✔ Made and tested at home · 9 copycats: entrees, sides + dessert
These 9 Panda Express copycat recipes cover the whole plate, from orange chicken and Beijing beef to black pepper chicken, chow mein and fried rice, plus the triple chocolate rangoons for dessert. A hot pan and a few pantry sauces do most of the work.
Start with orange chicken and a pan of fried rice or chow mein; that is the classic plate. Add Beijing beef or kung pao chicken as a second entree for a full takeout night at home.
- Quickest: the fried rice, ready in about 20 minutes with day-old rice.
- Most popular: orange chicken, with an air fryer method included.
- Grill night: the teriyaki chicken, charred on the grill and sliced over rice.
Each one is a homemade version made with supermarket ingredients, so the flavor is close rather than identical, and you control the sugar, the salt and the heat. They are grouped below by type, and every card links to the full recipe with step photos.
Entrees
The main dishes. Have every sauce mixed before the pan gets hot, because they cook fast.
1. Orange Chicken
Crunchy fried chicken thighs tossed in a sticky glaze of fresh orange juice and zest, ginger, garlic and a little chili.
Get the recipe →
2. Beijing Beef
Crisp double-fried flank steak with red pepper and onion in a sweet, tangy and lightly spicy hoisin and chili sauce.
Get the recipe →
3. Kung Pao Chicken
Seared chicken with zucchini, red pepper, dried chiles and roasted peanuts in a glossy black vinegar sauce.
Get the recipe →
4. Black Pepper Chicken
Silky velveted chicken with celery and onion in an oyster sauce built on freshly cracked black pepper.
Get the recipe →
5. Mushroom Chicken
Chicken thighs stir-fried with mushrooms and zucchini in a garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes.
Get the recipe →
6. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Boneless thighs in a soy, garlic and ginger marinade, grilled until charred, sliced and finished with teriyaki sauce.
Get the recipe →Sides
Pick one, or go half and half like the restaurant.
7. Chow Mein
Soft yakisoba noodles stir-fried with cabbage, celery and onion in soy, oyster sauce and sesame oil.
Get the recipe →
8. Fried Rice
Day-old white rice stir-fried with egg, peas, carrots and green onion. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Get the recipe →Dessert
A sweet finish that is easy to make in a batch.
9. Triple Chocolate Rangoons
Wonton wrappers filled with chocolate cream cheese, fried crisp, drizzled with chocolate and dusted with sugar.
Get the recipe →Tips for Panda Express Favorites at Home
- Use day-old rice. Cold, dry rice fries into separate grains; fresh rice turns sticky.
- Get the pan very hot. High heat gives the sear and the slightly smoky flavor. Cook in batches so the pan stays hot.
- Mix sauces first. Stir-fries move fast, so have every sauce whisked and ready before you start.
- Fry twice for crunch. A second short fry keeps orange chicken and Beijing beef crisp under the sauce.
- Check the chicken. Cook chicken to 165°F inside.
More Takeout Favorites
Planning a takeout night at home? You will find every restaurant in my copycat recipes collection, including my Taco Bell copycat recipes and Chipotle copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Panda Express copycat recipes?
Orange chicken is the most searched by far, followed by Beijing beef, chow mein, fried rice and kung pao chicken.
How do I keep orange chicken crispy at home?
Fry the chicken twice, warm the sauce separately, and toss them together right before serving. The air fryer method in the recipe also works well.
Do I need a wok?
No. A large heavy skillet works. Cook in batches so the pan stays very hot.
What is the best side to serve with these?
Fried rice or chow mein, or half of each, just like a Panda Express plate. Steamed white rice works too.
Can I make these ahead?
Mix the sauces and cut the meat and vegetables up to a day ahead. Cook the stir-fries right before eating for the best texture.
Are these the restaurant’s own recipes?
No. These are copycat recipes inspired by Panda Express menu items and made in my home kitchen. Recipe Fairy is not affiliated with Panda Express.
