Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This copycat Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken recipe is as close to the real thing as it gets! The chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Then, all that yumminess is coated in the most delicious homemade Panda Express teriyaki sauce. Honestly, once you get a taste of this recipe you'll have a tough time believing this chicken teriyaki isn't from Panda Express itself!

The Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you've ever been to Panada Express - or walked by it at the mall - odds are you've had their iconic grilled teriyaki chicken. It's not only one of the most popular items on the menu, but it's also one of the most delicious too.

So, if you've ever wanted to recreate all of that yumminess at home, this recipe will show you how to do just that! This recipe pairs some perfectly cooked juicy grilled chicken and some savory teriyaki sauce together to blow you - and your taste buds - away.

Plus, the ingredients are so common that you might even have everything you need to make it at home right this second. Not to mention, just a few easy steps are all you have to follow to put this show-stopping meal together. 

Also, just so you know, this chicken teriyaki recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time I make it - atleast it is my house - so don't hesitate to double or triple the recipe. Your guest will be happy that you did, and the homemade teriyaki sauce is always the talk of the party.

Ingredients

As I said before, you’re probably going to have a majority of the ingredients in your pantry, especially if you often make Asian-inspired dishes.

But, if you don't, these are really common items to find at your local grocery store. So, picking these up shouldn't be a problem.

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make the recipe:

• 1 pound of skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• ⅔ cup sugar
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch & 2 tbsp. of water mixed together 

As you may have noticed, I used skinless chicken thighs to make this recipe. I like the extra flavor that it gives the dish, but if you want, you can totally use chicken breasts and it will turn out just as delicious. Either way, pick up some extra chicken so you can use it to make this teriyaki chicken casserole or mar far chicken next!

Also, I like to cook the chicken on a grill pan. But, if you don't have one, you can use a regular grill or even just a skillet. Just keep in mind, that if you use a regular grill, you'll want to cut the chicken into large strips instead of pieces.

How to Make Panda Expresses Teriyaki Chicken

Okay, as I've talked about a few times now, this recipe is honestly a breeze to make. And it doesn't take long at all to put together. 30 minutes tops is all you need and a large portion of that is just cooking time.

Step 1: Grilling the Chicken

First, put the grill pan over medium-high heat.

Next, put the chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle them with the canola oil. Then, give it a stir to coat each piece of chicken evenly in the oil. 

Once the pan is hot, add the chicken to it and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Then, give it a flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side - or until the internal temperature reaches 165°. Oh, and be careful not to overcrowd the pan - you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the star of this dish, the homemade teriyaki sauce. Before you start, add the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and water to a bowl and mix them together, then set it aside.

To make the sauce, add the sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and ⅓ cup of water to a small pot and whisk everything together. 

Now, bring the sauce ingredients to a boil over high heat. Then, lower the temperature to medium-low, cook for 2-3 minutes, and combine. 

Next, add the cornstarch and water mixture to the pot and cook over low heat until the sauce just thickens. 

Step 3: Serving 

So, now that the chicken is cooked to perfection and the sauce is made, it's time to bring everything together.

Add the chicken to a plate with rice and spoon the teriyaki sauce over the grilled chicken.

Or, if you want, you can mix the chicken and rice in a bowl with the sauce. You can even just dip the chicken in the sauce - there's no wrong way to enjoy this dish!

Enjoy!

How I Recommend Storing The Teriyaki Chicken

This Panda Express recipe will make 4 large servings, so there will be plenty for a big family dinner and, if you're lucky, maybe even some leftovers! On that note, don't be afraid to double or triple the recipe because it's delicious the next day!

Anyway, the best way to store this dish is by putting the chicken and teriyaki sauce in an airtight container. Everything will last in the fridge for up to 4 days if you store it that way.

How I Recommend Reheating The Chicken

For the best leftover experience, you'll want to reheat the chicken. The best way to do that is to put the chicken and sauce in a pan - or wok - over medium heat.

Then, heat the chicken and sauce for about 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired temperature. Just make sure to give it a stir here and there while it's heating back up. Also, if you notice the sauce is too thick when you're reheating it, just add a splash or two of water to thin it out.

Another reheating method I like to use from time to time with the chicken is the microwave. Just a couple of 1-minute intervals in it is all it'll take to warm it back up in there. It's a great option to go with if you're short on time. 

My Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! That's how to make Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken at home.

It's a super simple recipe that's even easier to make than it is to order out. Not only that, but once you try this recipe I think you'll actually prefer the homemade version better.

As always I hope you like this recipe as much as I do!

If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think. 

More Of My Favorite Panda Express Copycat Recipes

If you love Panda Express and want to recreate more of their tasty recipes in the comfort of your own home we've got a ton on the blog for you to try.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Panda Express honey walnut shrimp
• Panda Express cream cheese rangoon
• Panda Express black pepper angus steak
• Panda Express beijing beef

Oh, and as always be sure to give our YouTube Channel and Instagram a look too. We post new recipes on them daily!