Healthier Than Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

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Looking for a healthier alternative to Panda Express Orange Chicken? This recipe is a delicious and lighter version that still packs a lot of flavor.

With fresh ingredients and a tasty orange-flavored sauce, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without the extra calories. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!

This recipe is similar to the popular takeout favorites like General Tso and Lo Mein or Chow Mein.

orange chicken with noodles and orange slices.

Seriously Yummy Orange Chicken

What is Orange Chicken? Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cooking.

Similar to my sweet and sour chicken, this dish features small pieces of chicken that are usually coated in batter and fried until crispy.

The chicken is then covered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce.

However, for this recipe, I'm going to skip the thick batter to make it more healthy! You'll love it!

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Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, tenderloins, or breasts - Main ingredient, cut into 1-inch pieces. if you like darker meat, use chicken thighs, and also tenderloins are a good white meat choice.
Soy sauce - Adds flavor to both the marinade and the sauce.
Light brown sugar - Sweetens the marinade and sauce. Dark brown sugar can be used but the sauce will be darker, and have sronger and sweeter flavor.
Orange juice - Fresh is best! Gives a hint of citrus to the sauce.
Chicken broth - Adds a savory taste to the sauce.
Cornstarch - Thickens the sauce and helps make the chicken crispy.
Crushed red pepper flakes - Essential! But of course, if you prefer not too spicy, use less or leave out completely.
Ginger, garlic, and scallions - Provide the flavor base for the dish.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

How To Make Orange Chicken

Get everything ready before you start cooking because it goes quickly. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and put them in a medium bowl. Add some salt, pepper, and sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken. Toss it all together.

In another bowl, mix the sauce ingredients by whisking them together.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. When the pan is hot, add half of the chicken. Make sure the pieces aren’t crowded so they can brown nicely. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is slightly browned.
You may need to cook it in batches. For the second batch, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. When done, move the chicken to a plate.

Pour the sauce into the hot skillet. It should thicken in about a minute. Stir and scrape the pan to get any brown bits mixed in. Remove from heat. Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve right away.
It’s great with steamed rice, yellow rice, udon noodles, or lo mein noodles.

🧑‍🍳 JULIA'S TIP: Don’t overcook the chicken. Since it will cook more in the sauce, just brown it for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Cooking times can vary based on your stove and the thickness of the chicken.

Tips

Feel free to adjust the quantities in the Orange chicken sauce to suit your taste. If your orange juice is very sweet, you might not need as much brown sugar. For a more savory flavor, add a little extra soy sauce.
Watch the sauce carefully to avoid burning. Let it thicken but keep an eye on it; once it starts to bubble, lower the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
For a stronger orange flavor, consider adding Mandarin orange pieces to the dish. You can stir in a can of drained Mandarin oranges with the chicken and sauce.
For the orange juice, I refer freshly squeezed or you can use store bought 100% orange juice without additives or sugar.

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

Steamed Rice, Yellow Or Lime Cilantro Rice. Classic choice, often served with broccoli or other steamed veggies.
Cauliflower Rice. A low-carb alternative.
Brown Rice. For a healthier option.

Homemade Orange Chicken Variations

Swap chicken. Use turkey, white fish like Tilapia or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Additional veggies. Try sautéed bell peppers (strips or diced), zucchini, snow peas, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition.
Choose dark meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Lower sodium. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium. Also don't over season your chicken.
No sesame oil? Substitute with peanut oil if you can’t use sesame oil.

chicken pieces coated in sweet orange sauce.

Freezing And Storing Instructions

To Store. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet.
Can I make chinese orange chicken ahead of time and reheat it? As we are not using any thick coating for this chicken, you could make it ahead. You may need some extra sauce for reheating though. For the best taste and texture, serve it right after cooking.

Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice for Orange Chicken?

Fresh orange juice is best for flavor and natural sweetness, but bottled orange juice works, too, since you only need a small amount.

Choose a high-quality brand with 100% juice and no added sugars or flavors to get the closest taste to fresh juice.

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Recipe Card

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

Panda Express Orange Chicken: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to give orange chicken a stronger orange flavor?

This recipe already has a nice balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a hint of citrus. If you want a stronger orange flavor, try adding a bit of orange zest or fresh or canned mandarin oranges to the sauce.

Just start with a small amount and add more if needed, as orange zest is very potent and can easily overwhelm the dish.

How can I make orange chicken gluten-free?

YES! This recipe doesn't have thick batter coating and the only ingredient you'd need to swap would be soy sauce. Use gluten free soy sauce (tamari) or coconut aminos instead (note: careful with this, a some brands are more sweeter than others).

Cornstarch is naturally gluten free, but do check for GF label as cross-contamination may occur.

Is orange chicken healthy?

Traditional orange chicken is deep-fried and has a lot of sugar, making it less healthy. My healthier version cuts down on sugar, skips the batter and frying, and is high in protein, making it a better fit for a healthy diet.

What is the difference between General Tso and Orange Chicken?

General Tso’s Chicken has a sweet and spicy sauce that is reddish-brown, and it's often served with broccoli and dried red chili peppers. Orange Chicken, on the other hand, features a sweet and tangy orange sauce with a bright orange color and is usually less spicy than General Tso’s Chicken.