Name: Panda Express Orange Chicken Made Skinny
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw brown Basmati rice or regular brown rice ((you’ll need 2 cups cooked rice)); 1½ cups water; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 egg white; ¼ teaspoon salt; Black pepper, (to taste); 2 teaspoons oil, (divided); ⅓ cup flour; 1 teaspoon garlic, (minced); 2 cups cabbage, (shredded); 1 cup scallions, (chopped); 1 cup Chinese pea pods, (sliced); ½ cup carrots, (diced); ½ cup Panda Express Orange Sauce, (see shopping tips); ¼ cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon water; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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It’s the most popular dish at Panda and the most fattening. This skinny remake is amazingly delicious! I actually like my remake better since it’s much lighter, includes many vegetables, and still has a lovely orange flavor. Best part…no guilt when you eat it! I did start with a bottle of their delicious orange chicken sauce but added some fresh orange juice to cut the calories. In addition, I’m cooking the chicken in a pan lightly coated with flour and cooked in a tiny amount of oil, instead of deep-frying. This fabulous remake is served over healthy brown rice! One skinny serving, including brown rice. 390 calories and 4 grams of fat. Cut the points to 6 Blue and 8 Green by serving over steamed cabbage or veggies instead of brown rice. I can’t wait to hear what you think about this dish!

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Orange Chicken Made Skinny

You’ll love my Panda Express Orange Chicken (Skinnyfied) because it offers a satisfying and flavorful meal without the guilt. This homemade version allows for control over ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to the restaurant counterpart. By using lean chicken and swapping out certain ingredients for lower-calorie alternatives, this recipe delivers on taste while aligning with health goals. It's a perfect choice for someone looking to enjoy their favorite takeout flavors without the excessive calories and unhealthy additives.

Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken Made Skinny

This recipe offers a healthier take on the popular Panda Express Orange Chicken dish. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients:

Main Protein:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides the protein content for the dish.

Coating:

1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the breading.
¼ cup cornstarch or flour: Creates a crispy coating for the chicken.

Vegetables:

2 cups cabbage, shredded: Adds bulk, crunch, and nutrients to the dish.
1 cup scallions, chopped: Offers a fresh flavor and adds color.
1 cup Chinese pea pods, sliced: Provides additional vegetables and a vibrant color.
2 cups zucchini, diced: Adds a healthy and refreshing element.
1 cup onions, chopped: Provides sweetness and flavor to the dish.

Sauce Base:

½ cup Panda Express Orange Sauce: The foundation for the dish's signature flavor.
¼ cup orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 tablespoon water: Helps to thin the sauce slightly.
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle heat.

These ingredients work together to create a lighter version of the classic Orange Chicken dish while maintaining its core flavors.

How to Make Panda Express Orange Chicken Made Skinny

Key steps:

Rice preparation: The recipe begins by cooking brown rice to accompany the main dish.
Vegetable and chicken preparation: The vegetables are prepared for cooking, and the chicken is coated in a mixture of egg and cornstarch.
Cooking the chicken: The chicken pieces are cooked in a pan until golden brown.
Sautéing vegetables: The prepared vegetables are cooked in the same pan.
Creating the sauce: The sauce ingredients are combined and heated in the pan with the chicken and vegetables.
Serving: The finished dish is served over cooked rice.

Ingredient roles:

Rice: Provides a carbohydrate base for the meal.
Chicken: Serves as the main protein source.
Vegetables: Offer additional nutrients, texture, and flavor.
Egg and cornstarch: Create a crispy coating for the chicken.
Sauce ingredients: Combine to create the signature orange chicken flavor.

Potential improvements:

Marinating the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking can enhance its flavor.
Adjusting the sauce: The sweetness and heat of the sauce can be adjusted by modifying the amount of sugar or red pepper flakes.

Serving suggestions: Experimenting with different side dishes or toppings can create variations of the dish.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 4 servings. Each serving, ½ cup rice, and 1 cup orange chicken

Food Facts
Orange Chicken is the most beloved dish at Panda Express but probably one of the least healthy entrees on their menu. The dish features battered boneless chicken pieces stir-fried in a wok with a sweet and tart orange sauce.

Happily Panda Express does have several healthier choices. Look for the dishes that say WOK SMART. All these entrees are 250 calories or less per single serving.

Shopping Tips
Most supermarkets sell bottled Panda Express Orange Sauce. You’ll find it in the Asian section or international section. In addition, you can buy the bottled sauce right at Panda Express!

Skinny Facts: for 1 cup serving without brown rice
270 calories, 3g fat, 1g sat. fat, 55mg chol, 27g protein, 34g carbs, 3g fiber, 339mg sodium, 21g sugar

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 6–Blue (without brown rice)
WW SmartPoints 8-Green (without brown rice)
WW POINTS PLUS 7 (without brown rice)

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 10-Blue (with brown rice)
WW SmartPoints 12-Green (with brown rice)
WW POINTS PLUS 10 (with brown rice)

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 cup serving with ½ cup brown rice
390 calories, 4g fat, 1g sat. fat, 55mg chol, 29g protein, 61g carbs, 4g fiber, 339mg sodium, 21g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
255 calories, 0g sat fat, 18g sugar, 3g protein