What is the Panda Express orange chicken?

It’s a sweet, tangy, deep-fried chicken dish coated in a signature orange sauce, created by Panda Express in 1987. It’s their best-selling item and a popular fast-food classic in the U.S.

Is orange chicken from Panda Express unhealthy?

Yes, it’s relatively high in sugar, fat, and calories—nearly 500 calories per serving. It’s delicious but best enjoyed in moderation or re-created at home in a healthier way.

What is the unhealthiest thing at Panda Express?

Beijing Beef and Fried Rice are often among the most calorie-heavy, fat-rich items on the menu, though orange chicken is close behind in sugar content.

What is the healthiest thing to eat at Panda Express?

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken or Broccoli Beef with Super Greens are top choices for lower-calorie, high-protein meals that skip the deep frying and sugar-heavy sauces.

What is orange chicken sauce made of?

Typically, it includes orange juice and zest, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for thickening. Panda Express adds preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup, but you can make a clean version at home.

Panda Express Orange Chicken – Top 5 Secrets & Best Homemade Recipe

Name: Panda Express Orange Chicken (Healthier Copycat Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 egg; ½ cup cornstarch; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Oil for frying or air frying; ½ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed); 1 tbsp orange zest; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp sugar or honey; ½ tsp sesame oil; 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Description

A healthier homemade version of Panda Express’s famous orange chicken—crispy, sweet, and tangy, but made with better-for-you ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 egg
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying or air frying

For the Orange Sauce:

½ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed)
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp sugar or honey
½ tsp sesame oil
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

In one bowl, beat the egg.
In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat in flour mixture.

Cook the Chicken:

Deep fry, air fry (400°F for 15 mins), or bake (425°F for 25–30 mins) the coated chicken until golden and crispy.

Make the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.

Combine:

Toss the cooked chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated.
Serve immediately over rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breast for a leaner version.
To reduce sugar, use a sugar-free alternative or cut the amount in half.
Great for meal prep—store in fridge up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.
Add steamed broccoli or super greens for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Fry / Air Fry / Bake
Cuisine: Asian-American

Keywords: panda express orange chicken, homemade orange chicken, copycat panda express, Asian takeout chicken, sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken recipe, crispy chicken dinner, healthy orange chicken