Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Love Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken but want a homemade version that’s just as flavorful? This recipe brings you that sweet, savory glaze over juicy grilled chicken—quick, easy, and better than takeout. Whether you’re craving comfort or looking for a protein-packed meal, this copycat recipe delivers all the flavor with simple ingredients you trust. Ready to bring your favorite Panda Express menu item to your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Key Benefits of Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Recreating Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home is easier than you think—and it comes with some serious perks.

• Healthier Choices: Control the salt, sugar, and use clean ingredients. Great if you’re watching Panda Express nutrition or counting teriyaki chicken protein.
• Budget-Friendly: Make multiple servings for a fraction of the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken price.
• Meal Prep Ready: It stores well and tastes just as good the next day with rice, veggies, or noodles.
• Family Favorite: Sweet, savory, and sticky—this grilled teriyaki chicken wins over kids and adults alike.

Simple, flavorful, and better than takeout—this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful, grilled goodness at home. These simple pantry staples come together to create that iconic Panda Express teriyaki chicken taste — sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced.

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicy and tender!)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)

For the Marinade & Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey (for natural sweetness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp white pepper (optional, for mild heat)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (for thickening the sauce)

Optional Garnishes:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Tip: Want a lighter version? Swap chicken thighs with chicken breast and reduce the sugar for a leaner, low-calorie option — perfect if you’re tracking Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken nutrition.

Instructions: How to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Get ready to enjoy juicy, flavor-packed chicken with that iconic glossy glaze — right from your own kitchen.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar + ½ tsp sugar)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp white pepper

Reserve about ¼ cup of this mixture — you’ll use it later to make the glaze.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Place your halal chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
• Add the marinade to the chicken and mix until each piece is thoroughly covered.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry slightly (helps it sear better).
• Grill or sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer — the chicken is ready at 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Glaze

• Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Stir in a slurry made with 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water.
• Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

• Brush the glaze over the cooked chicken.
• Slice into strips and drizzle more glaze on top.
• Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few green onion slices for a fresh finish.

That’s it! You’ve just made homemade Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken — juicy, glossy, and packed with flavor.

Pro Tips and Easy Variations

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal prepping, or just looking to impress, these tips will help you make the most of your homemade Panda Express teriyaki chicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry before grilling or pan-searing — this helps get that beautiful golden sear.
• Don’t skip marinating: Let the chicken soak for at least an hour. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Chicken thighs should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safely and perfectly cooked.
• Double the glaze if you like extra sauce — it’s great for drizzling over rice or veggies!

Easy Recipe Variations

• Low-carb version: Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Oven-baked option: No grill? Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to caramelize the top.
• Air fryer method: Air fry marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Chicken breast substitute: Prefer white meat? Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts — just reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.
  Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade if you like a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is grilled and glazed to perfection, it’s time to plate it up! Here are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:

Classic Takeout Style

• Serve sliced chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or white rice.
• Spoon extra teriyaki glaze on top for that signature glossy finish.
• Add a side of steamed broccoli or mixed stir-fried veggies for color and crunch.

Bento Box Vibes

• Pair with pickled veggies, edamame, and a scoop of rice.
• Add a few slices of Panda Express Mandarin Chicken on the side for variety.

Light & Fresh

• Slice the chicken and serve over a crisp green salad with sesame dressing.
• Top with mandarin oranges, shredded carrots, and toasted almonds.

Meal Prep Favorite

• Portion into containers with rice and veggies.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days — the flavor only gets better!

Tip: This dish also pairs wonderfully with other Panda Express menu favorites like fried rice or chow mein, if you’re going for the full homemade takeout experience.

Conclusion

There you have it — a simple, flavorful way to enjoy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home. From the juicy grilled chicken to the rich, glossy teriyaki glaze, this recipe delivers all the comfort of takeout with the added bonus of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a family dinner, this dish checks all the boxes: budget-friendly, easy to make, and absolutely delicious.

Ready to give it a try? Save this recipe, fire up the pan (or grill), and enjoy a better-than-restaurant experience right at home.

FAQs

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Lily Hanna

Juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze—this easy Panda Express copycat is perfect for quick dinners and meal prep. Healthier, protein-packed, and full of flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Marinate Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Asian, Chinese

Servings 4 peoples

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp neutral oil avocado or vegetable oil

For the Marinade & Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp white pepper optional
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water for thickening

Instructions

 

Make the Marinade

• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, honey, garlic powder, ginger, and white pepper. Reserve ¼ cup for the glaze.

Marinate the Chicken

• Add chicken to the marinade and mix until well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Grill or Sear the Chicken

• Heat oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken, pat dry slightly, and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Make the Glaze

• Simmer reserved marinade in a small pan. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened and glossy.

Glaze and Serve

• Brush glaze over cooked chicken, slice, and top with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Net Carbs: 12g

Keyword grilled teriyaki chicken, Panda Express copycat, teriyaki chicken recipe, Panda Express menu