Easy Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
This homemade Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is your new favorite one-pan meal! Juicy chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce make dinner fast, easy, and super tasty. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe cleans up quickly too!
Serve it over steamed rice, with sautéed veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. Finish with an extra drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that restaurant-style touch. Simple, delicious, and ready in minutes!
This Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe is super simple and comes together in no time! While the chicken thighs are searing, you can mix the homemade teriyaki sauce in a bowl. If you’re serving with rice, start cooking the rice at the same time so everything is ready together. You can also prep garnishes ahead to make serving even faster and more beautiful.
For more easy copycat recipes, check out other chicken favorites like Tuscan Chicken Thighs or Teriyaki Meatballs—perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Why This Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Is Special
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single pan, so cleanup is super easy. Use a large skillet or sauté pan to cook all the chicken at once.
- Healthier Option: Making this at home is healthier than fast food. You can pick better ingredients, use organic products, and adjust it for gluten or soy allergies.
- Customizable: You can use chicken thighs or breasts, and make the sauce sweet or spicy. Add your favorite toppings or sides to create your perfect meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Cooking at home saves money! Chicken thighs are cheap, versatile, and tasty. Serve with rice and veggies for a filling meal that won’t break the bank.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults love this dish! Everyone can make their own rice or noodle bowls. Plus, it’s packed with protein for a healthy meal.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
To make restaurant-style teriyaki chicken at home, you don’t need fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect flavor and texture:
1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, tender bites. You can also use chicken breasts, tenders, or even leftover grilled chicken for a quick meal.
2. Oil: Use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil to sear the chicken. A hot skillet and the right oil help achieve that golden-brown crust and rich flavor.
3. Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce works perfectly, but for gluten-free or soy-free options, you can swap in tamari or coconut aminos. Both add umami and a slightly sweet flavor.
4. Sweetener: Light brown sugar gives the sauce that classic teriyaki sweetness. You can also try coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
5. Thickener: To get the sauce thick and glossy, use arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Arrowroot is less clumpy and creates a smooth finish.
6. Ginger: Ground or fresh ginger adds that signature teriyaki zing. Fresh ginger gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
7. Garlic: Garlic powder works fine, but fresh minced garlic elevates the sauce to restaurant-quality.
8. Garnish: Sesame seeds make the dish look amazing and add a subtle crunch. Mix white and black sesame seeds for a colorful presentation, and sprinkle generously over the finished chicken.
How to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at Home
Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home is easier than you think! With a few simple steps, you can get that sweet, savory, and glossy chicken right on your plate.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken thighs dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with a bit of oil until it’s hot, then sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. This creates that signature crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This includes soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and your chosen thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot. Whisk well until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Sauce to the Chicken
Pour the teriyaki sauce directly into the skillet with your seared chicken. Stir gently to coat every piece in the sweet and savory glaze.
Step 4: Cook Until Thickened
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. It will thicken and turn glossy, clinging perfectly to the chicken. Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F for safe eating.
Step 5: Serve with Style
Transfer the chicken to a plate, spoon extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy a homemade Panda Express experience!
Pro Tips for Perfect Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at Home
- Perfect Sauce Every Time: Is your teriyaki sauce too thick? Add a splash of water to make it smooth and pourable. Too thin? Mix a little cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it instantly. This keeps your chicken perfectly coated in glossy, flavorful sauce.
- Golden-Brown Sear for Maximum Flavor: Preheat your skillet and oil before adding chicken. Searing on high heat locks in juices and creates that irresistible golden-brown crust, just like Panda Express.
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Make sure each chicken thigh is seared on all sides for a uniform texture and beautiful caramelized color. Use a large skillet or sauté pan to fit all pieces in one batch.
- Check Internal Temperature: For safe, tender, and juicy chicken, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents undercooked or dry chicken.
- Gluten-Free & Soy-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a healthier, slightly sweeter alternative. Perfect for gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar in your sauce to match your taste. Love sweet teriyaki? Add a bit more sugar or honey for a restaurant-style finish.
- Enhance Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated ginger and minced garlic instead of powders. It adds a vibrant aroma and restaurant-quality taste to your homemade teriyaki chicken.
- Quick Fix for Busy Days: Make extra sauce and store in an airtight container. Reheat with chicken for a fast and flavorful meal anytime.
More Recipe Favorites
Easy Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Description
Craving Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken but don’t want to order takeout? This easy copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your answer! Made with juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet, savory, and sticky homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s packed with the same bold flavors you love from the restaurant—without all the preservatives and MSG.Ingredients
Instructions
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Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel. Drying the chicken ensures better browning and helps the seasoning stick. Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them.
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Place a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it get hot until it shimmers. This step is key for a golden, caramelized sear.
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Add the chicken thighs to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 3–5 minutes until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
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While the chicken is cooking, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture creates a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
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Once the chicken is nicely seared, pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken and become shiny, enveloping each piece of chicken with flavor.
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For deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for 30–60 minutes before cooking. This step enhances the sweetness and savory depth of your teriyaki chicken.
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Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
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Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-style presentation. Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice, or with your favorite stir-fried vegetables.
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken:
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Use fresh garlic and ginger for a vibrant, authentic flavor.
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Don’t skip the hot pan sear—it adds essential texture and caramelization.
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Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a little extra cornstarch slurry or water as needed.
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Add a touch of sesame oil at the end for a nutty, aromatic finish.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Trans Fat 8g
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 920mg39%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 27g54%
- Vitamin A 35 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
- Pat Chicken Dry for Perfect Sear
Always pat your chicken thighs or breasts dry before cooking. Moisture prevents browning, so this small step ensures a golden, caramelized exterior just like the restaurant version. - Use a Hot Pan for Maximum Flavor
Heat your skillet or non-stick pan on medium-high before adding oil and chicken. A hot pan locks in juices, creates a crispy exterior, and gives that irresistible restaurant-style caramelization. - Balance Sweet and Savory
Adjust brown sugar or soy sauce to taste. For a slightly tangy flavor, add a teaspoon of rice vinegar or a splash of lemon juice. This creates the perfect sweet-savory teriyaki flavor every time. - Marinate for Juiciness
Marinate chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30–60 minutes. Marinating allows flavors to penetrate the meat deeply and keeps it tender and juicy while cooking. - Thicken Sauce the Smart Way
Mix cornstarch or arrowroot powder with cold water before adding to the sauce. This prevents lumps and ensures a glossy, clingy sauce that sticks perfectly to the chicken. - Fresh Ingredients Elevate Taste
Use fresh garlic and ginger whenever possible. Fresh ingredients give the sauce a bright, authentic flavor that powdered versions can’t match. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a nutty aroma. - Don’t Skip Resting
After cooking, let the chicken rest 2–3 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and flavorful. - One-Pan Magic
For easy cleanup, cook chicken and sauce in a single skillet. Add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas at the end for a colorful, nutritious, and complete meal. - Customize for Heat or Sweetness
Spice it up with chili flakes, sriracha, or a touch of chili oil, or increase sweetness with extra brown sugar or honey. This recipe is fully customizable to suit every taste preference. - Meal Prep Friendly
Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners. Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months for long-term meal prep. - Perfect Pairings
Serve over fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-quality presentation at home. Add stir-fried or steamed vegetables to complete a balanced meal. - Voice & Video SEO Friendly Tip:
Include phrases like “how to make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home,” “easy copycat Panda Express chicken,” and “best teriyaki chicken recipe” in your content. These trigger Google’s voice assistants, smart displays, and video search results, making your recipe more discoverable.
