Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken vs. Original: What’s the Difference?

If you love the sweet, savory, and smoky flavors of Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken, you’ll be thrilled to know you can make an even better version at home. This recipe captures the juicy tenderness and rich glaze of the original, but with the freedom to control ingredients and tailor flavors to your liking. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress family and friends with a copycat favorite, this grilled teriyaki chicken recipe is your go-to.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly how this homemade grilled teriyaki chicken compares to the Panda Express original. You’ll also get detailed steps to prepare the perfect dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Let’s dive in and discover how you can master this restaurant-style meal in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Copycat

Making grilled teriyaki chicken at home comes with a few great perks you might not have expected.

A Healthier Homemade Option

When you prepare grilled teriyaki chicken yourself, you control what goes into the dish. This means you can easily reduce the sodium and sugar that’s often high in fast-food versions. Using fresh ingredients means no preservatives or hidden additives, so your meal feels cleaner and more wholesome. Plus, if you’re gluten-sensitive or watching your carbs, you can swap out soy sauce for tamari or reduce the sugar to suit your diet.

Packed with Flavor and Texture

The magic lies in balancing juicy chicken with a crispy exterior and a thick, sticky teriyaki glaze. Chicken thighs are naturally tender and full of flavor, and grilling them gives a beautiful caramelized crust. The sauce combines sweet, salty, and tangy notes—think soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of citrus—creating a mouthwatering glaze that clings perfectly to every piece.

Quick and Budget-Friendly

This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and uses common pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s much more affordable than ordering takeout for the whole family, and because it’s homemade, you get more servings and more satisfaction for your money.

What Is Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly makes Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken so special, it’s worth breaking down the components.

Signature Panda Express Flavor Profile

The dish features chicken pieces that are grilled to juicy perfection, then coated with a thick, glossy teriyaki sauce. The sauce itself is a blend of sweet sugar, savory soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices like garlic and ginger. It’s that perfect balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

Grilled Chicken vs. Teriyaki Chicken – What’s the Real Difference?

At first glance, “grilled chicken” and “teriyaki chicken” might seem similar, but there’s a key difference in preparation and flavor:

• Grilled Chicken: Typically involves seasoning the meat and cooking it directly over heat to develop a charred exterior, without a heavy sauce.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Usually refers to chicken cooked with a thick teriyaki sauce, which is sweet and savory and often sticky.

Panda Express’s grilled teriyaki chicken is a hybrid. The chicken is grilled first to get that smoky char and then glazed with a sweet teriyaki sauce. This combination creates layers of texture and flavor that make it stand out.

Why It’s Popular

This dish is popular for many reasons. It’s lighter than fried options, making it appealing to those watching calories without sacrificing taste. It pairs well with classic sides like steamed rice or chow mein. And because it’s high in protein and bold in flavor, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Substitutions)

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken at home. The table below lists quantities and offers suggestions if you want to swap ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Follow these clear and easy steps to get your homemade grilled teriyaki chicken just right.

1. Prep the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the oil and seasoning stick better and ensures a nice sear. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster, even grilling. Toss the chicken pieces with the canola oil in a bowl until evenly coated.

2. Heat the Grill Pan

Place your grill pan on the stove and preheat it over high heat. A hot grill pan is essential to get those beautiful char marks and crispy edges. If you don’t have a grill pan, a heavy skillet or cast iron pan will work too—just watch for sticking.

3. Cook the Chicken

Add the oiled chicken pieces to the hot grill pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if needed, cook in batches. Grill each side for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring safety and juiciness.

4. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is grilling, prepare your sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and ⅓ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to a glossy, syrup-like consistency. This usually takes 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Glaze the Chicken

Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving dish and pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top. Alternatively, you can toss the chicken pieces in the sauce to coat them evenly. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a minute or two to soak up all the flavor.

7. Serve It Up

Serve your homemade Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.

How This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Compares to Panda Express

Now that you know how to make your own Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken, you’re probably wondering how it stacks up against the original you get from the restaurant. Understanding these differences can help you appreciate what you’re making at home—and maybe even improve on it.

