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9.10
1.52
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The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe is crispy, flavorful, and a little bit tangy. It tastes just like the Panda Express dish.
This recipe serves 6 and costs about $9.10 to make. That’s just around $1.52 per serving!
One of our biggest monthly expenses is food. We are constantly reviewing our budget and looking for ways to decrease our monthly food bill. One of the easiest ways to do this is to cut back on eating out.
Table of Contents
You will love this Orange Chicken Recipe (Panda Express Copycat!)
Our solution to this dilemma is Copycat recipes! You can make the same great-tasting food at home for a better price. Our orange chicken recipe serves 6 and costs approximately $9.10 to make. Our chow mein recipe serves 6 and costs $4.26 to make.
This means you can serve your family one of their favorite meals for just about $13.36!
Our recipe shows you exactly how to make this Orange Chicken at home so you can avoid the cost of eating out without sacrificing the taste of your favorite Panda Orange Chicken.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
Recipe Cost: $9.10
Per Serving: $1.52
- 1 egg –$0.10
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt –$0.01
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs –$5.84
- 1 pinch black pepper –$0.01
- 3 cups + 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil –$1.53
- 1/2 cup + 3 Tablespoons cornstarch –$0.29
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour –$0.05
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes –$0.02
- 2 garlic cloves –$0.12
- 2 teaspoons ginger root –$0.01
- 1/2 cup brown sugar –$0.24
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar –$0.12
- 2/3 cup orange juice –$0.27
- 1/2 cup white vinegar –$0.11
- 1/4 cup soy sauce –$0.18
- 1/4 cup water –$0.00
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil –$0.20
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check outBudget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in May 2020.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe:
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- First, make the sauce.
- Next, make the chicken by dipping pieces of chicken into the prepared egg mixture and then into the flour.
- Then, fry the chicken in oil in small batches. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Finally, add the fried chicken into the sauce and stir until completely coated in the sauce and serve.
How to get the kids involved with this recipe:
- Ages 2-3: Let them help you measure out the ingredients for the sauce.
- Ages 4-5:Let them help you measure and mix the ingredients for the egg and flour mixtures. They can also help line the baking sheet with paper towels.
- Ages 6-8: Teach your kiddo to dip the chicken in the egg and flour mixtures. Have them help you take the temperature of the oil with an instant-read thermometer. Teach them safety when frying food in oil.
- Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
- Ages 12+:Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Panda Orange Chicken variations
- If you like an extra flavor kick, then add orange zest to the sauce.
- If you like the orange sauce on the spicier side, then add in more red pepper flakes.
What to serve with Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Serve over rice or with our copycat chow mein.
Panda Orange Chicken storage
- Serve:You can keep this recipe at room temperature for up to 2 hours before you need to refrigerate it.
- Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: It’s best to freeze the fried chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags. Frozen this way, they will keep for 3 months. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan until warmed through. For the chicken, place it in a 400 degrees F oven for 15 minutes or until crisp and heated through.
Orange Chicken Panda Express FAQs
Is Orange Chicken Spicy?
Orange Chicken does have a little spice to it, but it would not win any competition for the spiciest dish out there! In comparison to other Chinese-American dishes, General Tso’s chicken is known for being spicy.
Is orange chicken white or dark meat?
We use chicken thighs for our orange chicken recipe. Chicken thighs are classified as dark meat. Dark meat is generally more tender than white meat, creating a juicier piece of meat.
Is orange chicken healthy?
One serving has 576 calories. It is a good source of protein but also has a pretty high sodium and fat content. Therefore, it is not typically considered an overall healthy dish.
Why is my orange chicken sauce not thickening?
The cornstarch paste is the key to helping to thicken the orange chicken sauce. You may need to stir in more, one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
What is a substitute for orange juice in orange chicken
You can substitute the orange juice at a 1:1 ratio with either lemon or lime juice.
Why is my orange chicken bitter?
