If you love Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll adore making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home. Start with tender chicken thighs, seared to perfection with garlic and ginger. This infused sauce brings out an umami experience in every bite. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a delicious takeout-style meal that’s a fraction of the cost. The sweetened soy sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s simple to cook and pairs well with items you already have in your pantry. This last-minute recipe is great for any day of the week, and your house will smell amazing, just like Panda Express! You can use chicken breasts, tenderloins, or even cook it on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop. It’s a versatile dish that you’ll feel confident serving to guests.
Why You Will Love Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
This fast, Asian-inspired cuisine comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy days. The flavorful combination of ginger, garlic, and brown sugar pairs perfectly with rice vinegar and soy sauce, creating a true flavor explosion. As the tender chicken simmers, the fragrant, sweet, and spicy notes fill the air, making the cooking process truly enjoyable. With simple, straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare. Each bite offers a flavor-packed, perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, thanks to the enriched teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger. This versatile dish can be served over white rice, brown rice, or even noodles, making it a real crowd-pleaser. It’s also a healthier option since you can control the ingredients, adjust sodium, and skip MSG, making it a better choice for those watching their intake. Plus, it’s meal prep friendly; you can make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers that reheat well, saving time and effort on busy days.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
- For making Teriyaki Chicken, you use 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, which are the dark portion of the meat and are more tender and flavorful than chicken breast.
- Season the thighs with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground pepper,
- Create a teriyaki sauce by mixing sautéed 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil for a beautiful, simple flavor.
- For garnish 2 tablespoons chopped green onions and 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- Add ground ginger, 2 teaspoons water + 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and garlic powder to enhance the taste.
How To Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
- To make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, start by gathering ingredients and preparing the chicken.
- Pat dry the chicken thighs with a kitchen towel and season them with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken by heating a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- For the teriyaki sauce, use the same skillet and add the remaining oil, followed by grated ginger and garlic. Sauté for a minute, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring it to a rolling boil and add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes on low heat.
- You can also adjust the brown sugar for more or less sweetness according to your taste preferences.
Serve and Enjoy
After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. If you prefer, slice it and serve over a bed of steamed rice. For an extra touch, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Note:
- To marinate and cook, fork the chicken to let the marinade penetrate, and combine all the ingredients in a baggie or covered dish in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- You can also freeze cooked chicken, but be aware that the texture might change upon thawing.
- Prevent dryness by avoiding overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Grilling
For a grilled version, make the sauce and marinate the chicken for an hour or overnight. Grill the chicken, basting with the marinade and flipping after 5 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baked
For baking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, brown the chicken on both sides in a skillet, slice it into strips, place in a baking dish, and mix the sauce to baste the chicken. Bake for 5 minutes, then repeat until done.
Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker, combine the ingredients except for the cornstarch and water, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. After cooking, remove the chicken from the liquid, add the cornstarch, and mix until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken, and shred or chop it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken is Panda Express teriyaki chicken?
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is made with dark meat chicken for its rich flavor. The marinade includes sugar, modified starch, and various spices. The sauce is enhanced with toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and soybean oil, all mixed with water to create a perfect blend.
Is Panda Express teriyaki chicken good?
Panda Express has many popular items, but the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken earns a well-deserved spot on the list. The first time I visited, I decided to order the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, and it was love at first bite. The juicy chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and then smothered in a sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce.
How many calories are in Panda Express teriyaki chicken?
If you are curious about the nutritional value of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, here is the breakdown for 1 order: it contains 8.2g total carbs, 7.9g net carbs, 12.8g fat, 36.1g protein, and 299 calories.
Why is teriyaki so popular?
Teriyaki is loved for its delicious flavors and simplicity. This dish has appealed to diverse palates and has gained popularity beyond Japan’s borders. In the United States, it became especially popular in Hawaii, where Japanese immigrants introduced it to the local population. This delightful culinary creation quickly won hearts and became a favorite.
