When I think of cozy nights in, a warm bowl of orange chicken always comes to mind. The sweet and tangy aroma fills the kitchen, making it a comforting meal for everyone. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of family gatherings and the laughter shared over meals. Preparing this dish in a slow cooker makes it even easier to enjoy; you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. What makes this Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken truly special is how simple it is to recreate that restaurant taste right at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this orange chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your liking. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Steamed broccoli for serving
Directions:
- Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice with steamed broccoli on the side.
How to Serve Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Serve your orange chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a complete meal. Add steamed broccoli on the side for a delicious and colorful plate. For a special touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving, or add green onions for extra flavor.
How to Store Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Tips to Make Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
- For a crispier texture, you can grill the chicken after browning it in the skillet.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
- If you like a bit more spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots into the slow cooker. You can also substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
3. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Enjoy making this easy and delightful Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken in your slow cooker!
PrintPanda Express Copycat Orange Chicken
A comforting slow cooker recipe for copycat Panda Express orange chicken that is sweet, tangy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Steamed broccoli for serving
Instructions
- Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet over medium heat.
- Mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 240-360 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice with steamed broccoli on the side.
Notes
For a crispier texture, grill the chicken after browning. Adjust sweetness by modifying brown sugar. Add red pepper flakes for spice.