Through trial and error, we have created the perfect ratio of ingredients to create the best-tasting orange chicken. If any of these measurements are off, it can alter the overall taste, which could result in bitter chicken. We’ve shared our measurements here with you so you don’t make the same mistakes we did.
Is orange chicken sweet or spicy?
Orange Chicken is known for having a sweet and savory taste in comparison to other spicy dishes likeGeneral Tso Chicken. However, you can add more red pepper flakes if you want the sauce to have a little more spice.
Cook’s Tools for this Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
- slotted spoon
- wok
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- medium mixing bowls
- large bowl
- instant-read thermometer
Orange Chicken Panda Express FAQs
Is orange chicken white or dark meat?
We use chicken thighs for our orange chicken recipe. Chicken thighs are classified as dark meat. Dark meat is generally more tender than white meat, creating a juicier piece of meat.
More Copycat Recipes:
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce
- Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham
- Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo
Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce
Recipe Cost 9.10
Serving Cost 1.52
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
This Copycat Orange Chicken recipe is crispy, flavorful, and a little bit tangy. It tastes just like the Panda Express dish. This recipe serves 6 and costs $9.10 to make. That’s just $1.52 per serving!
Servings: 6 people
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Equipment
slotted spoon
wok
measuring cups
Measuring spoons
medium mixing bowls
large bowl
instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
FOR ORANGE SAUCE:
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger root peeled and minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅔ cup orange juice
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
FOR CHICKEN:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
MAKE SAUCE:
Preheat 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil in a large saucepan or medium pot over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is simmering, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
Whisk in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange juice. Cook while stirring often until the sugars are almost all dissolved, about 2-4 minutes.
Whisk in vinegar and soy sauce.
In a small bowl whisk together water and cornstarch until it makes a paste. Then, whisk the paste into the sauce.
Cook and stir the sauce until it thickens to the consistency of syrup (it will thicken more as it cools).
Whisk in the sesame oil.
PREP FOR FRYING:
In a shallow bowl or pie plate whisk together egg, salt, pepper, and 1 Tablespoon of oil.
In a second shallow bowl or pie plate whisk together cornstarch and flour.
Pour the oil into a large pan or wok. Heat the oil over high heat until it registers 375 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.
Line a baking sheet with 3-4 layers of paper towels.
FRY CHICKEN:
Place a ⅓ of the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, and then dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.
Add the chicken to the oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
Move chicken to paper towel-line baking sheet to drain.
Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, frying in 2 more batches.
FINISH THE ORANGE CHICKEN:
Transfer the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
Serve with chow mein or white rice.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 1277mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 161IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
Love this recipe?Follow @EasyBudgetRecipes or tag #EasyBudgetRecipes!
This Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat recipe is crispy, flavorful, and a little bit tangy. It tastes just like the Panda Express dish. This recipe serves 6 and costs $9.10 to make. That’s just $1.52 per serving!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Katie Bellamy says
Oh Yum!! I think I could even do this!!
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Katie, you definitely can!
Renee Goerger says
This tastes just like the original and I love how it’s saving me $$! Thanks for the yummy recipe!Reply
Shana Lenoir says
Omg I LOOOOOVE orange chicken!!!
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
So glad you found our recipe!
Denay DeGuzman says
Orange chicken is one of our favorite Chinese entrees! I love making this easy recipe at home. It’s definitely a money saver too!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
It is one of my favorites too! Enjoy!
Barrie says
My kiddo loves Panda Express! I’ll have to make this next week for dinner.Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Your kiddo will be thrilled! Enjoy!
Soraya M says
I can not wait to make this at home. My family is going to love it.
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Yay! Can’t wait!
Bobbi schrieber says
This looks AMAZING!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you so much!
elly says
That looks amazing I can’t wait to make it!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
You are going to love it!
Deanna says
So easy and delicious. Way better than take out!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Way better than take out!
Marina says
Fantastic recipe! Cannot wait to try it out!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
We would love to hear back from you once you try it!
Maren says
This recipe sounds amazingReply
Jess Jankowski says
We love it!
