Orange Chicken Panda Express – Copycat Recipe & Guide

Orange Chicken Panda Express is the brand’s most iconic and top-selling menu item, loved for its crispy chicken and bold sweet-tangy orange sauce. This dish has become a comfort-food favorite across the United States and is often the first item people order when visiting Panda Express. To view full menu visit Panda Express Menu.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate that same flavor at home, this guide breaks down the recipe, taste profile, and key tips—while keeping everything natural and easy to follow.

What Is Orange Chicken at Panda Express?

Orange Chicken Panda Express is made with bite-sized chicken thighs that are battered, deep-fried until crispy, and then tossed in a glossy orange sauce. The sauce combines citrus sweetness with soy sauce, vinegar, and mild chili heat, creating the signature flavor people recognize instantly.

Unlike traditional Chinese orange chicken, the Panda Express version leans sweeter and richer, which is why it stands out in fast-casual dining.

Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe (Copycat)

Orange Chicken Panda Express Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Boneless chicken thighs
• Eggs
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Red chili flakes (optional)
• Cornstarch slurry

Orange Chicken Panda Express Nutrition Guide

Orange Chicken is the most popular entrée at Panda Express, but it’s also one of the more indulgent options on the menu due to frying and sweet sauce.

Approximate Nutrition (Entrée Only)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~490 kcal
Protein	~23 g
Total Fat	~23 g
Saturated Fat	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~51 g
Sugars	~19 g
Sodium	~820 mg
Cholesterol	~80 mg

Values are approximate and may vary slightly by location.

Why Orange Chicken Is Higher in Calories

Orange Chicken has a higher calorie count mainly because:

• Chicken is battered and deep-fried
• Sauce contains added sugar
• Oil absorption during frying increases fat content

This makes it more calorie-dense than grilled or vegetable-based entrées.

Is Orange Chicken Panda Express Healthy?

Orange Chicken is not considered a healthy everyday option, but it can be enjoyed occasionally. Compared to lighter dishes, it contains:

• More sugar
• More fat
• Higher sodium

If health is your priority, Panda Express grilled or stir-fried options are better choices.

How to Make Orange Chicken a Better Choice

You can balance your meal by:

• Pairing it with Super Greens instead of fried rice
• Choosing steamed white or brown rice
• Controlling portion size (bowl instead of plate)

These small changes help reduce overall calorie intake.

Orange Chicken vs Healthier Panda Express Options

Dish	Calories (Approx.)
Mushroom Chicken	~220
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	~300
String Bean Chicken Breast	~190
Orange Chicken	~490

This comparison shows why Orange Chicken is best enjoyed in moderation.

How to Make Orange Chicken Panda Express Style

• Coat the Chicken: Cut chicken into small pieces, dip in egg, then coat with cornstarch and flour.
• Fry Until Crispy: Fry in hot oil until golden and crunchy. Set aside on paper towels.
• Prepare the Orange Sauce: Simmer orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Thicken slightly with cornstarch.
• Toss and Serve: Add crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Serve hot.

Why Orange Chicken Panda Express Tastes So Addictive

The appeal of orange chicken panda express comes from:

• Crunchy texture from deep frying
• Sweet citrus glaze
• Balanced tanginess
• Mild heat that doesn’t overpower

This combination hits multiple flavor notes at once, making it hard to resist.

Is Orange Chicken Panda Express Healthy?

Orange Chicken is not considered a healthy option compared to grilled or vegetable-based entrées. Because it’s battered, fried, and coated in a sweet sauce, it’s higher in calories, sugar, and fat.

For a lighter Panda Express choice, customers often prefer Mushroom Chicken or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken.

Best Sides to Pair with Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken pairs well with:

• Steamed white rice
• Fried rice
• Chow Mein
• Super Greens (for balance)

These sides help round out the meal and absorb the extra sauce.

Orange Chicken vs Other Chicken Dishes

Compared to other Panda Express entrées:

• Higher calories than Mushroom Chicken
• Sweeter than Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
• Crispier than String Bean Chicken Breast

It’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday meal.

Final Thoughts

Orange Chicken Panda Express remains one of the most recognizable fast-casual dishes in the U.S. Its crispy texture, sweet orange glaze, and bold flavor make it a fan favorite. Whether you’re ordering it in-store or making a copycat version at home, this dish delivers the signature taste people crave.

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