This Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe brings that sweet, savory, restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. Juicy grilled chicken coated in a glossy teriyaki sauce makes a delicious meal with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
What I love most is how easy it is to recreate this takeout favorite at home. Serve it over steamed rice with your favorite vegetables, and you have a satisfying dinner that tastes just as good as your usual restaurant order.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Sweet and Savory Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce combines sweetness with a rich, savory taste that coats every piece of chicken.
2. Juicy and Tender Chicken: Grilled chicken stays juicy inside while developing a delicious, lightly caramelized exterior.
3. Easy to Make at Home: You can recreate this takeout favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
4. Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe makes a satisfying dinner without requiring complicated preparation.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Soy Sauce: Substitute low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt, or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Replace it with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness in the teriyaki sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger works as a substitute. Use less than you would of fresh ginger because its flavor is more concentrated.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok works best to sear the chicken and cook the sauce evenly.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring your seasonings and ingredients.
- Tongs or a Spatula: To flip and stir the chicken as it cooks.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch and water together to thicken the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the chicken giving it a crispy edge and helping it sear properly.
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are flavorful and stay juicy during cooking. Their slightly higher fat content gives the dish richness and tenderness.
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce giving it a glossy texture.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken and sauce.
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce: The base of the teriyaki sauce providing that savory umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the salt content.
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger: Adds a warm aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the soy sauce and garlic.
- ¼ cup Water: Helps dilute the soy sauce and balance the flavors of the sauce.
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness to the teriyaki sauce and helps it caramelize when cooking the chicken.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger, and white wine to the bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add the sauce to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Garnish: Add the sesame oil and give the sauce one last stir. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and orange slices if desired.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice, with steamed vegetables, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in half the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- A cast-iron skillet can be used instead of non-stick for a better sear.
- Adjust the sauce’s sweetness by adding honey or reducing the brown sugar slightly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 238kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fibre | 0.3g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Cholesterol | 108g |
Delicious Variations You Should Not Miss
1. Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to give the sweet sauce a spicy kick.
2. Honey Teriyaki Chicken: Swap some brown sugar for honey to create a rich, slightly floral sweetness.
3. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken over rice with steamed broccoli, carrots, and sesame seeds.
4. Garlic Teriyaki Chicken: Add extra minced garlic for a deeper, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss the chicken with bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli for a colorful, complete meal.
Variations to Try
FAQ’s
1. Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken grilled or fried?
It’s traditionally grilled, giving the chicken a lightly charred exterior and juicy texture.
2. What sauce does Panda Express use for teriyaki chicken?
It uses a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce made with ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, and seasonings.
3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well. Avoid overcooking it to keep the meat tender and juicy.
4. What should I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein, or steamed vegetables.
5. Can I make teriyaki chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then refrigerate them in an airtight container.
6. How long does leftover teriyaki chicken last?
Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheat until thoroughly hot.
7. Can I freeze Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
Yes, freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for the best quality.
