Best Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Copycat Recipe

Ever have one of those days when all you can think about is sinking your teeth into that juicy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, but alas, it’s out of reach? Yeah, me too. Let’s face it, the craving for this star of the Panda Express menu can hit us anytime. 

The solution? Say hello to your delicious dish – an easy and foolproof copycat Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe that you can make at home. 

Overhead shot of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken on a white plate against a black background
The star of the show: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, ready for its close-up!

Why This Recipe Works

You might ask, “Why this recipe?” Well, here are a few reasons:

  • Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: This recipe introduces a homemade Teriyaki sauce that’s not just mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to make using common household ingredients. This sauce really ties the dish together.
  • Better Than Original: Yes, you read that right. While we all love the original, this recipe brings something extra to the table – a dash of love and home cooking that elevates it a notch higher.
  • Quick and Easy: The best part? It’s a quick fix! The sauce thickens up super quick, and before you know it, you have a meal that’s restaurant-worthy.

This Panda Express copycat recipe lets you enjoy a savory teriyaki sauce that oozes into the juicy, delicious grilled teriyaki chicken, making every bite a delight.

Close-up of teriyaki chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds
Sesame salute: teriyaki chicken gets a sprinkle of sesame stardust.

Behind the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken holds a special place on the Panda Express fast food restaurant chain menu. Its unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors sets it apart from your regular teriyaki chicken dishes. But what if you could capture that uniqueness in your own kitchen? That’s exactly what we aim to do with this recipe.

Teriyaki chicken garnished with sliced scallions
Fancy finale: teriyaki chicken gets a pop of color with scallion garnish.

Ingredients

Got your apron on? Great! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken thighs or chicken breasts: Your pick, but the thigh-lovers club always has room for one more! Use boneless, skinless chicken.
  • Cooking oil: Go for something neutral, like vegetable oil. Your taste buds will thank you.
  • Salt & pepper: A sprinkle of each for the seasoned chef – pun intended!
  • Sugar: It’s the sweet secret to a truly tantalizing teriyaki.
  • Soy sauce: Feel free to use low-sodium sauce if you prefer. We’re keeping the flavor high and the sodium low.

Raw chicken breast on a wooden cutting board
Behind the scenes: where the journey of our teriyaki chicken begins.
  • Lemon juice: Pucker up!
  • Garlic powder: Trust me, it’s better than fighting off vampires.
  • Ground ginger or freshly grated ginger: Take a walk on the wild side with fresh ginger!
  • Water:H2O, the unsung hero of cooking.
  • Cornstarch: The magic dust that thickens our sauce!
Raw ingredients for teriyaki chicken recipe arranged on a kitchen counter
Behind the masterpiece: the line-up of stars for our teriyaki chicken recipe.

Equipment

Every chef, no matter how young or old, needs their tools. Here’s what you should have on hand:

  • A Grill pan or skillet: It’s about to get hot in here!
  • Mixing bowl: Your trusty companion for blending ingredients.
  • Meat thermometer: No one likes guessing games when it comes to chicken’s internal temperature.

Preparation Steps

Here’s how we get the ball rolling:

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season it well with salt and pepper. If you want to, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. The sauce: In your mixing bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ginger, and water to create a savory teriyaki sauce. Stir it like a potion until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Teriyaki sauce simmering in a pan
The saucy simmer that makes our teriyaki chicken irresistible.

Cooking Instructions

And now, for the main event:

  1. Lighting the Fire: Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium heat, then drizzle the oil.
  2. The Great Sear: Add your chicken to the pan. Now, patience is key. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Then flip it over and repeat.
  3. Simmering the Elixir: Simultaneously, bring your sauce to a boil in a separate pan, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  4. Thickening Plot: Now for the cornstarch. Mix it with a splash of cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
  5. Chicken Check: Now back to the chicken. Without a thermometer, you’ll need to cut into the thickest part to check. If it’s no longer pink, it’s ready. With a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Final Touch: Once your chicken-teriyaki is cooked through, pour the thickened savory teriyaki sauce over it. Make sure every piece gets a generous coating of that delicious sauce.

Now stand back, admire your work, and prepare for the standing ovation. You, my friend, have just made Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in your own kitchen!

Searing chicken pieces on a hot grill pan
Hear that sizzle? That’s our chicken getting its grill on!
Close-up view of a piece of cooked teriyaki chicken, cut open to show the well-cooked interior
Inside story revealed: perfectly cooked, juicy teriyaki chicken.

Serving Suggestions

A complete meal is served! Your chicken teriyaki pairs well with either white or brown rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to add that extra flavor.

