Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone craving restaurant-quality Asian flavors at home. The appeal lies in its craveable sweet and savory glaze coating juicy, tender chicken—a combination that pleases everyone at the table, from picky kids to adventurous eaters. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll create that signature Panda Express taste without leaving your kitchen.

Whether serving it as a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish delivers on bold flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, it’s healthier and fresher than takeout!

Authentic Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Made Easy

Recreating this Panda Express favorite is all about juicy grilled or pan-seared chicken thighs drenched in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce. Unlike store-bought sauces, this freshly-made version is rich with ginger, garlic, mirin, and brown sugar for authentic depth. The combination of smoky, seared chicken and sticky, flavorful glaze strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes—a true crowd-pleaser!

How to Prep the Chicken for Optimal Flavor

Start by trimming excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. For uniform pieces (and to speed up chopping veggies for serving), a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a practical addition to your kitchen. It ensures all your stir-fry veggies and garnishes are the ideal size to accompany the main dish.

Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. Pro tip: Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, which encourages even browning and tenderness.

Cooking the Chicken: Grill, Pan, or Air Fryer

You can grill, pan-sear, or use an air fryer to achieve that irresistible caramelized exterior.

For easy cleanup and even cooking, reach for a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Sear the chicken thighs over medium-high heat until beautifully browned and cooked through; let them rest before slicing.

Alternatively, for a lighter, hands-off approach, arrange the chicken in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt and cook at 400°F for about 16-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This method locks in moisture and crisps the outside, no oil required!

Making the Signature Teriyaki Sauce

The secret to teriyaki sauce is the perfect blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake (or substitute), brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Whisk everything together and simmer gently until the sauce glazes the back of a spoon.

For silky-smooth results, finely blend your ginger and garlic using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender before stirring them into the sauce. This ensures maximum flavor infusion without any harsh bites.

Serving & Storing for Maximum Freshness

Slice the cooked chicken and generously brush with the teriyaki glaze. Serve over steamed rice with crisp sautéed veggies for a complete meal.

For outdoor gatherings or meal prepping, divide portions into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep your meal fresh and portable. Any leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days—just reheat gently to preserve the chicken’s juiciness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes four generous servings. Each serving, paired with rice and sauce, has about 400–450 calories (depending on portion sizes and optional veggies). The flavors are rich, the protein is lean, and it’s a satisfying dinner that keeps you feeling good.

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Recap)

This homemade version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken delivers everything you love about the original: deeply savory glazed chicken, restaurant-quality flavor, and simple steps. With fresh ingredients and smart gadgets to speed things up, it’s easy to create a dish that’s both healthier and more delicious than takeout.

Instructions

1. Trim chicken thighs and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Alternatively, cook in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt at 400°F for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, mirin, water, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
4. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the saucepan. Simmer, stirring often, until sauce is thick and glossy (about 2–3 minutes). For ultra-smooth results, blend ginger and garlic with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender before adding.
5. Remove chicken from the pan or air fryer. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
6. Toss sliced chicken with teriyaki sauce to coat, or serve sauce drizzled on top.
7. Serve over steamed jasmine rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Portion leftovers into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for easy lunches.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy a dish that captures everything you love about Panda Express in your own kitchen, with fresh, craveable results!