Taste and Texture

Your homemade grilled teriyaki chicken delivers juicy, tender pieces with a satisfying smoky char from the grill pan. Because you cook the chicken fresh and control the sauce’s consistency, the flavor is often richer and more vibrant than takeout. The glaze clings beautifully to the chicken without feeling overly sticky or sweet, thanks to the balance you create with fresh lemon juice and ginger.

In contrast, Panda Express’s version tends to have a thinner sauce and a slightly chewier texture. Their chicken may also be pre-cooked and held before serving, which can affect juiciness and mouthfeel.

Nutrition Comparison

Making this dish at home allows you to tailor the ingredients for better health without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a quick comparison per serving:

While your version has more sugar due to the homemade sauce, you can reduce it easily by adjusting the recipe. The sodium content is significantly lower, which is great if you’re watching salt intake.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Every Time

Even the best recipes can benefit from a few extra tips. Here’s how to ensure your grilled teriyaki chicken turns out perfect every time you make it.

Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness

While chicken breast is leaner, thighs offer richer flavor and a juicier texture. They handle grilling better and are less likely to dry out, which makes a big difference in a saucy dish like this.

High Heat is Key

Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat on your grill pan. High heat caramelizes the sugars in the sauce and chicken surface, creating those irresistible grill marks and deep flavor.

Don’t Skip the Simmer Step

Simmering the sauce after it boils helps deepen the flavor and ensures the sugar fully dissolves. It also gives you time to thicken the sauce just right with the cornstarch slurry.

Let the Sauce Rest on the Chicken

Once you coat the chicken with the teriyaki sauce, give it a couple of minutes to soak up the flavors. This resting time helps the sauce set and makes each bite more flavorful.

Make It a Meal – Serving Suggestions

This grilled teriyaki chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, letting you customize your meal to your preferences.

Best Sides to Serve

• Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice: The classic choice. The rice absorbs the extra sauce and balances the sweetness.
• Stir-Fried Broccoli or Snow Peas: Adds crunch and freshness to the meal.
• Asian-Style Cucumber Salad: Light and tangy, this salad helps cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Miso Soup or Egg Drop Soup: A warm, comforting addition.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken when chilled; if that happens, add a splash of water and stir to loosen it before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken so good?

It’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors with tender grilled chicken that keeps the dish balanced and crave-worthy. The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and ginger in the sauce adds complexity that elevates simple ingredients.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook it since breast meat dries out faster than thighs. Marinate the breast pieces in oil and soy sauce before grilling to help keep them juicy.

Is this grilled teriyaki chicken healthier than the Panda Express version?

Generally, yes. When you make it at home, you control the amount of sugar, salt, and additives. This recipe uses less sodium and fresher ingredients, which can make a big difference if you’re mindful of nutrition.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Absolutely. Bake your chicken at 425°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. After baking, brush the chicken with the teriyaki sauce and broil it for 2 minutes to get a nice glaze.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

Simply reduce the sugar by a few tablespoons and increase the soy sauce or add a little more lemon juice or rice vinegar. Taste as you go until you hit your preferred balance.

Conclusion: The Best Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Making your own Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken at home lets you enjoy a flavorful, juicy, and healthier alternative to takeout. You get the best of both worlds—a perfectly grilled chicken with a rich, sticky sauce that’s easy to customize. Whether you want to impress your family, meal prep for the week, or simply satisfy a craving, this recipe has you covered.

Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients and get grilling—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade teriyaki chicken can be.

If you make this recipe, leave a comment with your experience or share it with a friend who loves Panda Express as much as you do!

Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken vs. Original: What’s the Difference?

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• Author: Chef Rina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Enjoy this easy homemade grilled teriyaki chicken inspired by Panda Express! Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs are seared to perfection and coated in a rich, sticky teriyaki glaze—perfect over rice for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ⅓ cup water

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

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Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken:
  Toss the chicken pieces with canola oil in a bowl while you preheat a grill pan over high heat.

• Grill the Chicken:
  Once the grill pan is hot, place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.

• Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
  While the chicken is cooking, combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground ginger, and ⅓ cup water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

• Thicken the Sauce:
  Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Continue to cook over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1–2 minutes.

• Combine and Serve:
  Spoon the warm teriyaki sauce over the grilled chicken. Serve over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 316
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 202mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 138mg