Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe

When it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like Panda Express Mushroom Chicken. This beloved takeout classic combines tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and savory mushrooms, all tossed in a glossy, umami-rich sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. If you’ve ever found yourself craving this dish but didn’t want to head out to a restaurant, you’re in luck—today, we’re diving deep into how you can recreate a Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe right at home.

This recipe is not only simple to follow but also healthier and fresher than the takeout version. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a dish that tastes just like the one you love from Panda Express, but with the added satisfaction of making it yourself. Let’s break down everything you need to know—from the ingredients and cooking steps, to tips, variations, FAQs, and more.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

There are plenty of reasons why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation:

• Quick and Easy: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Healthy Option: With lean protein, vegetables, and a light yet flavorful sauce, it’s a balanced meal.
• Better Than Takeout: No need to pay extra for delivery fees—this version tastes just as good (if not better).
• Customizable: You can swap in other vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.

When you cook Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat at home, you’re not just recreating a restaurant dish—you’re building a family favorite that can be adjusted to your taste.

Ingredients for Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 2 cups zucchini – sliced into half-moons.
• 1 ½ cups mushrooms – sliced (white button or cremini both work).
• 3 tbsp soy sauce – the base of the savory sauce.
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce – adds depth and umami.
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce – for sweetness and complexity.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – balances the richness with acidity.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry) – helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar – a touch of sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic – minced.
• 1 tsp fresh ginger – grated for freshness.
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided) – for cooking.
• Salt & pepper, to taste – to season.
• Green onions, sliced – for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This will form the base of your flavorful stir-fry sauce.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the zucchini and mushrooms, sautéing until they’re tender-crisp. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

4. Make the Sauce Base

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

5. Combine Everything

Return the chicken, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

1. Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best on medium-high to high heat, which keeps the vegetables crisp and the chicken juicy.
2. Cut Ingredients Evenly: Uniform sizes ensure everything cooks at the same pace.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed—this prevents steaming and keeps the stir-fry texture.
4. Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Taste the sauce before adding cornstarch and adjust sugar, soy sauce, or vinegar as needed.
5. Serve Immediately: This dish is best eaten fresh, while the vegetables are crisp and the sauce is hot.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is its flexibility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Protein Swap: Try chicken thighs for juicier meat, or swap in shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster/hoisin sauces are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice – the classic pairing.
• Fried Rice – for a takeout-style combo.
• Lo Mein or Chow Mein Noodles – toss the mushroom chicken on top.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – for a fun appetizer.
• Steamed Dumplings – to complete the takeout-at-home experience.

Storage and Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Health Benefits of Mushroom Chicken

One of the perks of this dish is that it isn’t overly heavy or greasy. Compared to deep-fried options on the Panda Express menu, Mushroom Chicken is a lighter, healthier choice.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein, low in fat, and great for muscle repair.
• Zucchini: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Mushrooms: Contain B vitamins, selenium, and are low-calorie.
• Balanced Sauce: Uses moderate amounts of soy, oyster, and hoisin for flavor without overwhelming sodium.

Making it at home also means you control the quality of oil, the amount of sugar, and the saltiness.

FAQs About Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Q1: Is this recipe exactly like Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?
A: Yes, this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is designed to taste just like the restaurant version, but fresher and less greasy.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sauce and cut the vegetables ahead, but it’s best cooked right before serving for maximum freshness.

Q3: Which mushrooms work best in this recipe?
A: White button mushrooms are closest to the Panda Express version, but cremini or shiitake add a deeper flavor.

Q4: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful, making them a great alternative.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free oyster and hoisin sauces.

Q6: How do I make the dish spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

Recreating the Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat at home is easier than you might think. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a flavorful dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp zucchini coated in a savory-sweet sauce makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just satisfying a takeout craving, this dish delivers on every front. The best part is that you can adjust the flavors, customize the vegetables, and even make it healthier than the restaurant version.

Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, skip the wait and whip up this homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat instead—you’ll be glad you did.

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