Easy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes!

Craving that sweet, sticky, and savory teriyaki chicken from Panda Express, but don’t want to leave the house (or overspend on takeout)? You’re in the right place.

This easy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe brings the bold flavors of your favorite fast-food dish right into your own kitchen, and the best part? From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in only 30 minutes.

With tender chicken thighs, a rich homemade teriyaki glaze, and restaurant-style flavor, this recipe is the perfect copycat, some might even say it’s better than the original. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular on your menu.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and show you exactly how to make this Panda Express classic, healthier, fresher, and just as crave-worthy.

🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe at home doesn’t require anything fancy, just a handful of pantry staples and fresh chicken. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate that iconic sweet-and-savory flavor:

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs – thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, just like the restaurant version
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil – like vegetable or canola, for searing
• Salt & pepper, to taste

💡 Pro tip: You can swap in chicken breast if preferred, but keep a close eye on the cooking time to avoid drying it out.

🍶 For the Teriyaki Sauce (Homemade & Better Than Store-Bought):

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – balances flavor without being too salty
• ¼ cup brown sugar – adds that signature sweetness and caramelized glaze
• 2 tablespoons honey – gives the sauce a rich, glossy finish
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – a touch of tang to balance the sweet
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil – adds nutty depth
• 1 clove garlic, minced – for savory punch
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – brightens the sauce with fresh heat
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – for thickening

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Steamed broccoli or white rice, for serving

👨‍🍳 How to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions

Recreating the iconic Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, all in just 30 minutes.

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat Dry and Season: Begin by patting 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Optional Marination: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.

🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) over medium heat.
• Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

🥣 Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

• Add a splash: of oil to the skillet if needed before cooking the aromatics. Sauté 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and 1 clove of minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the following to the skillet:
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• To thicken the sauce: stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

🍗 Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Simmer Together: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the teriyaki sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

🍽️ Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Slice and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips. Serve over a bed of steamed white rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an authentic touch.

🧠 Pro Tips for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs: They remain juicier and more flavorful compared to breasts.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar and honey to suit your taste preferences.
• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature without drying out.
• Extra Sauce: If you prefer more sauce, consider doubling the sauce ingredients.

🌟 What Makes This Recipe Taste Like the Real Thing?

Recreating the authentic flavor of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home is all about capturing the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes. Here’s how this recipe mirrors the original:

🍗 Juicy, Grilled Chicken Thighs

Panda Express uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs, known for their rich flavor and tender texture. Grilling or searing the chicken ensures a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This method replicates the restaurant’s signature preparation, delivering that familiar taste and mouthfeel.

🍯 Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Glaze

The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish. A combination of low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a harmonious blend of flavors. This homemade sauce thickens to a glossy finish, coating the chicken perfectly and mimicking the restaurant’s glaze.

🧂 Balanced Flavor Profile

Achieving the right balance between sweetness and saltiness is crucial. Adjusting the sugar and soy sauce ratios allows you to tailor the sauce to your preference, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the dish but complements the chicken beautifully.

🧄 Fresh Aromatics

Using fresh garlic and ginger enhances the depth of flavor, providing a subtle heat and aromatic quality that elevates the dish. These ingredients are staples in Asian cooking and contribute to the authentic taste.

🔥 Cooking Technique

Searing the chicken at the right temperature locks in juices and creates a caramelized exterior. This technique not only adds flavor but also gives the chicken a visually appealing finish, similar to what you’d expect from Panda Express.

🧠 Expert Tips for Success

Elevate your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken to restaurant-quality with these expert tips. These insights ensure a flavorful, juicy, and visually appealing dish every time.

🔥 1. Achieve a Perfect Sear

• Use paper towels to gently blot any excess moisture from the chicken before cooking. This removes excess moisture, allowing for better browning and a crispier exterior.
• Hot Pan: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken. A hot pan sears the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating a caramelized crust.

🧂 2. Marinate for Depth of Flavor

• Time Matters: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes infuses it with flavor. Use paper towels to gently blot any excess moisture from the chicken before cooking.
• Balanced Marinade: Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar for a marinade that mirrors the classic teriyaki profile.

🍯 3. Perfect the Teriyaki Sauce

• Consistency is Key: Achieve a glossy, thick sauce by simmering it until it coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until thickened.
• Flavor Balance: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference. A hint of acidity from rice vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the sauce.

🌿 4. Garnish Thoughtfully

• Visual Appeal: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the finished dish. These garnishes add color, texture, and a fresh flavor contrast.

🥗 5. Serve with Complementary Sides

• Classic Pairings: Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed white rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. These sides absorb the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.

