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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 a healthier take on the classic favorite. Featuring crispy baked chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet orange glaze, this recipe is perfect for a quick and family-friendly dinner. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Panda Express’s iconic orange sauce combined with the convenience and health benefits of baking rather than frying.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

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

Copycat Orange Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry, then dip each piece into beaten eggs followed by an even coating of cornstarch to create a crispy outer shell that locks in moisture.
  2. Bake the Chicken: Arrange coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness without frying.
  3. Whip Up the Copycat Orange Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thick and glossy.
  4. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Transfer baked chicken to a large bowl. Pour warm orange sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat every piece with the tangy glaze.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or alongside your favorite veggies. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before dipping in egg to help cornstarch stick and crisp well.
  • Bake at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) for the perfect crispy exterior and juicy inside.
  • Prepare the sauce while chicken bakes to save time.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the brightest flavor.
  • Toss chicken gently in sauce to maintain crispiness.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness before tossing with warmed sauce.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Baked orange chicken, panda express copycat, healthy orange chicken, gluten-free orange chicken, homemade orange sauce, crispy baked chicken, orange chicken recipe