How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken in Your Own Kitchen

Alright, y’all, let’s bring a little Panda Express magic into your kitchen! This Teriyaki Chicken is juicy, smoky, and slathered in a thick, glossy teriyaki sauce that’ll make you want to lick the plate. The best part? You don’t need a wok or fancy gadgets—just some basic ingredients and a love for sticky, savory-sweet goodness. Ready to channel your inner Panda chef?

How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken At Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wished you could enjoy your favorite Panda Express dish whenever the craving hits? Well, now you can! This recipe will help you prepare how to recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, right in the comfort of your kitchen. It is, indeed, easier than you think, let’s face it.

Getting Started: The Key Ingredients for How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Before we begin cooking, it is vital to have all the ingredients prepped. This step ensures a smooth cooking process, so you won’t find yourself scrambling in the middle of the preparation. First, let’s talk about what makes the Panda Express teriyaki chicken special. Its signature taste comes from a combination of sweet, savory, and umami notes. The main ingredients are, of course, chicken and a luscious teriyaki sauce. However, there are little extras that really make the difference.

The Chicken: Selecting and Preparing

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast: We suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They remain juicy and flavorful after cooking. However, if you like chicken breast, it is acceptable to use it.

• Cutting the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This size helps with even cooking.

• Marinating: While Panda Express doesn’t marinate, a quick marinade enhances the flavors further. A simple mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic will do the trick. Marinating for at least 30 minutes—or even better, an hour—will make a difference.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

The secret to truly how to recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken lies in its sauce. It should be a balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of tanginess. Here is a breakdown of what makes it delicious:

• Soy Sauce: This is the base. Use low sodium to control the saltiness.

• Brown Sugar: It provides the sweetness, and the molasses notes give depth.

• Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds a subtle, tangy flavor and enhances the other flavors.

• Sake: A bit of sake is ideal to add a unique taste but can be omitted if you don’t have it.

• Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic add that necessary aromatic punch.

• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.

• Water: Just a bit of water is needed to blend everything together.

Step-by-Step: How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Alright, now it’s time to get cooking! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to prepare this delicious dish. It is easier than you may think, you know.

Preparing the Ingredients for How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

First, make sure you have all your ingredients at hand. It is a good idea to have all your ingredients ready and prepped before you start cooking. This makes everything smoother and more enjoyable. Gather:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
• 2 tablespoons mirin.
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional).
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
• 1/4 cup water.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional).

Marinating the Chicken: A Key Step for Extra Flavor

In a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, half of the grated ginger, and half of the minced garlic. Marinate for at least 30 minutes—or longer if you can—in the refrigerator. This step infuses the chicken with great flavors.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce: The Secret to How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sake (if using), the remaining ginger and garlic, cornstarch, and water until well combined. This is your teriyaki sauce. The flavor will come together once it hits the hot pan.

Cooking the Chicken: A Quick and Easy Process

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan and cook until browned on all sides.
• Do not crowd the pan. It might be a good idea to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Adding the Sauce: Creating a Sticky Glaze

• Pour the teriyaki sauce into the same skillet or wok.
• Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
• Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken and becomes glossy.
• Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
• Toss it to coat the chicken evenly with the teriyaki sauce.
• Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Serving: The Final Touch

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve your teriyaki chicken hot over steamed rice or with your favorite sides. You can enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home.

Tips and Tricks for the Best How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

It is important to perfect each step to get the best results. These tricks ensure that your chicken will taste just like, or even better, than your favorite restaurant’s. Honestly, it is about the details, you know.

Adjusting the Sweetness: Tailoring to Your Taste

If you like a sweeter teriyaki, add a bit more brown sugar. Start with a teaspoon at a time and adjust accordingly. This is your kitchen, after all.

Thicker or Thinner Sauce: Control the Consistency

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce while it simmers. However, if you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more water and simmer for a little less.

Choosing the Right Pan: Wok vs. Skillet

Using a wok is preferable for stir-fries. It allows heat to distribute evenly. However, a large skillet works great too. Ultimately, it’s about having a large surface where the chicken can cook evenly.

Adding Vegetables: Enhancing the Nutritional Value

Feel free to add vegetables to this dish, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Add them at the same time as the sauce. This way, you will get all your veggies.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing it Up

Serve your teriyaki chicken over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. It also tastes delicious with noodles, and it pairs very well with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables. It is important to find your favorite combination.

The Recipe: How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Alright, now it is time for the recipe. Let’s make this delicious dish. Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients and steps we covered, in an easy-to-follow format.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, half of the ginger, and half of the minced garlic. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sake (if using), the remaining ginger and garlic, cornstarch, and water.

3. Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Add Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until it thickens (2-3 minutes).

5. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and the chicken is done.

6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s address some common questions about making this delicious dish at home, shall we?

What is Panda Express teriyaki chicken made of?

Panda Express teriyaki chicken typically includes grilled chicken, a teriyaki glaze (made from soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings), and sesame seeds for garnish. It’s often served with a side of rice. Our recipe includes fresh ginger and garlic for a more authentic taste and will show you how to recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken.

Is Panda Express teriyaki chicken healthy?

While tasty, Panda Express teriyaki chicken isn’t always the healthiest choice, due to added sugars and sodium in the sauce. However, when you recreate this dish at home, you control the ingredients. Therefore, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce, and reduce the amount of sugar. This will make the dish a healthier meal.

How many carbs are in Panda Express teriyaki chicken?

A serving of Panda Express teriyaki chicken contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, mainly from the sugars in the teriyaki glaze and the rice served alongside it. But honestly, it does depend on the serving size. You can further reduce carbs in your homemade version by using less sugar. Also, serving it with a lower-carb option like cauliflower rice.

What does Panda Express teriyaki sauce taste like?

Panda Express teriyaki sauce has a distinct sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. The sauce is a result of the combination of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It has a sticky, glossy texture that coats the chicken well. The flavors are robust and balanced.

Final Thoughts on How to Recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Making your own teriyaki chicken at home is very easy and rewarding. With this recipe, you will get to enjoy the flavors you love and have complete control of the ingredients. Recreating dishes at home is a great way to explore cooking and have some tasty and healthy meals for you and your family. This is a win-win situation, I believe. Honestly, I think you’re ready to go! Now, go and impress everyone with your cooking skills!