Chicken Teriyaki Panda Express: A Flavorful Delight!

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Introduction

Alright, food lovers, let’s talk about a takeout favorite: Chicken Teriyaki Panda Express! That sweet and savory glaze, tender chicken, and hint of sesame just hit the spot, right? It’s the perfect combo of flavors we all love! What if you could recreate that deliciousness at home with a copycat version? This blog will guide you through making a mouthwatering Chicken Teriyaki Panda Express recipe that tastes just like the real thing! So, ditch the takeout, put on your aprons, and let’s get cooking!

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Why make your own Chicken Teriyaki Panda Express copycat when you can just go out? Well, for starters, making it at home gives you full control over the ingredients, sugar, and sodium. Plus, recreating your favorite takeout dish from scratch is fun and rewarding! You can even adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a familiar favorite with your own personal touch.

Why you will love making Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this fantastic dish. Having the right chicken teriyaki panda express ingredients is key to nailing that authentic taste. So, here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
  • ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• For Cooking and Garnish:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)

How to make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken with Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty and make this delicious dish! Making your own copycat chicken teriyaki panda express recipe might seem a little daunting, but with this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This will help the chicken to stay tender and juicy.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of soy sauce, ½ cup of water, ⅓ cup of packed brown sugar, ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 1 clove of minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of sesame oil.

Combine and Simmer

1. Bring the teriyaki sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is glossy. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and glazed the chicken perfectly.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove from the heat, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve your homemade chicken teriyaki immediately over steamed rice or your favorite sides.

Alright, while the recipe is quite easy, a few extra tips and tricks will ensure your homemade chicken teriyaki panda express tastes just like the real deal. You know how it goes: the little things matter!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality soy sauce, fresh garlic, and ginger for the best flavor profile. This will ensure that the final dish tastes as good as possible.
• Marinate the Chicken: Don’t skip the marinating step. It is crucial to make the chicken tender and juicy. The cornstarch in the marinade will also create a slight crust, helping the sauce adhere better.
• Thicken the Sauce Properly: Allow the teriyaki sauce to simmer and reduce to your liking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little more cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, and add it to the simmering sauce, whisking constantly.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking. You want it to be cooked through but still juicy and tender. Overcooking it will make it dry.
• Serve Hot: Serve the chicken teriyaki immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its peak flavor and texture. Don’t leave it sit for too long.
• Customize: Feel free to adjust the sweetness, spiciness, or level of ginger to match your personal preference. The beauty of cooking at home is you can make it just how you want it!

Okay, it’s time to be real, we all know that takeout food can be high in calories and sodium. So it’s a good idea to know what we’re eating. Please remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes:

*Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary according to ingredients used.

Got some questions about making this chicken teriyaki panda express copycat recipe? You’re not alone! Here are the most common FAQs to help you out:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
  • Yes, you can, but chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy. If you use breasts, be sure not to overcook them.
• Can I make this recipe in advance?
  • Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them before serving. Store the chicken and sauce in separate containers for best results.
• Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
  • Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar and honey to your liking. If you prefer less sweet, reduce the amount.
• Can I use a different type of sweetener?
  • Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, but please be aware that it could alter the final flavor.
• Can I make this gluten-free?
  • Yes, you can make this gluten free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and making sure that the other ingredients do not contain gluten.
• Can I freeze leftover teriyaki chicken?
  • Yes, you can. Store the chicken in an air-tight container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• How do I reheat leftover teriyaki chicken?
  • You can reheat leftover chicken teriyaki in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to creating a fantastic chicken teriyaki panda express copycat in your very own kitchen! With this recipe, you’re now equipped to whip up this iconic takeout dish whenever the craving hits. Get ready to impress yourself, your family, and your friends with a homemade version that’s packed with flavor and love. So go ahead and get cooking, and enjoy your own version of this classic takeout favorite! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!

“Craving the irresistible Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken? Discover how to recreate this sweet and savory favorite at home with our expert guide!”