Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Copycat Recipe (Quick & Easy To Make!) (2024)

This Panda Express teriyaki chicken copycat recipe is tender, juicy, and loaded with so much flavor that it is even better than the original! The homemade teriyaki sauce is spooned over the chicken for a mouthwatering finishing touch. As an added bonus, it is ready to eat in just 15 minutes, even faster than driving to the restaurant!

Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

This copycat recipe is incredibly easy to make and tastes fantastic! The chicken is perfectly cooked so that it has a crisp outside and a moist and juicy inside.

The teriyaki sauce uses common household ingredients and thickens up super quick! Spoon it over your chicken, and you're ready to dig in!

If you love Panda Express, make sure to check out all of my favorite Panda Express recipes!

🥘 Ingredients

You probably already have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand. No need for a long grocery list!

• Chicken Thighs - 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. (You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breast if desired.)
• Oil - 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
• Salt & Pepper - ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper for seasoning the chicken.
• Sugar - ⅔cup of sugar.
• Soy Sauce - ¼ cup of your preferred brand of soy sauce.
• Lemon Juice - 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Garlic Powder - ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Ground Ginger - ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Water - ⅓ cup of water.
• Cornstarch - 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken is ultra simple! You'll need a mixing bowl, grill pan, and a wooden spoon!

This recipe will make 8 servings, so it is perfect for having some tasty leftovers!

1. Season the chicken. Add 2 pounds of chicken thighs in a medium-sized mixing bowl and toss them with the 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Season with ¼ teaspoon of both salt and pepper.
2. Combine the sauce ingredients. Place a large grill pan or skillet over high heat. In a separate bowl, add the ⅔ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and ⅓ cup of water. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the chicken. Once heated, add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side.
4. Boil the sauce. While the chicken is cooking, add the sauce mixture to a separate pan and bring it to a boil.
5. Simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Make a slurry. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together your 1½tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir to combine.
7. Thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to continue to simmer over low heat until it thickens up.
8. Serve. Slice your chicken and, once thickened, spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.

Serve your teriyaki chicken alongside some fried rice or mixed vegetables! You'll never need takeout again! Enjoy!

💭 Tips & Notes

• To store: Allow your leftovers to cool completely before placing them in Tupperware and storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: To freeze leftovers, simply place your chicken into a freezer-safe container and enjoy them within 1 month. Allow them to thaw before reheating.
• To reheat: Simply pop your leftovers into the microwave until heated through.

❓ FAQ

🐼 More Panda Express Copycat Recipes

• Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast - Marinated chicken is tossed with pan-fried onions and string beans in a tasty ginger garlic sauce!
• Panda Express Mushroom Chicken - This mushroom chicken is a fantastic lighter alternative to some of the more hearty dishes!
• Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp - This incredibly popular shrimp entree features tempura battered shrimp and a wonderfully sweet sauce!
• Panda Express Shanghai Angus Steak - These perfectly cooked chunks of Angus steak are paired with mushrooms and asparagus in this crave-worthy dish!
• Panda Express Beijing Beef - This sweet and tangy dish features flank steak, bell peppers, onion, and garlic!
• Panda Express SweetFire Chicken Breast - The Thai sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of spice to this chicken dish!

📖 Recipe Card

More Main Dish