The Original Orange Chicken: Full Review, Recipe & Calorie Breakdown

ChatGPT Image May 1 2026 02 58 46 PM 1

The Original Orange Chicken is a signature Panda Express entrée featuring crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce, making it one of the most popular dishes on the menu.


Sizes & Prices

SizePrice
Small+$5.40
Medium+$8.70
Large+$12.15

Ingredients

ComponentIngredients
ChickenChicken breast, cornstarch, egg, oil
SauceOrange sauce (orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger)
GarnishGreen onions (optional)

Personal Review

I recently tried The Original Orange Chicken:

  • The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • The orange sauce was tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.
  • Personally, the Medium size was ideal — satisfying without being too heavy.
  • Pairs perfectly with white rice, fried rice, or Chow Mein for a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Orange Chicken at Home

  1. Prepare Chicken: Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces, coat with cornstarch and egg.
  2. Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a pan or wok, fry chicken until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil.
  3. Prepare Sauce: Mix orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Combine: Toss fried chicken in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Optionally sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Calorie Breakdown & Energy Equivalent

Approximate calories per serving (Medium): 510 Cal

Energy Equivalent

ActivityDuration Approx.
Light walking~2 hours
Jogging~1 hour
Moderate cycling~45 minutes

FAQs

1. Can I make it at home?
Yes! Follow the recipe above for a homemade version.

2. What size should I choose?
Small for a light meal, Medium for standard lunch/dinner, Large for sharing or hearty appetite.

3. Is it spicy?
No, The Original Orange Chicken is sweet and tangy, with mild flavors suitable for kids and adults alike.

4. What sides pair best?
White Steamed Rice, Fried Rice, or Chow Mein are ideal to balance the sweet sauce.


Final Thoughts

The Original Orange Chicken is crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it a favorite for adults and kids alike. Personally, I enjoyed the Medium portion, paired with white rice for a satisfying, flavorful meal.