If you’re craving the perfect balance of fiery heat and tangy sweetness, this Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort dish. It’s an irresistible take on a classic favorite that combines crispy, golden chicken with a vibrant orange sauce bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up dinner for friends or treating yourself on a cozy night in, this dish delivers that punch of spice and citrusy zing that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to order out again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a layer of plain white rice at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of golden brown pieces of chicken covered in a shiny, sticky brown sauce with red chili flakes sprinkled on top. Red dried chili peppers are mixed in with the chicken for extra color and texture. Behind the chicken, there is a layer of light brown noodles with a slightly oily sheen and visible bits of green herbs and small pieces of vegetables mixed throughout. The whole dish has a glossy, rich look that makes it appear flavorful and spicy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from ensuring the chicken has that crispy crunch to making the sauce rich, tangy, and spicy with a fresh orange twist.

Chicken (2 lbs boneless skinless breasts or thighs): Tender chunks provide the perfect base for the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 cup) and all-purpose flour (1/2 cup): These give the chicken its irresistibly crispy coating.
Eggs (2): Help the flour mixture stick to the chicken pieces for that crunch.
Oil (canola or vegetable, for frying and stir-frying): Critical for golden, crispy chicken and sautéing spices.
Salt (1 tsp) and white pepper (1/2 tsp): Basic seasoning that brings out the natural flavors.
Orange juice (1 cup) and fresh orange zest: Provide bright citrus notes that define the sauce.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Rice wine vinegar (4 tablespoons): Brings tanginess and sharp contrast.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the sauce perfectly.
Sesame oil (2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon): Imparts a nutty aroma and flavor.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce for that glossy finish.
Green onions (1 tablespoon sliced, plus extra for garnish): Freshness and a mild onion bite.
Dried whole red chili peppers (1/2 cup) and red pepper flakes (6 teaspoons): Amp up the heat beautifully.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Builds a savory backbone.
Optional ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Adds warmth and a hint of spice complexity.

How to Make Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe

Step 1: Make The Orange Sauce

Start by whisking together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a tablespoon of cornstarch in a medium bowl. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, tangy and sweet with just the right amount of thickness, so getting this ready early sets you up for success. Cover it and set aside while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Prep and Bread Chicken

Combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and white pepper in a shallow dish. This dry mix will give your chicken that crispy shell we all love. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and two tablespoons of oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated, then dredge in the flour mixture until completely covered. This double step ensures maximum crunch.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a heavy-bottom skillet or wok to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 3 minutes per batch. You want the chicken golden and crispy but cooked through. Let them drain on a wire rack so they stay crispy—not soggy—before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Stir Fry to Finish

In a wok or large pan, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium-high. Add dried red chili peppers and red pepper flakes, frying them quickly about 15 seconds while stirring constantly to release their flavor. Toss in minced garlic and ginger (if using) along with a tablespoon of sesame oil, cooking another 15 seconds. Next, pour in your reserved orange sauce and let it bubble and thicken for about 2 minutes. Finally, add the crispy chicken to this flavorful sauce and toss well for a minute or so until everything is glossy, fully coated, and heated through. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top to finish.

How to Serve Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh green onion slices are the perfect garnish here. They add not only color but a fresh, slightly sharp bite that balances the rich orange glaze wonderfully. For an extra crunch and a pop of color, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds if you have them on hand.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice which soaks up that irresistible sauce you’ve just made. For a lighter contrast, try serving with steamed broccoli or snap peas, which add a crisp vegetable freshness that complements the spicy, sweet chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at your next gathering, serve the Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe in lettuce cups for a hand-held delight. Another idea is plating it over fried rice or even alongside crispy noodles for a textural combo that pulls everything together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will retain much of its flavor but may lose a bit of its crispness, which can be revived during reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken separate from the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing helps preserve the spicy, tangy goodness until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken’s texture and allow the sauce to warm through without drying out. If the sauce has thickened too much, adding a splash of water or orange juice can bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to the dish, making it a fantastic choice if you prefer dark meat.

How spicy is this Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe?

The heat level is medium to high depending on how many dried chilies and red pepper flakes you add. You can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste by reducing or increasing these ingredients.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well, such as tamari.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken when frying?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady. Also, letting the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying helps maintain crispiness.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Give it a quick whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe enough for anyone who loves a good balance of spice, sweetness, and that satisfying crunch. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it elevates your home-cooked meals with bold flavors you won’t forget. So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to a homemade take on an all-time favorite! You deserve it.