Go Back
–+ servings
Hot Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

Irresistible Hot Orange Chicken: Easy Panda Express Copycat!

Quick and flavorful Hot Orange Chicken inspired by Panda Express; perfect for busy nights!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized cubes
For the Breading
  • ½ cup flour provides a sturdy base for the crispy coating
  • ½ cup cornstarch enhances crunchiness
For the Sauce
  • ¾ cup sugar try brown sugar for richer depth
  • ½ cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • ½ cup orange juice fresh juice is best
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar rice vinegar is a tasty substitute
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic adds aromatic kick
  • 1 tablespoon ginger adds zesty warmth
  • to taste chili peppers (dried/red pepper flakes) adjust according to desired spice level
For Cooking
  • 1 cup cooking oil canola or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Shallow dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Orange Sauce by whisking together ¾ cup of sugar, ½ cup of soy sauce, ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and ginger in a medium bowl.
  2. Cut 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes. In a shallow dish, mix ½ cup of flour and ½ cup of cornstarch; coat each chicken piece and let rest for about 10 minutes.
  3. Heat about 1 cup of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Remove excess oil from the skillet, add the fried chicken back, and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss gently and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve the Hot Orange Chicken over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to restore crispiness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!