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Easy Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe

This flavorful and easy to make with copycat Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe is made with simple ingredients with just a bit of spice. The perfect dinner for any night of the week!

I was never a big fan of Panda Express until I tried their orange chicken. It is seriously to die for and it’s not that hard to make at home! 

This copycat recipe for panda express’ orange chicken is easy, tastes better and it’s cheaper! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s simple to make and has an amazing flavor that you’ll love. 

panda express orange chicken

You can whip this easy dish up in no time with fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s so much healthier than ordering takeout! 

There are few things more heavenly than the taste of a perfectly crisp Orange Chicken dinner. And this orange chicken recipe tastes just like the real deal.

This homemade dish is so flavorful, with its sweet and spicy sauce made from orange juice and sugar mixed together along with crushed red pepper to give it that little kick! 

The flavorful chicken meets a golden brown exterior with a great crunch and a little spice – an unbeatable combination for any food lover out there who wants something filling but light at heart too. 

panda express orange chicken

How to Make Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon 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 Vinegar (substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce
  • Sesame Seeds, optional garnish
  • Green Onions, optional garnish
panda express orange chicken

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.

panda express orange chicken

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.

panda express orange chicken

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. 

panda express orange chicken

What should I serve Orange Chicken with for a quick and easy dinner?

What would be the best side dish to go along with this Chinese takeout classic? How about some:

panda express orange chicken

Give this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe a try the next time you are craving Chinese food for an unbeatable combination that you can’t get enough of. It may just become your new favorite go-to meal!

panda express orange chicken
panda express orange chicken

Easy Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
This flavorful and easy to make with copycat Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe is made with simple ingredients with just a bit of spice. The perfect dinner for any night of the week!

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

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
  2. 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.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine orange marmalade, bbq sauce, ginger, red chile flakes, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar and soy sauce.
  4. 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.
  5. Taste and adjust, as desired.
  6. Serve garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.

Did you make this recipe?

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heather

Monday 18th of October 2021

I have never attempted to make this before and now I would like to give it a try we love orange chicken so much.

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