Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (2024)

by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · 5 Comments

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This Panda Express teriyaki chicken copycat recipe is tender, juicy, and loaded with so much flavor that it is even better than the original! The homemade teriyaki sauce is spooned over the chicken for a mouthwatering finishing touch. As an added bonus, it is ready to eat in just 15 minutes, even faster than driving to the restaurant!

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (1)
Jump to:
  • Homemade Teriyaki Chicken
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
  • ❓ FAQ
  • 🐼 More Panda Express Copycat Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Reviews

Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

This copycat recipe is incredibly easy to make and tastes fantastic! The chicken is perfectly cooked so that it has a crisp outside and a moist and juicy inside.

The teriyaki sauce uses common household ingredients and thickens up super quick! Spoon it over your chicken, and you're ready to dig in!

If you love Panda Express, make sure to check out all of my favorite Panda Express recipes!

🥘 Ingredients

You probably already have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand. No need for a long grocery list!

  • Chicken Thighs - 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. (You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breast if desired.)
  • Oil - 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
  • Salt & Pepper - ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper for seasoning the chicken.
  • Sugar - ⅔cup of sugar.
  • Soy Sauce - ¼ cup of your preferred brand of soy sauce.
  • Lemon Juice - 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
  • Garlic Powder - ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Ground Ginger - ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger.
  • Water - ⅓ cup of water.
  • Cornstarch - 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken is ultra simple! You'll need a mixing bowl, grill pan, and a wooden spoon!

This recipe will make 8 servings, so it is perfect for having some tasty leftovers!

  1. Season the chicken. Add 2 pounds of chicken thighs in a medium-sized mixing bowl and toss them with the 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Season with ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper.
  2. Combine the sauce ingredients. Place a large grill pan or skillet over high heat. In a separate bowl, add the ⅔ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and ⅓ cup of water. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook the chicken. Once heated, add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side.
  4. Boil the sauce. While the chicken is cooking, add the sauce mixture to a separate pan and bring it to a boil.
  5. Simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Make a slurry. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together your 1½tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to continue to simmer over low heat until it thickens up.
  8. Serve. Slice your chicken and, once thickened, spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.

Serve your teriyaki chicken alongside some fried rice or mixed vegetables! You'll never need takeout again! Enjoy!

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (2)

💭 Tips & Notes

  • To store: Allow your leftovers to cool completely before placing them in Tupperware and storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze: To freeze leftovers, simply place your chicken into a freezer-safe container and enjoy them within 1 month. Allow them to thaw before reheating.
  • To reheat: Simply pop your leftovers into the microwave until heated through.

❓ FAQ

What Is Teriyaki Sauce Made Of?

Authentic teriyaki sauce is a combination of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake. However, Western versions tend to incorporate ginger, garlic, or honey.

How Healthy Is Teriyaki Chicken?

This chicken is a decently healthy option, depending on what you're looking for. It is a great source of protein but could still be high in fat and sodium.

What Is The Difference Between Teriyaki Sauce And Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce is made from water, salt, and fermented soybeans. Teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, uses soy sauce as one of its ingredients in addition to several others (like sugar, ginger, and garlic).

🐼 More Panda Express Copycat Recipes

  • Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast - Marinated chicken is tossed with pan-fried onions and string beans in a tasty ginger garlic sauce!
  • Panda Express Mushroom Chicken - This mushroom chicken is a fantastic lighter alternative to some of the more hearty dishes!
  • Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp - This incredibly popular shrimp entree features tempura battered shrimp and a wonderfully sweet sauce!
  • Panda Express Shanghai Angus Steak - These perfectly cooked chunks of Angus steak are paired with mushrooms and asparagus in this crave-worthy dish!
  • Panda Express Beijing Beef - This sweet and tangy dish features flank steak, bell peppers, onion, and garlic!
  • Panda Express SweetFire Chicken Breast - The Thai sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of spice to this chicken dish!

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📖 Recipe Card

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

This Panda Express teriyaki chicken copycat recipe is tender, juicy, and loaded with so much flavor that it is even better than the original! The homemade teriyaki sauce is spooned over the chicken for a mouthwatering finishing touch. As an added bonus, it is ready to eat in just 15 minutes so it is even faster than driving to the restaurant!

Author | Angela

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 241kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless skinless thighs, or substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts)
  • 2 tablespoon canola oil
  • ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
  • cup sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • cup water
  • tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add in your chicken thighs and toss them with the canola oil. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Place a large grill pan or skillet over high heat. In a separate bowl, add the sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ginger, and water. Stir to combine.

  • Once heated, add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side.

  • While the chicken is cooking, add the sauce mixture to a separate pan and bring it to a boil.

  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  • In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together your cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir to combine.

  • Allow the sauce to continue to simmer over low heat until it thickens up.

  • Slice your chicken and, once thickened, spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

  • To store: Allow your leftovers to cool completely before placing them in Tupperware and storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze: To freeze leftovers, simply place your chicken into a freezer-safe container and enjoy them within 1 month. Allow them to thaw before reheating.
  • To reheat: Simply pop your leftovers into the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 19g (6%) | Protein: 23g (46%) | Fat: 8g (12%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 108mg (36%) | Sodium: 580mg (25%) | Potassium: 297mg (8%) | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 17g (19%) | Vitamin A: 27IU (1%) | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 12mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

best panda express copycat teriyaki chicken, copycat, easy teriyaki chicken recipe, how to make panda express teriyaki chicken at home, panda express, Panda Express Recipes, panda express teriyaki chicken, panda express teriyaki chicken ingredients

Course Copycat Recipes, Entrees, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (4)

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

bakeitwithlove.com/about/

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Chef Willy Burkett says

    Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (9)
    FYI, if you substitute real ginger and garlic, you will thank me later! Better than Panda!

