Easy Orange Chicken Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

5 from 1 vote

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

Craving takeout but short on time? This super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is the perfect solution. By using crispy frozen popcorn chicken, Panda Express orange chicken sauce, and a few secret ingredients you can whip up a delicious, restaurant-style meal in only 15 minutes!

Course Entrees

Cuisine American

Diet Low Lactose

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings people

Calories 578kcal

Author Ashley Amundsen

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

24 ounces frozen popcorn chicken
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons grated ginger
1 ½ cups Panda Express orange chicken sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
green onions for garnish, optional
sesame seeds for garnish, optional
cooked rice for serving

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (cooking temperature and time may vary by brand of chicken used.) Spread the frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and heated through.
24 ounces frozen popcorn chicken
While the chicken is cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons grated ginger
Pour in Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar, and stir well, simmering for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the chicken and gently toss to evenly coat the pieces in the sauce.
1 ½ cups Panda Express orange chicken sauce, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Remove from heat and serve with a side of rice. Optionally, top with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.
green onions, sesame seeds, cooked rice

Notes

Baking Instructions: If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake the chicken on a baking sheet at 375F for 23 minutes (this is based off of Just Bare chicken breast bites.) Instructions may vary depending on what brand of chicken you use.
Storage Info: Refrigerate: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Or for a crispier texture, reheat in a pan on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition