Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat | Chicken Stir Fry

Introduction

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal with wholesome ingredients and bold Asian-inspired flavors, this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is the answer. This chicken stir fry pairs juicy pieces of chicken breast with stir-fried mushrooms and zucchini, all coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and satisfying for takeout lovers and home cooks alike—bringing that Panda Express experience straight to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

With just a few staple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy an irresistible stir fry that rivals your favorite restaurant version. The tender chicken and caramelized veggies soak up a garlic-soy glaze with a touch of sweetness—ideal for busy weeknights, meal preps, or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like takeout but is made healthier at home.

Flavorful Sauce for Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry

The secret is in the sauce: a silky blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil creates signature umami flavor. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, helping it cling to the chicken and vegetables beautifully, ensuring every bite is mouthwateringly savory and satisfying.

Stir Fry Method for Crisp, Juicy Chicken and Veggies

To replicate Panda Express’s signature texture, quickly sear thinly sliced chicken in a hot pan, then stir fry mushrooms and zucchini until just tender. A flash in the pan keeps veggies crisp and chicken moist—a perfect combination for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal with minimal fuss.

Serving Suggestions for Mushroom Chicken Stir Fry

Pair this copycat mushroom chicken with fragrant steamed rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish. For a complete takeout-style feast, serve alongside homemade egg rolls or steamed broccoli.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, with each portion providing approximately 230 calories (excluding rice or extra sides). Mushroom chicken stir fry is rich in lean protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and balanced meal that can fit any meal plan.

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat (Recap)

Bringing together juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory, restaurant-quality sauce, this stir fry is easily customizable, meal-prep-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a flavorful, hassle-free choice for anyone craving homemade takeout flavors.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section — perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Add the sliced chicken, pinch of salt, and black pepper; toss to coat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dry sherry (if using), brown sugar, garlic, ginger, remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in an even layer; cook 3–4 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Stir fry mushrooms and zucchini for 3–4 minutes, until just tender but still crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Stir fry 1–2 minutes more, until sauce is glossy and thickened.
6. Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite side.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is a top contender for efficient weekly meal prepping and planning. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan your dinners for the week, and the app will generate a smart, consolidated shopping list to streamline grocery shopping.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all your recipes
– Organizes your shopping list by store section for a quick trip
– Helps avoid duplicate buys and forgotten ingredients
– Makes batch cooking and meal prepping seamless

Pro tip: When planning this recipe alongside others, schedule your weekly dinners so overlapping ingredients—like chicken or mushrooms—are automatically aggregated, helping save money and reduce food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes