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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
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.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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:
Use fresh garlic and ginger for a vibrant, authentic flavor.
Don’t skip the hot pan sear—it adds essential texture and caramelization.
Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a little extra cornstarch slurry or water as needed.
Add a touch of sesame oil at the end for a nutty, aromatic finish.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
