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Homemade Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe served over white rice with sesame seeds and green onions

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This easy 30-minute Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the ultimate homemade copycat! Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, sticky teriyaki glaze that tastes just like your favorite takeout – but even better.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Resting Time 0 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: asian, Chinese-American, takeout
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs – trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon oil – vegetable or canola
  • Salt & pepper – to taste
  • For the Teriyaki Sauce
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic – minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger – grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water – for cornstarch slurry
  • Optional Garnish
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet For searing and simmering
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For preparing sauce or marinade
  • 1 Whisk To mix teriyaki sauce
  • 1 Knife For slicing chicken
  • 1 Cutting Board Prep surface for chicken

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the Chicken
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Make the Sauce
  6. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Thicken the Sauce
  8. Stir together cornstarch and water in a bowl. Add to the sauce and stir until thick and glossy.
  9. Coat the Chicken
  10. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 3–4 minutes to glaze.
  11. Serve & Garnish
  12. Slice chicken, serve over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • Swap thighs for chicken breast if desired, but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.
  • Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.