20+ Best Panda Express Copycat Recipes – Homemade Chinese Takeout Favorites

Who doesn't love grabbing a quick plate from Panda Express? That irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and crispy dishes has made it a go-to for American-Chinese food lovers everywhere. But what if you could recreate those iconic flavors right in your own kitchen? These Panda Express copycat recipes let you enjoy your favorites anytime, often with fresher ingredients and customizable portions.

Making Panda Express copycat recipes at home is easier than you think. Most use pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, plus proteins and veggies you can find at any grocery store. You'll save money, control the spice level, and impress your family with restaurant-quality meals.

Why Make Panda Express Copycat Recipes at Home?

There's something satisfying about nailing that signature orange chicken glaze or getting chow mein noodles perfectly tender-crisp. These copycat Panda Express recipes taste incredibly close to the originals, thanks to careful testing by home cooks and food bloggers.

Plus, cooking at home means no waiting in line, bigger portions, and the ability to tweak recipes for dietary needs—like lighter oil or gluten-free options. It's a fun way to bring the fast-casual experience to your dinner table.

1. Classic Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat

Panda Express orange chicken is hands-down their most famous dish—that tangy, sweet sauce coating crispy chicken bites is addictive. This copycat version captures the citrusy zest perfectly.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• Orange zest, garlic, ginger

Instructions:

1. Dip chicken in egg, then cornstarch, and fry until golden.
2. Simmer sauce ingredients until thickened.
3. Toss fried chicken in sauce and garnish with green onions.

Serve over rice for the full Panda Express experience—your family will think it's takeout!

2. Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat

Those soft yet slightly crispy noodles soaked in savory sauce make the perfect base for any entrée. This Panda Express chow mein recipe is simple and spot-on.

Ingredients:

• Yakisoba or chow mein noodles
• Cabbage, onion, celery
• Soy sauce, oyster sauce
• Sugar, sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry veggies until tender-crisp.
2. Add cooked noodles and sauce.
3. Toss everything together over high heat.

It's ready in under 20 minutes and pairs amazingly with any protein.

3. Panda Express Beijing Beef Copycat

Crispy beef strips in a sweet-spicy sauce with bell peppers and onions—this Beijing beef is bold and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Flank steak
• Cornstarch
• Bell peppers, onion
• Hoison, vinegar, ketchup for sauce

Instructions:

1. Coat and fry beef until crispy.
2. Sauté veggies.
3. Add sauce and beef back in.

The contrast of textures makes every bite exciting.

4. Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Copycat

Creamy, crunchy, and sweet—this honey walnut shrimp is a standout seafood option.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Cornstarch batter
• Candied walnuts
• Mayo, honey, condensed milk sauce

Instructions:

1. Fry battered shrimp.
2. Candy walnuts in sugar.
3. Toss shrimp in creamy sauce.

It's indulgent but so worth it for special dinners.

5. Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Copycat

Spicy, nutty, and packed with veggies—this kung pao chicken brings the heat.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Zucchini, peppers, peanuts
• Dried chilies, soy sauce, vinegar

Instructions:

1. Velvet chicken in cornstarch.
2. Stir-fry with veggies and sauce.
3. Add peanuts last.

Adjust the chilies to your spice preference.

6. Panda Express Fried Rice Copycat

No takeout meal is complete without fried rice—fluffy and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Day-old rice
• Eggs, peas, carrots
• Soy sauce, green onions

Instructions:

1. Scramble eggs first.
2. Add veggies and rice.
3. Season and toss.

Use leftover rice for best texture.

7. Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Copycat

Robust black pepper flavor with tender chicken and celery.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Celery, onion
• Loads of black pepper, soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry chicken.
2. Add veggies and pepper sauce.

It's quick and packs a punch.

8. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat

Grilled chicken with thick, glossy teriyaki glaze.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Soy sauce, sugar, ginger homemade teriyaki

Instructions:

1. Grill or pan-sear chicken.
2. Brush with thickened sauce.

Serve with extra sauce on the side.

9. Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Copycat

Crispy wontons filled with creamy cheese—the ultimate appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Wonton wrappers
• Cream cheese, green onions

Instructions:

1. Fill and seal wrappers.
2. Fry or air fry until golden.

Dip in sweet and sour sauce.

10. Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Tender chicken with zucchini and mushrooms in light sauce.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Mushrooms, zucchini
• Ginger garlic sauce

Instructions:

1. Velvet chicken.
2. Quick stir-fry with veggies.

It's one of the lighter options.

11. Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat

Classic beef and broccoli in savory brown sauce.

Ingredients:

• Flank steak
• Broccoli florets
• Oyster sauce base

Instructions:

1. Tenderize beef.
2. Blanch broccoli.
3. Toss in sauce.

A timeless favorite.

12. Panda Express String Bean Chicken Copycat

Crisp green beans with chicken in garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Green beans
• Onion, garlic

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry beans first.
2. Add chicken and sauce.

Healthy and delicious.

13. Panda Express Eggplant Tofu Copycat

Spicy eggplant and tofu in bold sauce—great vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• Eggplant, tofu
• Red peppers
• Spicy bean sauce

Instructions:

1. Fry tofu.
2. Cook eggplant until soft.
3. Combine with sauce.

Full of flavor without meat.

14. Panda Express Super Greens Copycat

Healthy mix of kale, broccoli, and cabbage—simple yet tasty.

Ingredients:

• Kale, broccoli, cabbage
• Garlic, ginger

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic ginger.
2. Add greens and steam lightly.

Perfect healthy side.

15. Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls Copycat

Crispy rolls filled with chicken and veggies.

Ingredients:

• Egg roll wrappers
• Cabbage, chicken

Instructions:

1. Fill and roll.
2. Fry until golden.

Great starter or snack.

16. Panda Express SweetFire Chicken Breast Copycat

Sweet and spicy chicken with pineapple and peppers.

This tropical twist is refreshing and bold.

17. Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Copycat

Crispy chicken with honey sauce and sesame seeds.

Sweet, nutty perfection.

18. Panda Express Vegetable Spring Rolls Copycat

Light and crispy veggie-filled rolls.

Perfect appetizer.

19. Panda Express Mixed Vegetables Copycat

Simple stir-fried veggies as a healthy side.

Easy and nutritious.

20. Panda Express Apple Pie Roll Copycat

Sweet dessert roll with apple filling.

A fun sweet ending.

21. Bonus: Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce

No Panda Express meal without this dipping sauce.

Mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice.

Conclusion: Bring Panda Express Home Tonight

With these 20+ Panda Express copycat recipes, you can enjoy all your favorites without leaving the house. From the iconic orange chicken to healthier options like super greens, there's something for everyone.

Experiment, have fun in the kitchen, and create your own family traditions around these delicious dishes. Your homemade versions might even become better than the original!