Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Want to enjoy Panda Express teriyaki chicken without leaving your kitchen? With this easy and delicious recipe, you'll recreate that Panda Express magic at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe will bring restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken to your dinner table.

This blog will walk you through step-by-step instructions to nail the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make Panda Express teriyaki chicken so iconic. Perfect for busy families and home cooks looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly.

Why Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at Home?

While grabbing takeout is convenient, making Panda Express teriyaki chicken at home has its perks. Here's why you might want to recreate this dish yourself:

Healthier Ingredients: Control your sodium and sugar levels by choosing high-quality ingredients.
Customizable Portions: Make as much (or as little) chicken as you want for family dinners or meal prep.
Cost-Effective: Save money by recreating your takeout favorites at home.
Family-Friendly Fun: Cooking together can be a fun family activity!

Now that you're all set to roll up your sleeves, let's get cooking!

Ingredients for Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make 4 to 6 servings of this flavorful dish. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe even simpler!

For the Chicken:

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium works best)
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sugar (or honey for a healthier twist)
2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine, optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Preheat a cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and ensure the pan is hot.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and loosely tent with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, water, sugar, mirin (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat over medium heat.
Thicken the Sauce: Dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce once it begins to heat, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes). Keep whisking to avoid lumps.
Remove the sauce from the heat once it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the pan or a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the teriyaki sauce generously over the chicken, brushing or tossing to coat every piece evenly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the chicken into bite-sized strips and transfer to a serving plate.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a restaurant-style presentation.

Pair it with steamed white rice, quinoa, or mixed stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken

Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts, making them ideal for replicating Panda Express’s recipe.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Searing the chicken builds layers of flavor and adds the smoky taste that’s synonymous with teriyaki.
Balance the Sauce: Taste the teriyaki sauce before adding it to the chicken. If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.
Meal Prep Pro-Tip: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal prep. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately for maximum freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Home cooks rave about this copycat teriyaki chicken recipe because it’s as close to the Panda Express version as you can get without leaving your house! Plus, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your food.

Quick Recap of the Benefits:

Tastes just like the restaurant favorite.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Try This Recipe Today!

Whether you're a long-time Panda Express fan or just seeking an easy weeknight recipe, this teriyaki chicken is a surefire hit. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you’ll have a flavorful homemade meal that rivals any takeout order.

Looking for more quick and easy recipes like this? Bookmark our blog for more copycat restaurant favorites and meal inspirations!