Looking for a satisfying dinner that your whole family will love and that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe made in a slow cooker is here to rescue you from those busy weeknight meals. Just picture tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This dish offers that perfect balance of sweet and savory, featuring a bright burst of citrus flavor paired with a crispy texture that feels like a special treat. Not only does it capture the beloved taste of restaurant-style orange chicken, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up at home, making it a fantastic option for busy families or anyone juggling a hectic schedule.
Why should you make this recipe? For starters, it’s foolproof and practically prepares itself in the slow cooker. You only need simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a family favorite that can turn a typical dinner into a flavorful feast without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Benefit 1: Slow cooker convenience means set it and forget it.
- Benefit 2: Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Benefit 3: A hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for family dinners.
- Benefit 4: Great for meal prep enjoy leftovers for lunch!
Ingredients for Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
- Combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken pieces into the mixture; stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Spoon the orange chicken over cooked rice and sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success
- Choose chicken thighs over breasts for the juiciest flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar and orange juice based on your preference.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken better.
Substitutions & Variations of Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
To Make It Gluten-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure the sugar is gluten-free.
Variations: Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or add in some sliced bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a veggie boost.
Storage Instructions of Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce mixture the night before. Just store it in the fridge and then pop it in the slow cooker the next day for an effortless meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs typically provide a juicier result.
How can I intensify the orange flavor? Add a tablespoon of grated orange zest into the mixture before cooking for a more pronounced citrus punch.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead? Yes, you can simmer it on low heat for about 30-40 minutes after browning the chicken to create a similar result.
Final Toughts
This Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite takeout dish without leaving home or breaking a sweat. The rich sauce combined with tender chicken makes for an ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Go ahead and try this recipe tonight you won’t regret the smile it brings to your family’s faces. If you enjoyed making this dish, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so feel free to leave a comment and a star rating!
Print
Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
A delicious and easy slow cooker version of the beloved Panda Express Orange Chicken, perfect for busy nights.
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken pieces into the mixture; stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Spoon the orange chicken over cooked rice and sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Choose chicken thighs over breasts for the juiciest flavor. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available