Craving that deliciously tender and flavorful Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken but want to make it at home? You’re in the right place! This classic dish, with its juicy grilled chicken and rich, sweet teriyaki glaze, is a crowd favorite, and it’s easier to recreate than you might think. Making it yourself means you can enjoy all the flavors you love with the added benefit of fresh ingredients and control over your dish’s nutrition.

In this post, we’ll go over why this recipe is a must-try, how to make it from scratch, and offer tips on how to enjoy and customize it. Whether it’s your first time trying teriyaki chicken or you’re a seasoned fan, this recipe will be one you’ll want to keep on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re wondering why you should recreate this iconic Panda Express dish at home, here are just a few reasons:

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt down rare ingredients. This recipe uses easy-to-find staples, making it ideal for any home cook.
Healthy Customization: Cooking at home means you can control sugar and salt levels, opt for lean cuts, and experiment with your choice of vegetables or sides.
Quick and Convenient: In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal that tastes just like your takeout favorite, minus the wait in line.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for weekday meal prep. Enjoy teriyaki chicken for lunch or dinner without any fuss.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of homemade teriyaki chicken (per 4 oz or 113 g serving):

Calories: 260
Protein: 23 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Sugar: 10 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: 600 mg

These values may vary slightly based on ingredient adjustments. However, making this dish at home allows you to control each aspect of nutrition to meet your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

To recreate Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch, combined with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family meal or small gathering.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Enjoy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, creating a balanced meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Here are some serving suggestions:

Steamed rice or brown rice: The rice soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors.
Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add color, crunch, and nutrients, complementing the savory-sweet chicken.
Cauliflower rice or quinoa: For a low-carb option, try pairing this teriyaki chicken with cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these simple steps to bring this restaurant classic into your kitchen.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside to rest.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Whisk the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

3. Thicken the Sauce

Add the Cornstarch Mixture: To thicken the sauce, add the cornstarch mixed with water. Stir the sauce continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it reaches a rich, glossy consistency.

4. Glaze the Chicken

Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce’s flavor.
Garnish: Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for extra flavor and visual appeal.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your teriyaki chicken with rice and veggies, and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable meal!

Tips for Making the Best Teriyaki Chicken

Creating a homemade version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken comes with a few secrets for the best results:

Choose Thighs Over Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs are juicier and more flavorful. They’re also more forgiving when it comes to cooking, as they stay tender even if cooked a bit longer.
Adjust Sweetness: Teriyaki sauce is typically sweet, but feel free to adjust the sugar and honey levels to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger elevate the flavor of the sauce, making it taste fresher and more authentic.
Double the Sauce: If you like your teriyaki chicken extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce recipe. You can use any extra sauce to drizzle over rice or veggies.

Storage and Reheating

Teriyaki chicken is a fantastic option for meal prep because it stores well and reheats easily. Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Additional Ways to Enjoy Teriyaki Chicken

While serving teriyaki chicken with rice and veggies is a classic option, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy this dish:

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Combine the chicken with steamed vegetables, rice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a tasty teriyaki bowl.
Teriyaki Chicken Salad: Toss sliced teriyaki chicken over a fresh green salad with carrots, cucumber, and a sesame-ginger dressing for a lighter option.
Teriyaki Chicken Wraps: Place slices of teriyaki chicken in a wrap with crunchy veggies, such as shredded cabbage or carrots, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick lunch.

Conclusion

Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home allows you to enjoy all the sweet and savory goodness without leaving your kitchen. With simple ingredients, an easy cooking process, and the option to customize, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights, meal prep, or satisfying your takeout cravings.

So, grab your skillet and get ready to make an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken, and feel free to get creative with your sides and presentation!