Emily Flint says
I love the idea of making this at home, and saving money!! Thanks for posting.Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Saving money while eating yummy food is always a win-win!
Sula says
Wonderful! This is my guilty pleasure for sure!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
That’s a good guilty pleasure to have!
Lathiya says
I love panda Express orange chicken and this recipe is a definite keeper.Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you!
Chef Dennis says
Hmm yum! This Panda Express Orange Chicken is mouthwatering! I can’t wait to have a taste.Reply
Leslie says
I love orange chicken from panda express! What a lifesaver that you have created this! AMAZING!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
So glad you love it as much as we do! Enjoy!
Amy says
Oh yum! My family would love this! Thanks!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Amy, it makes for a great family meal! Thanks for stopping by!
Jaclyn Mercer says
Will absolutely have to try this. We love orange chicken but have a lot of food allergies so we have to be careful when ordering out. I much prefer to make my own!
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Copycat recipes are perfect for those with allergies. We have a couple allergies in our family too so I love how much more control we have when we make it ourselves.
Melissa Storms says
This sounds fantastic.My son was just talking about craving orange chicken. I think this may be for dinner tonight, I actually have everything required on hand.
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Melissa, that is great you already have everything on hand. It must be meant to be!
Connie Headley says
This recipe is so spelled out . I have never seen one like it. Even down to how you how long you could keep in fridge or in freezer. It looks great but normally I like the General Tso’s Might have to try and make this. or look for the other one .Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Connie, we think you will enjoy this one just as much as Geberal Tso’s!
Katie Bellamy says
You make this sound so easy! Looks delicious!
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Katie, it really is easy! Enjoy!
Ron Weinberg says
WHEN YOU USE REAL WHITE MEAT FROM THE CHICKEN & NOT COMMERCIAL CHICKEN THEN YOU HAVE A DISH!
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Agreed!
Iva Tomic says
You should have your cookbook. I would buy it. Chicken looks so good.Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Iva that is our dream! Thank you!
Tawnie Kroll says
SO much better than Panda! omg I am soo happy I found this recipe. This will be on rotation in our house now!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
That’s awesome Tawnie! Thanks for stopping by.
Angela says
This is better than Panda Express!! I absolutely loved it and my family did too! Definitely will make again. Thanks for the great recipe!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Thanks so much for your review Angela. So happy your family loved it!
Jamie says
Oh yum! This is just like the real version and I love how I can make it at home so I know exactly what goes in it. Delicious!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Yes Jamie! It is so much better to make it at home!
Jacque Hastert says
This was way better than anything I have ever had at Panda Express! I can’t believe how flavorful it was and how simple it was to create at home.Reply
Jess Jankowski says
So happy you enjoyed it Jacque!
Michelle says
Omg. This is my favorite at Panda Express! I can’t wait to try it at home!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
You are going to love it!
elizabeth says
This was soo good. It even looked picture perfect and tasted even better.
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Elizabeth, that’s awesome! Thanks for letting us know.
Jimmy says
This is great. The orange flavor is not overpowering and I can make it spicier!Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Thanks for stopping by to let us know how you liked it! I like to add a little more spice to it too!
Clarissa says
This tastes nothing like PE Orange Chicken, but it is still delicious! I strongly recommend giving it a try.Reply
Mary says
OMGosh! I went about following the recipe for the sauce and honestly did not expect much. Boy howdy, was I wrong! Gave tasting samples to myself, of course, and my family, beforebi started the chicken. it turned out SUPER!
I did not have ginger root, so I Googled for a substitute and it gave a suggestion of cinnamon, which I used. I thank you so much, this will be a recipe the Grandkids will want.Reply
Jess Jankowski says
This is awesome Mary! Thank you for letting us know your experience! Glad you were able to find a substitute for the ginger root.
Mandy says
Not usually a fan of vinegar in recipes. If left out does it significantly alter the flavor?
Reply
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Mandy, the vinegar is a big part of the sauce so it will alter the flavor significantly if you do not include it in the recipe.
