What does Panda Express teriyaki chicken have?

Panda Express teriyaki chicken features tender, grilled chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The sauce blends soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings to create its signature flavor. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and vegetables for a balanced meal.

What are the ingredients in Panda Express teriyaki sauce?

The key ingredients in Panda Express teriyaki sauce are soy sauce, sugar (often a mix of brown sugar and honey), ginger, garlic, and cornstarch as a thickening agent. Some variations may include rice vinegar, mirin, or sesame oil for added depth and balance.

Can you use store-bought teriyaki sauce as a marinade?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works well as a marinade. It imparts a rich, savory flavor to meats, especially chicken, and helps tenderize them. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance the flavor.

What is the closest thing to teriyaki sauce?

If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar or citrus juice can mimic its flavor. Adding ginger and garlic will bring it even closer to the traditional teriyaki profile.

Is it better to buy or make teriyaki sauce?

Homemade teriyaki sauce is often better because you can control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness or saltiness, and avoid preservatives. However, store-bought sauces are convenient and can still deliver excellent flavor if you’re short on time.

What’s the difference between teriyaki and hoisin sauce?

Teriyaki sauce is a Japanese glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, delivering a sweet and savory profile. Hoisin sauce, on the other hand, is a thick Chinese condiment with a more complex flavor, combining sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes, often from fermented soybeans and additional spices. They are not interchangeable but can complement similar dishes. For more mouthwatering dishes like this, check out other easy chicken recipes on Sarra Recipes !

5-Step Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken That Tastes Better Than Takeout

Quick & Tasty Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken (5 Steps)

Print Recipe

An easy and delicious copycat Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe made with juicy grilled chicken thighs and a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Author: Sarra
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling or Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese-American

Ingredients

Scale

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling)
½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Optional: sesame seeds, green onions for garnish

Instructions

Marinate Chicken (Optional):
Combine soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add chicken and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat.
Thicken Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened. Set aside.
Grill Chicken:
Heat oil in a skillet or grill pan. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Slice and Glaze:
Let chicken rest, then slice. Drizzle teriyaki sauce over chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 320
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe, grilled chicken, copycat Panda Express

Find it online: https://sarrarecipes.com/panda-express-teriyaki-chicken/