Crispy, sweet, and spicy hot orange chicken Panda Express copycat recipe you can make at home in under an hour.
To Make Chicken
2 lbs chicken boneless skinless breasts or thighs, cut into 1–2” inch pieces
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 tablespoons oil canola or vegetable
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
oil for frying
To Make Orange Sauce
1 cup orange juice
1 orange, zest of
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon green onions, sliced plus extra for garnish
To Stir-Fry
2 tablespoons oil canola or vegetable
1/2 cup dried whole red chili peppers
6 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
optional: 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Whisk orange sauce ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in one bowl. Beat eggs with oil in another.
Coat chicken in egg wash, then flour mixture.
Heat oil to 375°F. Fry chicken in batches 3 minutes until golden. Drain on a rack.
Heat oil in wok, add chilies and red pepper flakes. Stir 15 sec.
Add garlic (and ginger). Stir 15 sec.
Pour in orange sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Toss fried chicken in sauce. Serve hot with rice.
Bake or air-fry for a lighter version.
Adjust chili flakes for spice preference.
Store chicken and sauce separately for best leftovers.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Keywords: hot orange chicken Panda Express, Panda Express copycat recipe, spicy orange chicken, crispy chicken stir fry, Asian-inspired chicken