Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish
Panda Express is a popular fast-food chain known for its delicious American Chinese cuisine. One of their most well-known dishes is the teriyaki chicken, which is a favorite among customers for its sweet and savory flavor. The best part? You don’t have to visit the restaurant every time you crave this dish. With this simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate Panda Express’ teriyaki chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, put on your apron and get ready to cook up a storm!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The key ingredients you’ll need for this mouth-watering dish are:
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dish:
- Start by preparing the chicken breasts by trimming off any fat and slicing them into bite-size pieces. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and honey to make the marinade. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later on.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the cornstarch slurry to the remaining marinade and cook until the sauce has thickened, stirring constantly.
- Once the sauce thickens, add the chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve hot over rice or your choice of side dish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Want to take your teriyaki chicken to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to ensure you get the best results:
- For a healthier alternative, use boneless and skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They have more flavor and won’t dry out as easily.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. It’s important to keep an eye on it while it’s cooking to avoid it becoming dry and tough.
- For a more authentic Panda Express taste, use a wok instead of a skillet to cook the chicken.
Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind
While cooking, it’s essential to take safety precautions to prevent any accidents in the kitchen. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always handle raw chicken with clean hands and avoid cross-contamination.
- Keep a pot lid or baking sheet nearby in case of any oil splatters.
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
To make things easier for you, here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Panda Express teriyaki chicken:
- Prepare the chicken by trimming off any fat and slicing it into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and honey to make the marinade. Add the chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water.
- In a heated skillet, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, add the cornstarch slurry to the remaining marinade and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve hot over rice or your choice of side dish.
Expert Tips for Premium Results
To truly impress your taste buds, here are some expert tips to elevate this dish:
- For extra flavor, grill the marinated chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
- Add your choice of vegetables to the skillet with the chicken for a complete meal.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
- Make a double batch of the sauce and save it for later. It makes a delicious glaze for other meats or a dip for appetizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often have more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just make sure to cook the chicken right before serving for best results.
3. What can I serve with Panda Express teriyaki chicken?
You can serve this dish with rice, noodles, or your choice of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
4. Can I use low sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can use low sodium soy sauce, but you may need to add a bit of salt to the dish for more flavor.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make this delicious teriyaki chicken dish, go ahead and give it a try. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!
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