Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken & Keto Version

Introduction

Panda Express’s Orange Chicken is beloved for its crispy texture and sweet-tangy orange sauce. Unfortunately, the traditional recipe is loaded with sugar and carbs, making it unsuitable for keto diets. This long-form guide walks you through a copycat version that replicates the flavor and texture using standard ingredients, and a keto version that keeps carbs low while delivering the same delicious taste. We’ll explain why each ingredient is chosen and its carb contribution.

Traditional Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – tender and juicy; 0g net carbs

• 1 cup cornstarch – helps create the crispy coating; 91g net carbs

• 2 large eggs – binds coating to chicken; 1g net carb

• 1/2 cup orange juice – base for sauce; 13g net carbs

• 1/2 cup sugar – sweetness and caramelization; 100g net carbs

• 1/4 cup soy sauce – umami depth; 2g net carbs

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – flavor enhancer; 1g net carb

• 1 tsp ginger, grated – adds warmth and aroma; 0.5g net carb

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – balances sweetness; 0g net carbs

• 1 tsp sesame oil – aroma and flavor; 0g net carbs

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes – subtle heat; 0g net carbs

• 1/4 cup water – sauce base; 0g net carbs

Total carbs per serving: ~53g (mainly from cornstarch and sugar)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Beat eggs and dip chicken pieces, then coat in cornstarch.

3. Fry chicken until golden and crispy.

4. In a pan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper, and water.

5. Cook sauce until thickened, then toss fried chicken in sauce.

6. Serve hot over rice or steamed vegetables.

Keto-Friendly Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – tender and juicy; 0g net carbs

• 1/2 cup almond flour – keto-friendly crispy coating; 6g net carbs

• 2 large eggs – bind coating; 1g net carb

• 1/4 cup orange extract + 2 tbsp fresh orange zest – flavor without sugar; 2g net carbs

• 1/4 cup Keystone Pantry Allulose – keto sweetener; 0g net carbs

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos – umami depth; 2g net carbs

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – flavor enhancer; 1g net carb

• 1 tsp ginger, grated – adds warmth and aroma; 0.5g net carb

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – balances sweetness; 0g net carbs

• 1 tsp sesame oil – aroma and flavor; 0g net carbs

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes – subtle heat; 0g net carbs

• 1/4 cup water – sauce base; 0g net carbs

Total carbs per serving: ~3.5g

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Beat eggs and dip chicken pieces, then coat in almond flour.

3. Fry chicken until golden and crispy.

4. In a pan, combine orange extract, orange zest, allulose, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper, and water.

5. Cook sauce until thickened, then toss fried chicken in sauce.

6. Serve hot over cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables.

Ingredient Highlights & Rationale

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but thighs stay juicier and crispier after frying.

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Frying gives the traditional crispy texture.

Q3: Why not use regular sugar in keto version?
A: Regular sugar spikes carbs and blood sugar; allulose keeps it low-carb and keto-friendly without compromising sweetness.

Q4: Can I use orange juice in keto version?
A: Minimal fresh juice can be used, but it increases carbs. Orange extract + zest is a zero-carb alternative.

Q5: What sides work best?
A: Traditional version pairs with rice; keto version pairs with cauliflower rice or sautéed broccoli for low-carb balance.