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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
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This Baked Orange Chicken made with Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce is a healthier, easy-to-make take on a favorite takeout. Featuring juicy, tender baked chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and rich orange glaze, this recipe delivers authentic flavor with less oil by baking instead of frying. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals, it balances zest, warmth, and sweetness beautifully while remaining customizable to your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, whisked

Copycat Orange Sauce

  • 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar (or honey/maple syrup as natural sweetener)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest (optional, for extra citrus punch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, add the flour or cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then thoroughly coat in the dry mixture to create a crispy base that will hold the sauce well.
  2. Bake the chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through, achieving a crispy texture without frying.
  3. Prepare the copycat orange sauce: While baking, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sugar, and chili flakes in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency, enhancing flavor and appearance.
  4. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Once baked, transfer chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over it and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. More sauce will intensify the flavor.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added texture, color, and freshness. Optionally, add fresh orange zest for brightness. Serve immediately while warm and glistening.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch coating to achieve perfect crispiness and better sauce adhesion.
  • Simmer sauce gently to thicken and enhance glossy look and flavor.
  • Always choose fresh orange juice over bottled for superior taste.
  • Let the chicken cool slightly before tossing in sauce to keep it from becoming too runny.
  • To keep leftovers crispy, store chicken and sauce separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked orange chicken, panda express copycat, orange chicken recipe, healthy orange chicken, baked chicken, gluten free orange chicken

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/baked-orange-chicken-made-with-panda-express-orange-chicken-copycat-sauce/