Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that glossy, sticky-sweet, deeply savory panda express teriyaki chicken recipe from the drive-thru, you’re in the right place. This homemade version captures everything you love—succulent grilled chicken, silky teriyaki glaze, and that irresistible umami hit—all made fresh in your own kitchen. Let’s bring this fast-food favorite home with even more flavor and zero guilt.

Overview of the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

What makes the Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe so addictive? It’s all about balance—sweetness from brown sugar, savory depth from soy sauce, a gentle zing from fresh ginger, and tender, juicy chicken thighs grilled to perfection. Unlike some overly syrupy versions, this one delivers a clean finish, with just enough gloss to coat your rice but not drown it.

This Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe isn’t just a copy—it’s an elevation. You control the ingredients, the sodium, and the quality of the chicken. And the payoff? A weeknight dinner that feels like a cheat meal but fits beautifully into your real-food lifestyle.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this standout panda express teriyaki chicken recipe at home. Each component is intentionally selected to mimic and improve on the restaurant version:

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• Pinch of kosher salt (optional)

For the Marinade & Teriyaki Sauce

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon honey (for sheen and balance)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 3 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)

Optional Toppings

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced green onions
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas (on the side)

Shopping Tip: Look for chicken thighs with uniform thickness so they cook evenly on the grill or skillet.

Necessary Tools for Preparation

To achieve that glossy finish and juicy texture you expect from a panda express teriyaki chicken recipe, these tools are essential:

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan – Holds high heat and develops caramelization like a flat-top grill.
• Mixing bowls – For marinade and sauce mixing.
• Whisk – To emulsify the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs – For turning chicken without piercing it (which keeps in juices).
• Meat thermometer – Ensures doneness without guesswork (target: 165°F).

Bonus tools that elevate the process:

• Microplane for grating fresh ginger and garlic with finesse
• Small saucepan if thickening extra sauce on the side
• Rice cooker or Instant Pot for effortless sides

Pro Tip: If you’re grilling outdoors, a silicone brush helps glaze the chicken directly over the flame for that signature Panda Express caramelized edge.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

One of the best things about the panda express teriyaki chicken recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or dealing with dietary restrictions, here’s how to tweak it to make it work for you:

Protein Swaps

• Chicken Breasts: Still juicy if not overcooked. Pound them for even thickness and cook quickly over high heat.
• Tofu: Extra-firm tofu, pressed and pan-seared, soaks up the teriyaki sauce like a sponge.
• Tempeh or Seitan: Great for a meatless alternative with more bite and protein.

Sauce Alternatives

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
• Low Sugar: Swap brown sugar for monk fruit sweetener or reduce the quantity by half.
• No Cornstarch? Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch—same silky finish.

Additions That Work

• Stir in a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
• Include thinly sliced carrots or baby bok choy while simmering the sauce for texture.

Remember: The key to maintaining the panda express teriyaki chicken recipe identity is that sticky-sweet glaze and savory balance. Swaps should mimic that flavor harmony.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring this fast-food favorite to life? Here’s how to master the panda express teriyaki chicken recipe, one sensory step at a time:

❶ Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. The longer, the deeper the flavor.

Smells like: fresh soy and ginger with a mellow tang

❷ Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:

• Remaining ¼ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the sauce.

Simmer until thickened—about 2–3 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Looks like: dark, glossy syrup with tiny bubbles
Tastes like: sweet soy depth with a gingery kick

❸ Cook the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. Pat dry to encourage browning.

• Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken thighs. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, until dark golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F.
• Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into ½-inch strips.

Sizzles like: bacon hitting a hot pan
Feels like: crisp edges with tender centers

❹ Glaze and Serve

Return sliced chicken to the skillet or a clean pan. Pour teriyaki sauce over the top and toss to coat.

Let it cook for 1 more minute so the glaze clings like lacquer.

Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice with a side of broccoli or snow peas. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Final vibe: glossy, savory-sweet, better-than-the-mall perfection

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this panda express teriyaki chicken recipe is its incredible versatility. It slides easily into a weeknight dinner rotation but can also impress at a casual gathering.