    Reply

  2. David says

    Oops. Sorry I went a little further back and see that you stated they were boneless skinless.

    David

    Reply

    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      Yep, thanks I edited to be more clear!

      Reply

  3. Jillien says

    Is the sugar in the recipe regular white sugar/light brown sugar/dark brown sugar??

    Reply

    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      Hi, just plain white sugar...such a super easy recipe! Thanks for the question.

      Reply

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is Panda Express teriyaki chicken? ›

Try this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection in a garlic and ginger-infused teriyaki sauce.

Is Panda Express chicken teriyaki breast or thigh? ›

Our Panda Express teriyaki chicken copycat recipe is so easy, you'll want to learn how to make this at home for dinner tonight. The chicken thighs are marinated, then grilled and brushed with a delicious thick, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze. It's also gluten free friendly.

What is the difference between teriyaki sauce and teriyaki marinade? ›

How to Turn Teriyaki Marinade into a Sauce. There's a difference between a marinade and a sauce, although they have plenty in common. The main difference is that marinades are used to flavor food before cooking while a sauce is added during the cooking process or after the dish has been cooked.

What is teriyaki marinade made of? ›

To make a marinade: Stir soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, sesame seeds, garlic, and ginger together in a bowl until well combined. To make a sauce: Pour marinade mixture into a small saucepan and warm over medium-high heat.

How does Panda Express get their chicken so tender? ›

Basically, the meat is marinated in egg whites and cornstarch (other optional seasonings may be added, depending upon what flavor you wish to achieve), then refrigerated for about an hour before cooking.

What kind of rice does Panda Express use? ›

Just like Panda Express, we use Jasmine rice. You can use any medium or long grain rice for this dish. Large eggs: While you could omit the eggs to make this vegetarian Panda fried rice vegan, they are a classic fried rice ingredient.

Why is Panda Express chicken so soft? ›

Why is Panda Express chicken so soft? Chinese restaurants use a cooking technique called velveting. One method is to marinate the meat with cornstarch to create a moist, velvety soft texture. Another method is to coat the meat in baking soda for about 20 to 30 minutes, rinse, and use in the recipe as directed.

Where does Panda Express get their chicken from the USA? ›

Chinese food chain Panda Express has reached an agreement with Gold Kist for the supply of chickens for the North American restaurant chain's menu.

What is Panda Express chicken made of? ›

Ingredients: dark meat chicken, water, sugar, distilled vinegar, modified food starch, corn starch, potato starch, contains less than 2% of: wheat, orange extract, caramel color, salt, garlic, phosphoric acid, rice wine, sesame oil. *The dish uses a proprietary batter and sauce.

Can you use Kikkoman teriyaki sauce as a marinade? ›

ADD JAPANESE FLAIR TO EVERY DISH.

Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade is the perfect choice for lovers of flavoursome marinated vegetables or meat, whether grilled, pan-fried or braised. It's particularly popular as a marinade during the barbecue season but is also ideal for enhancing stir-fries or as a dip.

Is it better to buy or make teriyaki sauce? ›

You know how the irresistibly sweet-salty teriyaki-slathered grilled meat you get at a Japanese restaurant is infinitely more delicious than the stuff you make at home? Well, the reason is simple: Homemade teriyaki sauce is just always better than the sickly sweet store-bought stuff.

What sauce is close to teriyaki? ›

Hoisin is often described as a Chinese barbecue sauce for its incredibly salty, slightly sweet taste, and like teriyaki, it goes well with red meat or poultry. Hoisin is made from soybeans, with garlic, sesame, chillies and spices, and was first created to accompany Cantonese seafood.

What is authentic teriyaki sauce made of? ›

Authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake to create a distinctively sharp taste, with Westernized versions incorporating honey, garlic, and ginger for added edge. Cornstarch is often added to teriyaki sauce as a thickener.

How long should you marinate chicken? ›

Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend six hours up to 24 hours. It is safe to keep the food in the marinade longer, but after two days it is possible that the marinade can start to break down the fibers of the meat, causing it to become mushy.

Which ingredient is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce? ›

The easiest way to thicken teriyaki sauce is by making a “cornstarch slurry.” To do this, whisk together a little cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. After 1-2 minutes, you'll have a delicious, beautiful homemade teriyaki sauce.

What part of the chicken is chicken teriyaki made of? ›

You can make this teriyaki chicken with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, or even chicken tenders. I find chicken thighs to be the best for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay super tender and juicy.

Does Panda Express use white meat chicken? ›

Most panda express chicken dishes use white meat. For example, chicken with string beans, mushroom chicken, honey sesame chicken, and black pepper chicken. What is the difference between orange chicken and sesame chicken at Panda Express? Both dishes use breaded and deep-fried white meat chicken.

What kind of beef does Panda Express have? ›

Black pepper Angus steak from Panda Express is a flavorful dish featuring tender Angus beef stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a savory black pepper sauce. Is black pepper Angus steak sweet? No, black pepper Angus steak is not sweet.

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