Popular Panda Express Recipes
on Sep 16, 2022, Updated Oct 31, 2023
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Panda Express, a US chain of Chinese fast-food restaurants, is known for its mouthwatering dishes. But you don’t always have to run out for takeout when you want to enjoy some authentic Chinese food. Here are some of our favorite Panda Express copycat recipes that can help you satisfy your cravings without leaving the house or spending more on delivery.
Orange Chicken
This crispy chicken drenched in sticky orange sauce is one of the most popular Panda Express dishes. Now you didn’t hear it from us, but this one is better!
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet and sour teriyaki chicken is a classic Chinese dish that can actually be on your table in just 15 minutes. Yes, faster than takeout! This savory recipe is about to become a staple in your home.
Panda Express Chow Mein
This simple, authentic chow mein recipe just may take fast food chains out of the equation for you for good!
Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
You know this dish! Crispy wontons loaded with cream cheese filling… You can practically taste it. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch for yourself in no time.
Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
Perfectly crunchy, these Panda Express-style egg rolls are loaded with tender meat, savory vegetables, and mouthwatering Asian spices and flavors.
Panda Express Fried Rice
Fried rice is the one side that everyone wants more of. It’s got a little bit of everything and every bite is bursting with flavor. Once you learn how to make your own Panda Express fried rice, you may never order out again.
Black Pepper Chicken
This black pepper chicken is easier to make than you might think. In just 15 minutes, even a novice chef can prep this authentic, flavorful, restaurant-style dish.
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is perfectly tender meat and vegetables covered in a perfectly spiced sauce that is exploding with flavor. Once you learn to make your own, this dish may become part of your usual rotation.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
These oven-baked shrimp covered in honey and walnuts, tossed in a sweet sauce, are a party for your tastebuds.
Panda Express Chicken and Green Beans
This recipe is the real deal! If you love the chicken and green beans at Panda Express, you’ll absolutely love this recipe. Plus, you can cut down on your takeout bill once you master this simple recipe on your own.
Sweet Fire Chicken
Sweet and spicy, this chicken recipe is air fryer-friendly. You can also use a skillet to make this perfectly crispy chicken. We promise every bite is better than the last!
Best Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups water
- vegetable oil
Sauce for Orange Chicken
- 1 orange, you’ll need the juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar, or white vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water
Garnishes – optional
- sesame seeds
- green onions, chopped
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
Chicken
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Add the egg, oil and water, whisking until smooth.
- Add the chicken cubes to the mixture, making sure the chicken gets thoroughly coated. Cover and chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. (If you’re in a hurry, 10 minutes will do.)
- In a medium saucepan or deep fryer, add 2 inches of oil and heat to 350˚F (177˚C). Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.
- Add the marinated chicken cubes in batches of about 10-15 pieces, shaking off excess batter if needed. Deep fry for 2-3 minutes until golden, turning halfway through with a slotted spoon for even browning.**
- Remove to the plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.
Orange Chicken Sauce
- To a medium saucepan, add orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low boil. Carefully taste a few drops and adjust sugar, soy sauce and vinegar to suit your preference.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a cup to make a slurry and pour into the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. (This can take as little as 30 seconds or as long as several minutes.)
- Add the fried chicken and toss until the sauce coats it thoroughly.
- Garnish with optional sesame seeds, green onions and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