Classic Bowl Setup

• Base: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
• Protein: Teriyaki chicken slices, glazed and hot
• Sides: Steamed broccoli, sautéed snow peas, or a few potstickers

Serve it up bento-style in compartment plates with pickled cucumbers or seaweed salad for an authentic, fun presentation.

Fast-Fusion Meal Ideas

• Teriyaki Chicken Wrap: Tuck glazed chicken and shredded veggies into a warm tortilla or spring roll wrapper.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: Layer teriyaki chicken over mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a sesame vinaigrette.
• Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Chop leftovers and toss with noodles and veggies for a lightning-fast second-day meal.

Optional Brightener: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving to cut through the sweetness and enhance the soy flavor.

Tips for Best Results

Even a simple panda express teriyaki chicken recipe can be next-level with a few insider techniques:

Get That Golden Sear

• Pat the chicken dry after marinating—excess moisture can steam instead of sear.
• Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to allow caramelization.
• Use high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed for a crust without burning.

Perfect the Sauce Texture

• Add the cornstarch slurry slowly, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
• If it gets too thick, whisk in 1 tablespoon of water at a time until glossy and pourable.
• Want it even stickier? Simmer it for an extra minute off heat—it thickens as it cools.

Make It Taste Just Like Panda Express

• Use dark soy sauce for color depth (optional).
• Mix in a touch of mirin or pineapple juice for added sweetness and complexity.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling for enhanced aroma.

Bonus Flavor Moves

• Add a dash of white pepper or five-spice powder to the marinade.
• Finish with a drizzle of chili oil for heat lovers.
• Stir in thin orange peel strips to the glaze for a citrusy twist.

Consistency is key: The final glaze should feel like syrup, not soup. It should cling, not pool.

Storage Instructions

Good news: this panda express teriyaki chicken recipe stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.

In the Fridge

• Storage Time: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Store the chicken and rice separately to avoid sogginess
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring halfway

In the Freezer

• Storage Time: Up to 2 months
• Freeze in portions with sauce for easy defrosting
• Reheat from frozen in a covered pan with a splash of water or steam in a microwave-safe container

Pro Tip: Flash-freeze cooked chicken slices on a baking sheet before storing in bags to prevent clumping and preserve texture.

FAQ

Is this an authentic teriyaki recipe?

While traditional Japanese teriyaki is more restrained and delicate, this panda express teriyaki chicken recipe is a bold, Americanized take—sweeter, stickier, and richer. It’s built for maximum flavor impact, just like the original Panda Express version.

Can I make it without sugar?

You can! Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. The sauce will still thicken beautifully, but the flavor may be slightly less rich.

What sides pair well with teriyaki chicken?

Classic sides include:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, carrots)
• Simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
• Edamame pods sprinkled with flaky salt

Meal Prep Tip: Store chicken separately from rice and veggies to keep everything fresh.

Can I grill this chicken outdoors?

Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side. Baste with sauce in the last 2 minutes to create a glossy, caramelized finish.

Conclusion

Few things satisfy a fast-food craving like a sticky, savory, sweet bite of panda express teriyaki chicken recipe—and now, you can have it fresh at home. With everyday ingredients, a simple marinade, and a glossy homemade glaze, you’ll have a better-than-takeout experience every time. Plus, you control the quality and balance of flavors.

Next time you’re tempted by the drive-thru, remember: your kitchen has all the magic you need.

Give it a try and let that first sticky, savory bite convince you—you’re never going back!

Print

Additional Recommended Recipes

If you loved this homemade panda express teriyaki chicken recipe, you’ll also enjoy:

• Blackstone Hibachi Recipe – Sizzling veggies and proteins seared to perfection on a flat-top grill.
• Mongolian BBQ Recipe – A saucy, sweet-and-savory favorite that’s even better homemade.
• Soyaki Sauce Recipe – A tangy-sweet fusion sauce that’s perfect on stir-fries or grilled meats.
• Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl – Hearty, saucy, and quick—ideal for weeknight dinners.

Bring the flavor of your favorite Asian-style dishes home with these quick and delicious ideas.