Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Best Copycat

I’ve always had a soft spot for the burst of flavors that a good teriyaki dish can offer, and the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe is no exception. It cleverly balances sweetness, tang, and a hint of garlic, making it a mouthwatering favorite for many. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its ability to deliver great flavor through a combination of sugars, soy sauce, and spices that come together to create a glossy, delectable glaze. Preparing this dish at home allows for a personal touch, adding or reducing ingredients to one’s taste, and enjoying the familiar flavors of a beloved restaurant classic.

In my quest to replicate this dish, I found that quality ingredients play a crucial role in getting that authentic taste and texture. For instance, the tender chicken should be well-marinated and grilled to perfection, capturing the essence of Panda Express’s popular offering. The sauce’s thickness, achieved by a cornstarch slurry, clings to the chicken pieces, providing that satisfyingly sticky and rich coating.

Experimenting with this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe at home not only indulges my cravings but it also invites a creative culinary adventure. Whether it’s tweaking the garlic and ginger ratios or getting the soy sauce to sugar balance just right, the endeavor is rewarding. Plus, the joy of sharing this recreated dish with family and friends, seeing their enjoyment, and receiving their feedback is a delightful bonus. It’s a testament to the recipe’s crowd-pleasing potential and how such a simple dish can hold a special place on the dinner table.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When preparing the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home, it’s essential to have flexibility with ingredients and substitutions without compromising on flavor. I’ve outlined options to keep the dish authentic and suggestions for healthier alternatives or dietary adjustments.

Main Ingredients

Chicken: The key ingredient in this dish is chicken. The recipe traditionally uses skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. However, you can easily substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.

Sauce Components

The homemade teriyaki sauce is synonymous with umami flavor, and its simple ingredients include:

• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: To achieve that savory teriyaki sauce flavor while reducing sodium intake.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness; honey can be a substitute for a different kind of sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for depth, fresh minced garlic also works well.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger is ideal for a pronounced flavor, and ground ginger is a fine substitute.
• Cornstarch Slurry: A mix of tablespoons of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce effectively.

Healthy Alternatives

I often opt for healthier alternatives that don’t skimp on flavor:

• Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Serve your chicken with brown rice for whole grains or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative that’s lower in sodium and soy-free, perfect if you’re aiming for a healthier dish.

Serving Suggestions

Complementing the teriyaki chicken with a variety of sides can turn it into a full meal. Typical pairings include:

• White Rice: Simple yet traditional, white rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Chow Mein or Fried Rice: For a more indulgent choice, serve with chow mein or fried rice loaded with vegetables.

Flavor Enhancers

To enhance the flavors and add a finishing touch to the dish:

• Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds a nutty flavor and richness.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze can brighten the dish.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: Sprinkle on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.

For Flavor Customization, Check out this guide:

Customization Aspect	Traditional Taste	Customization Option
Chicken Type	Skinless chicken thighs	Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Sauce Sweetness	Brown Sugar	Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, or substitute with honey for a different flavor profile.
Sauce Savoriness	Low Sodium Soy Sauce	Use regular soy sauce for more depth or coconut aminos for a healthier, soy-free option.
Garlic Intensity	Garlic Powder	Use fresh minced garlic for a stronger, fresher garlic flavor.
Ginger Zest	Fresh ginger	Use ground ginger for a subtler taste or increase fresh ginger for more zest.
Thickness of Sauce	Cornstarch Slurry	Alter the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve desired sauce thickness.
Healthier Base	White Rice	Serve with brown rice for more fiber, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Flavor Enhancement	—	Add a drizzle of sesame oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.

Cooking Instructions

In this section, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process to recreate the Copycat Version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. From preparing the chicken to storing any leftovers, these cooking instructions will help you make this family favorite a delicious success right in your own home.

Preparing the Chicken

First, I start by selecting the right cut of chicken. Skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their flavor and tenderness. After trimming any excess fat, I pat the chicken dry for a good sear. Getting chicken breasts to the right internal temperature is crucial, so I use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is the target.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

I then move on to the teriyaki sauce, aiming for that thick sweet glaze reminiscent of our favorite Panda Express recipes. In a mixing bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and a splash of water. To thicken it, a cornstarch slurry does the trick, creating that glossy finish that coats the chicken well.

Combining and Cooking

Once the sauce is ready, I cook the chicken on medium-high heat in a grill pan, ensuring it’s beautifully golden on each side—typically about 3-5 minutes. Afterwards, I lower the heat to medium and coat the chicken in the teriyaki sauce, letting it simmer and absorb those savory-sweet flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftovers, I place the leftover chicken into an airtight container or a freezer-safe container if I need to keep it longer. It helps retain the moisture, keeping the chicken juicy for the next day. For reheating, I warm it on low heat on the stovetop until it’s heated through.

Recipe Tips

Mastering this copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken dish calls for attention to little details. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken can sear rather than steam. Always rest the chicken before serving to let the juices redistribute. And remember, each time you try new recipes in your own curated collections, you’re improving your culinary skills and treating your taste buds to delicious dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addressing common queries, I’ll guide you through specifics of making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home, covering various cooking methods, ingredients, and tips on sauce preparation.

How can I make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in an oven?

To prepare Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in an oven, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), bake the marinated chicken pieces on a tray for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. For that signature glaze, basting the chicken with extra sauce halfway through cooking ensures a flavorful finish.

What is the process for cooking Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in an air fryer?

Cooking Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in an air fryer involves setting the device to 360°F (182°C), arranging the marinated chicken in a single layer, and cooking for approximately 18-20 minutes. It’s important to flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What ingredients are used in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

The primary ingredients in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken include chicken thighs, which are key for moisture and flavor, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a thickening agent like cornstarch for the slurry. These components are common in copycat recipes found online.

How do teriyaki marinade and glaze differ when used in Panda Express recipes?

The teriyaki marinade is used to infuse the chicken with flavor prior to cooking, while the glaze is a thickened sauce applied during or after cooking to add a shiny finish and additional flavor. The glaze typically has a slightly higher sugar content and is thickened to adhere to the chicken.

Is the chicken used in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken typically chicken breast?

Actually, Panda Express typically uses chicken thighs for their Teriyaki Chicken recipe due to their juiciness and flavor. However, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option, although it might result in a less tender texture.

Can I replicate Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce at home for the Teriyaki Chicken recipe?

Yes, replicating Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce at home is quite straightforward. By combining soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry, I can create a sauce that closely resembles the taste of the restaurant’s version. Try this amazing copycat recipe and see for yourself!

Craving more delicious recipes? Try our delicious Texas Roadhouse Copycat Smothered Chicken