🔁 6. Make Ahead and Store Properly

• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. Cool the chicken completely before storing in airtight containers. It stays fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to four days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage

🍽️ What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken

This Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe may be the main attraction, but every great dish deserves the perfect supporting cast. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a full-on takeout-style feast at home, pairing your teriyaki chicken with the right sides can elevate the entire meal.

Below are some of the best side dishes that complement the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken, plus a few meal combo ideas that work great for meal prep or family-style dining.

🍚 1. Steamed White or Brown Rice

Simple. Classic. Essential. Rice is the perfect base for this dish because it absorbs all the sweet, sticky goodness from the teriyaki sauce.

• White rice is fluffy and neutral, allowing the teriyaki glaze to shine.
• Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.

🍜 2. Panda Express Copycat Chow Mein

If you’re going for that full takeout experience, chow mein is a must. With its slightly chewy noodles, sautéed cabbage, and savory soy-based flavor, it balances the sweetness of the teriyaki chicken beautifully.

🍳 3. Fried Rice

A fantastic way to use up leftover rice, fried rice is hearty, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Make it with:

• Eggs
• Green peas
• Carrots
• Onion
• A splash of soy sauce or sesame oil

You can also add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to bulk it up.

💬 Pro tip: If you’re already making the teriyaki chicken, doubling the rice to make fried rice tomorrow is a great meal prep hack!

🥦 4. Stir-Fried or Steamed Vegetables

Vegetables help lighten up the plate and bring a pop of color and crunch. Some great options include:

• Broccoli florets
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• Snow peas or sugar snap peas
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini

💡 Health Tip: These veggies bring balance to the sweet teriyaki glaze while packing in fiber and antioxidants.

To keep it simple, toss veggies in sesame oil and sauté with garlic, or steam them and drizzle with extra sauce.

🥟 5. Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Looking for something crispy and satisfying on the side? Egg rolls and spring rolls are a perfect fit.

• Choose vegetable egg rolls for a lighter side
• Go for chicken or shrimp spring rolls for extra protein
• Serve with sweet chili sauce, plum sauce, or leftover teriyaki glaze for dipping

These are especially fun for entertaining or creating your own takeout spread at home.

🥗 6. Asian-Inspired Side Salads

Light, crisp salads can help balance out the richness of the teriyaki chicken. Try:

• Cabbage slaw with sesame dressing
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a dash of soy sauce
• Carrot-ginger salad for a sweet-savory contrast

🌿 These salads add freshness and crunch, and are great for make-ahead lunches too.

🍱 Easy Meal Combo Ideas

Want inspiration for plating or meal prep? These mix-and-match combos are simple, balanced, and totally satisfying:

🥡 Combo #1: Classic Comfort

Teriyaki Chicken + Steamed White Rice + Broccoli

Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep lunch box.

🍜 Combo #2: Takeout at Home

Teriyaki Chicken + Chow Mein + Egg Roll

Recreate a full Panda Express-style dinner, without leaving your kitchen.

🥗 Combo #3: The Teriyaki Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl: White or brown rice + stir-fried veggies + sliced chicken + drizzle of teriyaki glaze + sesame seeds + green onions

🍱 How to Store and Reheat Teriyaki Chicken

One of the best things about this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for leftovers, meal prep, or even freezing for later.

🧊 Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator:
  Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Place in the fridge and enjoy within 4 days for best freshness.
• Freezer:
  For longer storage, place cooled chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for best results.

💡 Tip: Freeze individual portions to make reheating quicker and reduce food waste.

🔁 Reheating Instructions

• Microwave:
  Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Cover loosely and heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop:
  Add chicken and sauce to a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if needed to maintain sauce consistency.
• Avoid the oven:
  It can dry out the chicken and over-thicken the glaze.

🧠 Bonus Meal Prep Tips

• Double the Recipe:
  This dish is easy to batch cook. Make extra portions to keep in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
• Prep Sides Ahead:
  Cook rice and chop veggies ahead of time to build full meals in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

🥢 Final Thoughts: Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at Home Tonight

There you have it, the easy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe that brings all the bold, sweet-and-savory flavor of your favorite takeout dish straight to your kitchen, in just 30 minutes.

With simple ingredients, a quick homemade teriyaki glaze, and a foolproof cooking method, this copycat recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly, kid-approved, and totally customizable to suit your tastes.

Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, next to crispy egg rolls, or as part of a full Asian-inspired feast, this dish delivers that restaurant-style experience, no takeout menu required.

🍽️ Ready to try it out? Don’t forget to save or print the recipe, leave a comment with how it turned out, and explore more of our Panda Express copycat recipes to complete your homemade takeout night!

🔗 Craving More Takeout-Style Recipes?

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Explore the full collection on the Deen Recipes Blog for more comforting, restaurant-style meals made easy at home.