Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving the savory sweetness of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken but prefer to make it at home, this copycat recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet delicious way to recreate a favorite that pairs perfectly with a bowl of fluffy rice, making for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

If making restaurant favorites at home is your thing, you’ll want my copycat dinners that taste like takeout too.

Why you will love making Copycat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Making your own awesome Teriyaki Chicken recipe at home is so easy. Here’s why you’ll be all in:

• Simple: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a breeze.
• Flavor-packed: Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, thanks to the teriyaki sauce enriched with soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
• Versatile: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or even noodles—this chicken is a crowd-pleaser.
• Healthier option: By controlling the ingredients, you can adjust the sodium and skip the MSG, making it a better choice for those watching their intake.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers that reheat well, saving you time and effort on busy days.
• And if you’re planning dinners for the week, these easy chicken dinners that don’t take much thinking are a lifesaver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

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

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Here’s how to bring this tasty dish to your table in a few simple steps:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with kitchen towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Cook the Chicken

Heat your non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chicken. You’re looking for a nice, golden brown sear on each side, which should take a few minutes per side.

Make the Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Sauce

While the chicken cooks, grab a bowl and whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cornstarch. This combination will create that signature teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and tangy, with a thickness that clings to the chicken beautifully.

Combine and Simmer

Once your chicken is browned to perfection, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Serve and Enjoy

After letting it sit for a few minutes off the heat,slice the chicken if you prefer, and serve it over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch.

How to Store Leftover Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s how to keep that Teriyaki Chicken tasting fresh and delicious for later:

• Cool & Airtight: Let the chicken cool to room temperature, and then use an airtight container to store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
• Reheat: When you’re ready for another round, reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for later use. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also freeze the sauce on it’s own for later.

Our Top 3 Money Saving Tips for This Recipe

Cooking at home is an excellent opportunity to save some cash. Here are our top three tips for making this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken on a budget:

• Buy chicken in bulk: Look for sales on chicken thighs and stock up. You can freeze what you don’t use for later.
• Generic brands work: No need for fancy brands when it comes to basic ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
• Cook in larger batches: Cooking once and eating several times means less energy used over time and fewer ingredients wasted.

What to Serve with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

If you want an easy side that goes with everything, start with my quick side dishes for weeknight dinners.

Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice

The classic companion to teriyaki chicken is a fluffy bed of rice. Whether you opt for the aromatic jasmine rice or the nuttier, fiber-rich brown rice, both will soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce, making every bite a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

This chicken is great with rice, but I always like to add something fresh too, like my Panda Express super greens for an easy veggie side. And if you’re in the mood for another takeout-style dinner, this Panda Express black pepper sirloin steak for the nights you want a little heat is a good one to bookmark.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

For a splash of color and an extra dose of nutrients, stir-fried vegetables or steamed vegetables are the way to go. Try bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots, quickly sautéed with a hint of soy sauce and garlic. It’s a simple way to round out your meal with something fresh and vibrant.

Asian-Inspired Salad

A crisp, Asian salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the teriyaki chicken. Mix up some mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with a dressing made from rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a dash of honey. Top with toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch.

More Copycat Recipes You Will Love

If you love this sticky teriyaki chicken copycat recipe, I think you’re going to love these!

• Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings that’s pure comfort
• Olive Garden ravioli carbonara with that creamy restaurant sauce
• Homemade KFC zinger burger with the spicy kick
• spicy chicken chipotle pasta for an easy copycat night