Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Savory & Ready Fast

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is the kind of recipe that instantly brings that comforting, takeout-style satisfaction straight into your kitchen—without the delivery fee or soggy rice. Picture this: juicy chicken thighs seared until golden and smothered in a rich, sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every bite. It’s sweet, savory, and ridiculously simple to make.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy night in with something better than fast food, this homemade version checks every box. With minimal prep, just a handful of pantry staples, and one pan, you’ll have a dish that rivals your favorite Panda Express plate in under 30 minutes. Keep your rice cooker handy, because you’re going to want something to soak up every last drop of that glossy teriyaki sauce.

Table of Contents

What is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is that perfect blend of sweet and savory that somehow hits every craving. Originating from Japanese cuisine, “teriyaki” literally means “glossy grill,” referring to that beautiful, caramelized glaze that gives the chicken its signature look and taste. Panda Express popularized it by pairing tender, juicy chicken thighs with a thick, slightly smoky teriyaki sauce. This homemade version captures that same flavor magic—sweet brown sugar, salty soy sauce, and a touch of ginger for warmth—all cooked in a single skillet.

Unlike the restaurant version, you can control the sweetness and sodium, which makes it even better for home cooks looking for balance without losing any of the indulgent flavor. It’s a restaurant-style comfort dish made simple and stress-free.

Reasons to Try Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re a fan of big flavor and minimal effort, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is going to become a weeknight staple. First off, it’s fast—done in about 25 minutes from start to finish. That’s less time than it takes to get takeout. Second, it’s foolproof.

Even if you’re not exactly the next Iron Chef, this recipe is forgiving. The chicken thighs stay juicy, and the sauce thickens up beautifully every single time. Third, it’s versatile. You can pair it with jasmine rice, fried rice, or even steamed broccoli for a lighter touch. Plus, if your family has picky eaters, this dish usually wins everyone over—because who can resist glossy, sweet teriyaki sauce? If you love dishes like my Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl, this is another one to keep on repeat.

Ingredients Needed to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Instructions to Make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken – Step by Step

This Step by Step guide walks you through exactly how to make Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home—crispy, caramelized, and perfectly coated in a glossy sweet-salty sauce. If you’ve ever wished your weeknight dinners could taste like your favorite takeout (but fresher and faster), this is the one to bookmark.

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start your Step by Step journey with a little prep. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them completely dry using paper towels. This step might seem small, but it’s everything when it comes to achieving that beautiful golden crust. Moisture on the surface can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, and we want that crispy edge.

Next, season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This builds your base flavor—think of it as the foundation of your sauce later on. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle on a light dusting of garlic powder. If you’ve got time to spare, marinate your chicken in half the sauce mixture for 30 minutes. It deepens the flavor and makes every bite taste restaurant-worthy. If you like experimenting with marinades, check out my Grilled California Avocado Chicken for another crowd-pleasing chicken recipe.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Get Ready to Sear

For this Step by Step part, you’ll need your trusty non-stick or cast-iron skillet. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers—like little waves of light across the pan. That’s your cue it’s hot enough. Gently place the chicken thighs in the skillet, smooth side down. You should hear an instant sizzle (the best sound in home cooking, right?).

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes. The key word here is “undisturbed”—no poking or flipping just yet. This helps develop that gorgeous caramelized crust that gives Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken its signature texture. Once the edges start turning golden brown and the chicken releases naturally from the pan, flip it. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side until it’s equally browned and fully cooked through. If you prefer using an air fryer for less oil, my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders use the same crispy-cooking principle.

Step 3: Make the Signature Teriyaki Sauce

Now, the magic begins. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup water, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This Step by Step combo creates the perfect balance—sweet, savory, and just a touch spicy from the ginger.
The cornstarch thickens the sauce as it cooks, so make sure it’s fully dissolved to avoid clumps. You’re looking for a smooth, glossy mixture. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can cut the brown sugar slightly or replace it with honey for a more floral sweetness. For more sauce inspiration, you might enjoy my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, where the sauce-to-noodle ratio hits that same savory-sweet perfection.

Step 4: Combine and Coat the Chicken

Once your chicken is seared to perfection, reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce mixture right into the pan. As soon as it hits the heat, it’ll start bubbling and thickening almost instantly—don’t panic, that’s what we want. Using tongs, toss the chicken so each piece is completely coated in that shimmering teriyaki glaze. This Step by Step moment is pure satisfaction; the sauce clings beautifully to every corner of the chicken.

Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. The chicken should look irresistibly glossy by now. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen it. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer. Cooking is all about adjusting to your own taste and texture preferences—don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.

Step 5: Rest and Slice Like a Pro

Turn off the heat and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. This Step by Step pause lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy instead of dry. Give it about 3 minutes before slicing. When ready, cut against the grain into strips or bite-sized pieces. You’ll notice how tender it stays—another reason why thighs are the hero here.
Now, spoon that beautiful teriyaki glaze over the sliced chicken for an extra layer of shine and flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get that final polished look, this is the secret.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Here’s the fun part of this Step by Step process—serving your masterpiece! Scoop a generous portion of steamed jasmine rice (or fried rice if you’re feeling fancy) into a bowl and layer the sliced teriyaki chicken right on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions for color and crunch.
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or even my Spicy Kimchi Ramen Bowl if you’re craving an Asian-inspired dinner spread. For something lighter, try serving it with a crisp cucumber salad or a bowl of Quick Southwest Chicken Salad for contrast.

Step 7: Optional Variations and Add-Ins

Because cooking should always leave room for creativity, here are a few optional Step by Step tweaks:

• Add a little heat: Stir in sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Boost nutrition: Toss in steamed veggies like snow peas or carrots right before adding the sauce.
• Make it meal-prep friendly: Double the batch and store in airtight containers with rice for easy weekday lunches.

You’ve just made a restaurant-worthy Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken from scratch—no delivery, no MSG, and no disappointment. This Step by Step guide proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs the right rhythm, a hot skillet, and a good sauce.

For more delicious, weeknight-friendly ideas like this, check out my Spicy Maple Chicken and Coconut Rice or the cozy Thai-Inspired Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Both are perfect follow-ups when you’re craving quick, flavorful meals that still feel homemade.

What to Serve with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

This dish loves good company. The classic move is a side of steamed jasmine rice, but fried rice or even brown rice works just as well. For something green and fresh, toss together a quick sesame cucumber salad or lightly steamed broccoli. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with veggie stir-fry noodles or my Garlic Chicken Lo Mein. The teriyaki sauce complements a wide range of flavors, so mix and match your sides depending on your cravings.

Key Tips for Making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

1. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if needed for even browning.
2. If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of water to thin it out.
3. Use chicken thighs, not breasts—they stay juicier and taste richer.
4. For a bit of heat, stir in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
5. Garnish smartly—a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and visual appeal.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Leftovers store beautifully! Pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to dry out the chicken. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but be careful not to overcook—it’s leaner and can dry out faster.
Can I make it gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
How can I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce.
Is it good for meal prep? Totally. It reheats well and pairs with rice or veggies for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished you could have Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken on demand—this is your sign. It’s flavorful, fast, and satisfying without any mystery ingredients or long waits. Once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever stood in line for it. It’s quick comfort food done right, and it just might become your go-to dinner on busy nights.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print