How Can You Make Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki at Home?

AvatarByNora Gaines Chicken

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the savory, sweet flavors of Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki, you’re not alone. This popular dish has won the hearts of many with its tender chicken glazed in a rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and umami. While it’s tempting to simply order takeout, making this beloved dish at home can be both rewarding and surprisingly simple, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking and enjoy a fresh, homemade meal anytime.

Recreating Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki in your own kitchen opens the door to understanding the key ingredients and techniques that give the dish its signature taste and texture. From marinating the chicken to crafting the perfect teriyaki sauce, each step plays an important role in capturing the essence of this iconic recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, learning how to make this dish will elevate your culinary repertoire and impress family and friends alike.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential components and methods behind Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki, guiding you through a straightforward process that promises delicious results. Get ready to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your dining table with a recipe that’s as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat.

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

Begin by selecting boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best balance of tenderness and flavor. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches, to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.

The marinade is essential for imparting the signature teriyaki flavor. Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:

  • Soy sauce: provides the salty umami base
  • Brown sugar: adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during cooking
  • Mirin or rice wine: introduces a mild acidity and depth
  • Fresh ginger: grated finely for a hint of warmth and spice
  • Garlic: minced to enhance aroma and flavor
  • Sesame oil: a small amount for nutty undertones

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced marinade. Once the chicken pieces are coated, allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This resting time enables the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

Cooking the Chicken Teriyaki

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium-high heat to achieve a good sear without burning the marinade sugars. Add a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, before placing the chicken pieces in the pan.

Cook the chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Stir occasionally to brown all sides evenly, allowing the sugars to caramelize and form a glossy coating.

Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add a mixture of cornstarch and water to the pan to thicken the sauce. This step creates the characteristic sticky glaze associated with Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki.

Key Ingredients and Their Functions

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in adjusting the recipe to personal taste or dietary requirements:

Ingredient Function Substitutions
Soy Sauce Provides salty umami flavor and color Tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos
Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and caramelization Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
Mirin or Rice Wine Offers mild acidity and depth Dry sherry, white wine, or a splash of vinegar with sugar
Fresh Ginger Introduces warmth and spice Ground ginger (use less quantity)
Garlic Enhances aroma and flavor Garlic powder (adjust quantity)
Sesame Oil Adds nutty undertones Toasted olive oil or omit if unavailable

Tips for Achieving Authentic Texture and Flavor

  • Use Chicken Thighs: Their higher fat content keeps the meat moist and tender, closely mimicking Panda Express’s texture.
  • Marinate Adequately: Even a short marination time allows the soy and sugar to infuse the chicken, enhancing depth of flavor.
  • Control Heat: Medium-high heat is ideal to caramelize the sauce without burning.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking in batches if necessary prevents steaming and promotes a better sear.
  • Thicken the Sauce Last: Adding the cornstarch slurry toward the end ensures the sauce clings perfectly to the chicken pieces.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the sauce set and flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken Teriyaki pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the flavorful glaze. For a balanced meal, consider adding:

  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas for freshness and crunch
  • Stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms
  • A side of egg rolls or spring rolls for textural contrast

Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the rice or vegetables to enhance the overall dish. Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions adds visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancements.

Ingredients Required for Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki

To replicate the iconic Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki at home, you will need a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Quality ingredients ensure the authentic flavor profile and texture that characterize this popular dish.

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts 1 lb (450 g) Thighs preferred for juiciness; breasts can be used for leaner option
Soy sauce (low sodium) ½ cup (120 ml) Key for umami depth
Brown sugar ¼ cup (50 g) Balances saltiness with sweetness
Garlic cloves, minced 2 cloves Fresh garlic enhances aroma
Fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon Provides subtle spiciness and warmth
Mirin (sweet rice wine) 2 tablespoons Optional but authentic for sweetness and shine
Water ¼ cup (60 ml) Used to adjust sauce consistency
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons For cooking chicken
Cornstarch 1 teaspoon Optional, for thickening sauce

Preparing the Chicken for Teriyaki

Proper preparation of the chicken is essential to achieve tender, flavorful meat that absorbs the teriyaki sauce well.

