Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a savory and slightly sweet grilled chicken dish known for its juicy, tender texture and flavorful teriyaki glaze. Served over steamed rice or vegetables, it’s a restaurant favorite that’s easy to replicate at home. This dish is ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or satisfying a craving for Asian-inspired cuisine.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken thighssoy saucebrown sugarsesame oilgarlicgingercornstarchrice vinegarwater

directions

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.

Pour half of the sauce into a zip-top bag and add the chicken thighs. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.

While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Slice the grilled chicken into strips and drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add pineapple juice to the marinade for a fruity twist.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Serve over white rice, brown rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a microwave or skillet until warmed through.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade gives better flavor control.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

It helps thicken the sauce; omit if you prefer a thinner glaze.

How do I know the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, fried rice, or Asian slaw are great options.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely, it holds up well for several days and reheats nicely.

Is this spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

Why use chicken thighs?

They stay juicier and have more flavor than breasts.

Conclusion

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With its simple preparation and deliciously sticky glaze, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-style comfort food. Try it once, and it might just become your homemade favorite.

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