  • The Red-Carpet Serving: Pair your juicy teriyaki chicken with white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for that glamorous touch. A complete meal is served!
  • Star-Studded Sides: Add some veggies sautéed to perfection or sprinkle some sesame seeds for that extra bit of pizzazz. It gives an extra flavor that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
  • Seasonal Twists: Depending on the time of year, seasonal ingredient differences can add unique twists to the taste. Think about adding some grilled asparagus in the spring or roasted butternut squash in the fall.
Teriyaki chicken served with cauliflower rice
Breaking the norm: Teriyaki chicken served over fluffy cauliflower rice.
Close-up image of teriyaki chicken served with nutty brown rice
Nutty and nice: teriyaki chicken cozies up with brown rice.

Cooking Tips

  • Achieving the Perfect Sear: Resist the urge to move the chicken around in the pan. Let it sear until it’s golden brown and easy to flip.
  • Cornstarch Slurry Secrets: Always mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the sauce. It prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, thick sauce.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken pieces served over a bed of white rice
Teriyaki chicken pieces saying howdy to their best pal, white rice.

Variations

  • Fresh Ginger Twist: Substitute the ground ginger with freshly grated ginger for a more robust flavor.
  • Keto Conversion: If you’re following a keto diet, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of regular sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Just remember, breasts cook a little quicker, so keep an eye on that internal temperature.

Zoomed-in image of a piece of teriyaki chicken showing the glossy sheen of the sauce
Zoomed in on yum: a glossy, delicious piece of teriyaki chicken.

Is this a healthy food choice?

Let’s address the biggest questions about this Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe: Is it a healthy option? Absolutely! With the use of low sodium soy sauce, lean chicken and the control over the serving size, it’s a much healthier alternative to the fast-food version. But remember, moderation is key!

Teriyaki chicken served with an assortment of sautéed vegetables
Who says you can’t have it all? Teriyaki chicken hanging out with some veggie friends.

Storing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, you can add a bit more soy sauce or water if necessary.

Leftover teriyaki chicken stored in an airtight container
Delicious today, and still delicious tomorrow! Teriyaki chicken chilling in an airtight container.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve now got a surefire way to curb those Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken cravings right in the comfort of your own kitchen. This dish is not just a good source of protein, but it’s also a fun and delicious adventure for the whole family.

Remember, this is just one of the many favorite recipes you can find on our blog. So, why stop here? Explore our other Panda Express copycat recipes like orange chicken or Panda Express Mandarin teriyaki chicken, and bring the whole fast-food chain right into your home! Now go on, master chef, the kitchen awaits!

Overhead shot of pieces of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Aerial view of the land of deliciousness, populated by our teriyaki chicken.
Overhead shot of sliced teriyaki chicken served as a complete meal
Rise and shine! Our teriyaki chicken is the hero of any dining table.
Overhead shot of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken on a white plate against a black background

Best Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken: Easy Copycat Recipe

7737f8c28c2cc5158e14eaf64d376635Apron Ace
Dive into the savory world of teriyaki with this Panda Express copycat recipe! Tender chicken basking in a glossy, delicious teriyaki sauce – it's a feast that promises to transport your taste buds to food heaven!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 373 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill Pan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Kitchen Thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts (4 pieces of breasts or chicken thighs. Use boneless, skinless.)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Salt & pepper (to taste)

Teriyaki Sauce

  • ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger (or freshly grated ginger)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions
 

Preparing Chicken

  • Prepare Your Chicken: Rinse chicken (thighs or breasts) under cold water, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the Pan: Warm vegetable oil over medium heat on your grill pan.

Cooking Chicken

  • Cook the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in the pan and cook on both sides until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (approximately 5-7 minutes on each side).

Making the Sauce

  • Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and ground ginger until well combined.
  • Make a Slurry: In a separate smaller bowl, make a cornstarch slurry by combining cornstarch with water.
  • Mix in Slurry: Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the soy sauce mixture until thoroughly combined.

Finishing the Dish

  • Coat the Chicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is well coated.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the delicious teriyaki chicken over white or brown rice, garnish with scallions or sesame seeds if you like, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute ground ginger with fresh ginger for a bolder flavor.
  • For a healthier option, serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice.
  • To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate – it tastes just as great the next day!

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 51gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1885mgPotassium: 924mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Asian Recipe, Chicken Teriyaki, Delicious Dish, Panda Express Copycat, Savory Teriyaki Sauce, Teriyaki Chicken
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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