Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki is a meal served at Panda Express that consists of skinless, boneless chicken thighs glazed, drizzled, and dipped in the sweet and savory Teriyaki Sauce.
This chicken-cooked meal coated in sauce always gives a shiny, thick finish due to the caramelized nature of the Teriyaki sauce. Everyone wants to know the secret recipe, so stay tuned while we unfold it all for you.
What Makes Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki So Good?
It is Sweet and Savory
This sauce isn’t overly sweet or spicy, but it has a balance that gives you the best of both worlds. Its savory, sweet nature makes it something you always want to come back to.
It’s Tender Chicken
The Chicken Teriyaki is slow-cooked and so tender that every bite feels like a trip to Heaven. It’s thick, chewy, tender, and soft, making everything a delight.
It’s a Distinct Flavor
Teriyaki Sauce is spread, glazed, dipped, and drizzled all over the chicken throughout the cooking process. It is no wonder it has a shiny caramelized exterior and a burst of enhanced flavor packed inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Recreate It
In this section, we will introduce you to the list of full ingredients and recipes you will need to recreate your very own copycat Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki recipe at home.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: This needs to be skinless, boneless, and exclusively the thighs to get a more juicy effect, unlike when you use chicken breast
- Soy Sauce: This ingredient facilitates the chicken tenderizing process and provides a whole lot of umami
- Brown Sugar: Brings balance to the salt content and further aids in browning the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Here for the savor, it adds flavor to the recipe.
- Canola Oil: This and its likes are used in cooking the meal.
- White Pepper: When you hear pepper, you know it’s all for the heat. Significant but surely not overpowering.
- Water: This is a must-have and a must-use for balancing the salt and aiding flavor distribution for all-around goodness.
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- Soy Sauce: This ingredient has one job: to deliver the flavor needed for a great meal.
- Brown Sugar: It also aids in browning and adds a little sweetness with a touch of caramelization.
- Ginger and Garlic: Great for flavor profile
- Corn Starch: This ingredient thickens the sauce, thereby giving it its thick coating nature
- Rice Vinegar: This balances out the sweetness and adds a bit of acidity for a tangy feel.
- Sesame Oil: This is optional if you don’t want an oil-based meal, but it gives a nutty flavor and aroma.
- Honey and Mirin: These ingredients are quite optional, too, mainly when the outcome is balanced, but are used to add sweetness if the spice is overpowering
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Prepare all your sauce ingredients individually in different bowls
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, honey/mirin), all but the cornstarch.
- Whisk with water water until they form a uniform consistency
- Mix cornstarch in a separate bowl until uniform too, and then dissolve in the bowl of other ingredients
- Mix everything slowly as the cornstarch is incorporated to cause the sauce to thicken.
- And now your sauce is ready to be spread, dipped, and glazed over your chicken.
How to Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Pat Chicken thighs dry with a kitchen towel, allowing deep penetration of ingredients.
- Season chicken on both sides with the chicken ingredients listed above.
- Cook chicken in hot sesame oil over low heat using a nonstick pan
- Once brown coloration is observed, turn the chicken to the other side and allow it to cook.
- Place Teriyaki sauce over the chicken while cooking for more flavor enhancement.
Tips for Nailing the Panda Express Flavour at Home
- Make use of quality ingredients to achieve the best Express flavor at home
- Ensure the sauce is coated consistently on the chicken without leaving any part unattended.
- Slow-cook seasoned chicken on low heat for deeper ingredients penetration and to avoid burning and undercooking.
- Replicate the preparation technique carefully to get the same flavor-filled results.
Can’t Make Yours? Here’s how to Order Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Online
- Visit Panda Express’s online handles, such as the official website, mobile app, email newsletter, and social media handles like X, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Click on the Chicken Teriyaki meal and choose the quantity and size of the order.
- Validate orders by payment and input delivery details carefully.
In-Store
- Walk into the nearest Panda Express participating location closest to you.
- Make your way to the counter
- Place your Chicken Teriyaki order.
- Validate order with payment and take your food with you on the go.
Delivery Platforms
- Visit the official website of delivery platforms like DoorDash and search for Panda Express.
- Scroll through the menu and place your order on Chicken Teriyaki.
- When you’re done, validate your order through proper payment
- Input clear and direct delivery details and instructions, and deliver your meals to your doorstep.
FAQs
What kind of chicken does Panda Express use for its teriyaki chicken?
Panda Express uses chicken thighs for their chicken teriyaki because they give it a juicier and tender finish.
Can I use Chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, Chicken breasts can be used, but they won’t have the same juicy effect as thighs.
How long should I marinate the chicken before cooking?
You can marinate your chicken for 20 minutes before cooking for deeper penetration of ingredients.
Can I freeze homemade Chicken Teriyaki for later?
Yes, your homemade Chicken Teriyaki can be frozen for later consumption.
Conclusion
The Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki is a sweet, savory meal that combines the best of both worlds for a well-balanced experience. It’s flavourful, fresh, and made with diverse ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable experience.
While this meal may taste great, it can be paired with other dishes on the menu for complete delight. This meal comes with an easy at-home copycat recipe that anyone can do and allows you to have a Panda Express Chicken Teriyaki at home with no stress anytime you want.
