Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is one of the most loved and popular dishes at the fast food chain, and for good reason. It combines juicy chicken thighs, a tangy and sweet teriyaki sauce, and simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re looking to recreate the dish at home or just explore different ways to make a healthier, more customizable version, this copycat recipe is perfect for you.

In this detailed article, we will dive into all aspects of preparing Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken from scratch. You’ll learn everything from the ingredients and preparation steps to tips on how to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. We’ll also explore the best serving ideas and answer some common questions about the recipe to ensure you can make the most out of this tasty dish.

Let’s dive right in and get started on making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in your own kitchen!

What is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a classic dish from the popular American-Chinese restaurant chain. The dish features tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are grilled or pan-cooked, then coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce. The sauce, made from ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger, gives the chicken a perfectly balanced flavor: savory, sweet, and slightly tangy.

What sets Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken apart is its easy preparation, delightful taste, and versatility. It’s typically served with steamed rice and vegetables like broccoli, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Now that we have a brief introduction, let’s break down the ingredients and instructions for making this delicious teriyaki chicken at home.

Ingredients for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (best for juicy, tender results)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (for a more balanced flavor)
• ¼ cup water (to thin the sauce)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons honey (adds depth to the flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for added depth and sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a nutty, aromatic flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds fragrance)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (brings a hint of spice and freshness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to create the slurry for thickening the sauce)

These ingredients come together to create a balanced, savory-sweet sauce that perfectly complements the grilled chicken. Using low-sodium soy sauce ensures the dish isn’t too salty, while mirin adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce. The use of honey and brown sugar brings out the sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

How to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before you get started with cooking, it’s important to prep the chicken properly. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs. This will prevent any unwanted grease from making your dish greasy. Once the chicken is prepped, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, then lightly oil the surface with vegetable oil.

Grilling or pan-cooking the chicken thighs for this dish ensures they remain juicy and tender. Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they’re more forgiving than chicken breasts, which can dry out easily.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the pan is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet or grill pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When cooked properly, the chicken will have a delicious, slightly crispy exterior, while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to make the teriyaki sauce. Start by placing a saucepan over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once simmered, the sauce will have a slightly thick consistency. To achieve a perfect sauce texture, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water). Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring the dish together. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or chunks, then drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. You can also serve the sauce on the side for those who prefer to add their own.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

To serve the dish, pair your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken with steamed rice and your favorite stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, peppers, or snap peas. For added flavor, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This dish is best enjoyed while the chicken is warm, with the sauce still glistening over the perfectly cooked chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Now that your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is ready, here are some great ideas for what to serve with it:

1. Steamed White or Brown Rice – This is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the savory-sweet teriyaki sauce.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Try mixing some colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added crunch and nutrients.
3. Noodles – For a variation, you can serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of noodles instead of rice.
4. Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls – Serve with a warm side of garlic bread or fresh rolls to complete your meal.
5. Side Salad – A refreshing salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a well-rounded meal that your family or guests will love.

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. However, chicken breasts are leaner and may dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) for the regular soy sauce. Ensure the mirin you use is also gluten-free.

3. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce to give it some heat and balance the sweetness.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar and honey?

You can experiment with maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that’s simple to make at home. With this copycat recipe, you can recreate the same flavorful chicken with a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s just as good (if not better) than the restaurant version. The combination of grilled chicken and the rich, savory sauce makes this a fantastic meal for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests.

The teriyaki chicken can be served in numerous ways, making it easy to customize the dish to suit your tastes. Whether you enjoy it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, you’ll love how this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken right to your kitchen.

Give it a try today and enjoy a comforting, savory meal with all the flavors you crave!

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