Easy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe to Make at Home

A Taste of Panda Express in Your Own Kitchen

There’s something comforting about having your favorite fast-food meal whenever the craving hits. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the sweet, savory goodness of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, you’re not alone. What if I told you that with just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the flavor of this beloved dish in your own kitchen? Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is easier to make than you think, and it’ll save you a trip to the restaurant.

In this article, you’ll discover how to make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken from scratch, just like your favorite takeout. You’ll get all the insider tips, step-by-step instructions, and expert advice to make your homemade version of Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki taste just as delicious (or even better) than the one you know and love. Let’s dive in and start cooking!

What Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

The Classic Teriyaki Chicken Dish from Panda Express

When you think of Panda Express, one dish that likely comes to mind is their signature teriyaki chicken. This iconic meal is a perfect balance of flavors—tender grilled chicken glazed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky teriyaki sauce. It’s served with your choice of sides, like fried rice or steamed vegetables, making it a staple in fast-casual dining.

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is not just a delicious dish but also a fan favorite because of its balanced, comforting taste. The combination of juicy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce is what has made this dish so popular over the years.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

The Perks of Making This Recipe at Home

If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic, craving Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, you know the frustration of not having it at your fingertips. Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home not only saves time but gives you full control over the ingredients. By making this dish at home, you can adjust the flavors, add extra veggies, or even make it spicy if that’s how you like it!

Here are some reasons why you’ll love this homemade version:

• Save Money: No more spending on takeout or delivery fees. You can make this delicious dish for a fraction of the cost.
• Customization: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce, use gluten-free soy sauce, or add in extra vegetables. You’re the chef, so you can tailor it to your preferences.
• Healthier Option: When you make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe at home, you can use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives.

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

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all the ingredients ready. Here’s a table of the essentials for your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe:

This combination of ingredients creates the rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce that coats the tender chicken. It’s simple to put together, and with just a few items from your pantry, you’re ready to begin!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

One of the keys to making this recipe taste just like Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki is marinating the chicken. The longer you marinate the chicken, the richer and more intense the flavor will become.

• Combine the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl.
• Add the chicken to the marinade and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

To replicate the grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express effect, you can grill, pan-sear, or bake the marinated chicken.

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Pan-frying: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, turning it over halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, it’s time to make the teriyaki sauce. If you’ve used store-bought sauce, feel free to skip this step. If you’re making it from scratch, here’s how:

• In a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
• Once it begins to simmer, dissolve the cornstarch in a bit of cold water and whisk it into the sauce to thicken it.
• Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it’s thickened to your liking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and toss it to coat evenly.

Serve the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or whatever side you prefer. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade takeout meal!

Tips for the Best Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Perfecting the Grilled Chicken

For a perfect grilled version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe, here are a few tips:

• Use Thighs for Juicier Meat: Chicken thighs hold more moisture than breasts, making them an excellent choice for this recipe.
• Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature before placing the chicken on it. This will help you get those perfect grill marks.
• Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F, avoiding dry, overcooked meat.

Customizing the Sauce

You can make the sauce your own by:

• Adjusting the Sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness.
• Spicing It Up: For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

How Much Time Do You Need to Cook Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

Cooking Time Breakdown

Here’s a quick overview of the time it takes to make your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes (for marinating)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on your cooking method)
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

This makes it an excellent weeknight meal when you’re short on time but craving something tasty!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content, which makes them perfect for absorbing the savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Plus, they stay tender even when cooked longer, giving you an even more delicious result.

2. Can I Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Spicy?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily make your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken spicy by adding:

• Sriracha sauce or your favorite hot sauce directly into the teriyaki sauce.
• Red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
• Fresh chili peppers such as jalapeños or serranos for a more intense kick.

3. How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken for the Best Flavor?

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, for even more depth, try marinating it for 1-2 hours. If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for a richer taste and better absorption of the teriyaki sauce.

4. Can I Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Simply marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it and add fresh teriyaki sauce for a delicious meal in no time.

5. How Can I Make the Teriyaki Sauce Thicker?

To thicken your teriyaki sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to the sauce as it simmers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This trick will give your sauce the perfect glaze for your chicken.

6. Can I Grill the Chicken for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, grilling the chicken will add a smoky depth of flavor to your grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express style. Simply preheat your grill, cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, and brush it with the teriyaki sauce while grilling for extra flavor. The result will be perfectly charred, juicy chicken with that iconic Panda Express taste.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe

Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home is a game-changer. Not only does it satisfy your cravings, but it also gives you the opportunity to enjoy a healthier, customizable version of the dish. Now that you have this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in your cooking arsenal, you can enjoy your favorite fast-casual dish any time you want.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will be a hit.