Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Janell

If you’ve been craving that classic takeout flavor but want to skip the delivery fee, this is the recipe you need. This Panda Express Orange Chicken is exactly what you’re looking for: it’s sweet, savory, and has that yummy, crispy exterior that makes it so addictive.

This homemade orange chicken is a family favorite at our house, and it is just as good as any restaurant version you’ll find at your local Chinese restaurants.

What You Need for Homemade Orange Chicken

I love this orange chicken and rice dish because it’s an easy weeknight meal that the whole family actually agrees on. You can use white meat like chicken breasts, but if you want it to stay extra juicy, boneless skinless chicken thighs or dark meat are the way to go.

The Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2½ cups chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized pieces (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
• 2 large eggs
• Pinch salt and black pepper
• ½ cup corn starch
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 Tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1½ Tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1½ minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Juice and orange zest of 2 oranges (fresh orange juice makes a huge difference!)
• 2½ Tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• ⅔ cup water
• Cornstarch slurry (2 Tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 Tablespoons warm water)

How to Make Orange Chicken

1. Prep the coating: Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken: Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
3. Fry until golden: Heat your oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until it develops a golden-brown, crispy crust (usually 5-7 minutes). Drain the pieces on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Make the tangy orange sauce: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, and flakes until fragrant.
5. Thicken: Pour in the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer for a few minutes, then stir in your slurry. Cook until the orange chicken sauce is glossy and thick.
6. Toss and serve: Add your fried chicken to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in that tangy sauce.

Tips for the Best Results

• If you are looking for a great way to change things up, this works perfectly as orange popcorn chicken for the kids.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• To get that orange chicken crispy texture back the next day, use your air fryer to reheat the chicken.

Serve this as a classic Chinese orange chicken with rice meal by pairing it with white rice or even chow mein. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions to make it look just like you just picked up dinner at Panda Express!

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