Discover the mouthwatering Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe to recreate the beloved restaurant dish in your own kitchen. Learn how to master the iconic flavors that make Panda Express chicken so irresistible!
Discover one of the most popular must-try chicken recipe ideas – copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken!
Skip the Chinese takeout and enjoy the same flavorful chicken at home with this copycat recipe.
Uncover the key ingredients for our Panda Express chicken recipe, including the perfect blend of sauces and seasonings that give it that signature taste.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version.
Why is Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken So Good?
This orange chicken recipe tastes just like the hallmark of Panda Express’s popular dish with the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The combination of citrusy orange flavor, savory soy sauce, a bit of spice and a touch of sweetness creates a delightful taste when cooked together with the crispy, tender chicken.
How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil, as needed
- 1lb Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Orange Marmalade
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 teaspoons Rice Wine Vinegar (substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce
- Sesame Seeds, optional garnish
- Green Onions, optional garnish
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.
Cook the ground chicken in the hot oil until no longer pink, using a spatula to break it up occasionally. Cook for about 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl make the tangy orange sauce.
Combine sauce ingredients: orange marmalade, bbq sauce, ginger, red chile flakes, minced garlic, sesame oil, vinegar and soy sauce.
Once the chicken is fully cooked add the marmalade mixture to the cooked chicken.
Stir to coat the chicken with the make the orange chicken sauce and allow mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until reduced by half and the mixture resembles a thick glaze, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust, as desired.
Serve this great recipe for homemade orange chicken garnished with chili peppers, sesame seeds, orange zest or sliced green onions.
Serve leftovers in an airtight container.
Relevant Recipes
- Easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
What to Serve with Orange Chicken
When serving your Orange Chicken, you can pair it with a variety of delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded quick and easy dinner. Here are some tasty options:
- The classic choice to serve with Orange Chicken is white rice, but fried rice works well too.
- Stir fry a colorful medley of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas,
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
- Fresh orange slices
Panda Express Chicken Recipe FAQ’s
What is Panda Express orange chicken sauce made of?
Panda Express orange chicken sauce is made from a combination of sweet and savory ingredients that create its signature flavor. The sauce typically includes:
Orange Marmalade, BBQ Sauce, Ground Ginger, Red Chile Flakes, Garlic, Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar and regular Soy Sauce.
Does Panda Express use dark meat for orange chicken?
Yes, Panda Express uses dark meat for their Orange Chicken. Dark meat, such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs, is preferred because it tends to be juicier and more flavorful than white meat.
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Discover the mouthwatering Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe to recreate the beloved restaurant dish in your own kitchen. Learn how to master the iconic flavors that make Panda Express chicken so irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, as needed
- 1lb Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Orange Marmalade
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chile Flakes, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 teaspoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce
- Sesame Seeds, optional garnish
- Green Onions, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Once hot, add the ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, using a spatula to break it up occasionally. Cook for about 8-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine orange marmalade, bbq sauce, ginger, red chile flakes, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar and soy sauce.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the marmalade mixture. Stir to coat and allow mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until reduced by half and the mixture resembles a thick glaze,stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust, as desired.
- Serve garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
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