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken and marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes .
Whisk together your sauce: 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp water.
Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a shallow dish.
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture.
Heat about 4 cups of vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry the chicken in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan!
Fry until golden brown. The internal temperature should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
Sauté minced garlic and ginger in your wok or pan for 30 secs. Now Pour in the orange sauce mixture in the same pan.
Add the fried chicken to the wok and toss to coat in the sauce, Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, Serve immediately. And you're done, the greatest Chinese orange chicken for you.

Pro Tips for Orange Chicken Glory

Want that extra bit of magic? Double fry your chicken. Seriously. Fry it once, let it rest, then fry it again for that ultimate crunch.

Also, don't be shy with the orange zest in the sauce. It brings a zesty brightness. If you are doing the Orange Chicken Recipe , avoid using old oil, to get the maximum favor.

Honestly, this recipe brings so much joy. You'll feel like a right chef. Now get in the kitchen and give it a go! This takeout fakeaway recipe is the real deal.

Recipe Notes

This Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) recipe is pretty straightforward. But, let's chat about a few things to make it amazing .

Honestly, these tips are what take it from "meh" to "OMG, this is better than takeout!"

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good

Right, so you've nailed your Orange Chicken Recipe . Now, how do you make it look like something you'd actually pay for? Forget just dumping it in a bowl!

Plating is key : Serve your Chinese Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top.
It adds a nice colour contrast and a bit of freshness, you know?
Sidekicks : Steamed broccoli is a classic. A couple of crispy egg rolls would be perfect , too. As for drinks? A light, crisp beer or even a sparkling lemonade would be fab.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

So, you've made a huge batch of this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken . What now? Don't worry, I've got you sorted.

Fridge Rules : Keep the chicken and sauce separate! Honestly, if you mix them, the chicken goes soggy. Nobody wants soggy Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe .
Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Maybe : Freezing cooked chicken can change the texture, so it's not ideal. The sauce, however, freezes pretty well. Just pop it in a freezer bag or container.
Reheating 101 : Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes to crisp it up.
The sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat. Once both are warm, toss them together.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Fancy a twist on your Homemade Orange Chicken ? No problem, let's get creative!

Dietary Swaps : Need a gluten-free option? Use Tamari instead of soy sauce. Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
Seasonal Fun : In summer, add some chunks of grilled pineapple to the sauce. It's tropical and yum. In winter, a pinch of cinnamon to the Orange Chicken Sauce gives it a cozy vibe.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Let's break it down. This Asian Chicken Stir Fry , like many takeout favourites, has a few things to keep in mind.

Each serving will give you approximately 450-550 calories. You'll also get a good dose of protein! But watch out for the sugar.

A healthier alternative, however, would be my Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe .

Right then, go forth and make this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) recipe your own! Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun. Happy cooking, darlings!

Delicious Orange Chicken Recipe Secret Takeaway Fakeaway at Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) recipe difficult to make? I'm not exactly a culinary whiz!

It's not too bad, mate! The recipe is rated as medium difficulty because it involves a few steps like battering, frying, and making the sauce. But with a little patience and by following the instructions, you'll have a takeaway quality dish in no time. If you can make a decent Sunday roast, you can handle this!

Can I make this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh for maximum crispiness, you can definitely prep some components in advance. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the orange sauce a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Just fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce right before serving.

Keep in mind that storing cooked chicken tossed in the sauce will cause the chicken to lose its crispiness.

What if I don't have Shaoxing wine for the marinade? Is there a substitute?

No worries if you don't have Shaoxing wine dry sherry makes a great substitute! It gives a similar depth of flavour to the chicken. You could even use chicken broth in a pinch, though it won't provide the same authentic taste.

How can I make my Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) extra crispy?

For seriously crispy chicken, try double frying! Fry the chicken once until lightly golden, then fry it again for a minute or two right before tossing it in the sauce. This helps to remove any excess moisture and gives it that irresistible crunch you're after.

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature, too about 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

Is there a way to make this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) recipe healthier?

You can make some adjustments to lighten it up a bit! Consider baking the chicken instead of frying it, although the texture will be different. You could also reduce the sugar in the orange sauce. Serving it with brown rice and steamed vegetables instead of white rice helps to balance the meal and add some fibre.

My sauce isn't thickening up! What am I doing wrong with this Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat) recipe?

Make sure you're using cornstarch as the thickening agent and that it's properly mixed with water before adding it to the sauce. If it's still not thickening, try increasing the heat slightly while stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the sauce!

Also, ensure your cornstarch hasn't expired, as that can affect its thickening properties.