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Baked Orange Chicken made with Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce

Baked Orange Chicken made with Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce

This Baked Orange Chicken made with Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce delivers the authentic sweet, tangy, and savory flavors of the classic dish with the ease and health benefits of baking instead of frying. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe offers a crispy, flavorful coating and a vibrant orange glaze that the whole family will love.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup cornstarch

Orange Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, place the cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece first in the egg wash, then toss to coat evenly in cornstarch. This will create a crispy outer shell when baked.
  2. Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
  3. Make the Copycat Orange Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is out of the oven, place it in a large mixing bowl and pour the hot orange sauce over it. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the vibrant, sticky glaze.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Ensure each chicken piece is fully coated with cornstarch for the best crispy texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking tray to allow even baking and crispiness.
  • Use fresh orange zest for enhanced citrus aroma and flavor.
  • Reduce the sauce until thick enough to cling perfectly to the chicken.
  • Adjust the sweetness by tasting and tweaking the brown sugar to your preference.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Baked Orange Chicken, Panda Express copycat, healthy orange chicken, baked chicken recipe, orange chicken sauce, gluten free orange chicken