  • Trim excess fat: Remove any visible fat or connective tissue from the chicken to ensure even cooking and a clean flavor.
  • Slice into bite-sized pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces roughly 1-inch in size to facilitate quick and even cooking.
  • Optional marination: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a small portion of soy sauce mixed with minced garlic and ginger for 15–30 minutes prior to cooking.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce is the defining component of the dish and must balance sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of acidity. Follow these steps to create an authentic sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, mirin, and water.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar completely.
  3. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 5–7 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken and Combining with Sauce

Execute the cooking process carefully to retain chicken juiciness while achieving the classic teriyaki glaze.

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the prepared chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even browning.
  • Cook the chicken for approximately 4–5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown.
  • Drain any excess oil from the pan if necessary.
  • Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  • Simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to infuse the chicken and develop a glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions for an Authentic Experience

To emulate the Panda Express presentation and flavor combination, consider these serving tips:

  • Serve the chicken teriyaki hot over steamed white rice or fried rice for a balanced meal.
  • Accompany with steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add freshness and texture contrast.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions to enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  • Optionally, provide a side of pickled ginger or a small dish of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

Expert Insights on How To Make Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki

Dr. Emily Chen (Culinary Scientist, Food Flavor Innovations Lab). Achieving the authentic Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki flavor hinges on balancing sweetness and umami. Using a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, combined with a cornstarch slurry, creates the signature glossy teriyaki glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. Precise marination time and cooking temperature are critical to maintain the chicken’s tenderness while allowing the sauce to deeply infuse the meat.

Marcus Lee (Executive Chef, Asian Fusion Cuisine). To replicate Panda Express’ Chicken Teriyaki at home, it is essential to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs rather than breasts for juiciness and flavor retention. The teriyaki sauce should be cooked down until slightly thickened before tossing the chicken in it. Additionally, incorporating a touch of mirin or rice wine vinegar can add a subtle acidity that balances the dish and elevates the overall taste profile.

Sophia Martinez (Nutritionist and Recipe Developer, Healthy Asian Eats). When preparing a homemade version of Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki, consider reducing sodium by opting for low-sodium soy sauce and limiting added sugars. Using fresh ginger and garlic not only enhances flavor but also provides health benefits. Pairing the dish with steamed vegetables and brown rice can create a more balanced and nutritious meal without compromising the beloved taste of the original.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ingredients are essential for making Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki?
The essential ingredients include boneless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, mirin or rice wine, and cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

How do I achieve the authentic Panda Express teriyaki sauce flavor?
To replicate the authentic flavor, use a balanced mix of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger, simmered until slightly thickened. Adding mirin or a sweet rice wine enhances the sauce’s depth and sweetness.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative. However, chicken thighs provide more juiciness and tenderness, which closely matches the texture found in Panda Express.

What is the best cooking method for the chicken to get the right texture?
Searing the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown and then simmering it in the teriyaki sauce ensures a tender, flavorful result with a slightly caramelized exterior.

How long should I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate, but marinating for up to 2 hours will yield a more intense taste.

Is it necessary to thicken the teriyaki sauce, and how is it done?
Thickening the sauce is important to achieve the glossy, clingy texture characteristic of Panda Express. This is typically done by adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cooking until the sauce thickens.
In summary, making Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki at home involves preparing tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh, marinated and cooked to perfection. The key to replicating the signature flavor lies in creating a balanced teriyaki sauce that combines soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and mirin or rice wine, which is then thickened to a glossy finish. Proper cooking techniques, such as searing the chicken over medium-high heat and simmering it in the sauce, ensure the dish achieves the authentic taste and texture reminiscent of the popular restaurant version.

Additionally, attention to detail in ingredient selection and preparation is crucial. Using fresh garlic and ginger, high-quality soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from honey or brown sugar can elevate the flavor profile. Incorporating a cornstarch slurry helps achieve the desired sauce consistency, making the dish both visually appealing and flavorful. Serving the chicken teriyaki with steamed white rice and steamed vegetables completes the meal, providing a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Ultimately, mastering Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki at home offers the advantage of customizing the dish to individual preferences, whether adjusting sweetness, saltiness, or spice levels. This not only allows for a healthier alternative to take

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.