Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

If grilled teriyaki chicken from Panda Express is your go-to comfort food, you’re definitely not alone. That sweet, savory glaze, those juicy grilled pieces of chicken, and the satisfaction of a well-balanced meal—it’s no wonder it’s a fan favorite. But instead of making another trip to the drive-thru, why not recreate that signature flavor at home?

This guide will show you exactly how to make grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express style in your own kitchen. You’ll get that same caramelized sauce and tender, perfectly cooked chicken using simple pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, meal prepping for the week, or serving a hungry family, this recipe is a reliable go-to you’ll want to keep on hand.

You’ll also discover tips for adjusting the flavor, making it gluten-free, and even storing it for later. Let’s dive in and bring those takeout vibes straight to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Panda Express Style)

You’re here for one reason: flavor. But this grilled teriyaki chicken offers more than just a tasty bite. Here’s why this recipe works so well for home cooks of all levels:

• It’s fast – From prep to plate in under 30 minutes
• It’s affordable – Uses common ingredients you already have
• It’s flexible – Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies
• It’s healthier – You control the ingredients, sodium, and sugar levels
• It’s reliable – No complicated steps, just delicious results

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this grilled teriyaki chicken delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

To get that classic Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken flavor, you don’t need anything fancy. Most of these ingredients are already in your kitchen, and if not, they’re easy to find.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1 lb	Boneless, skinless chicken thighs	Chicken breast can be used but tends to be less juicy
To taste	Salt and black pepper	Essential for seasoning the chicken
1 tbsp	Vegetable oil	Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point
¼ cup	Brown sugar	Adds sweetness and helps create that signature glaze
¼ cup	Soy sauce	Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option for lower salt
¼ cup	Water	Helps thin the sauce and balance flavors
1 tsp	Garlic powder	Or substitute with fresh minced garlic
1 tsp	Ground ginger	Fresh ginger works great if available
1 tbsp	Cornstarch	Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce

Feel free to experiment by adding sesame seeds, a dash of sesame oil, or a pinch of chili flakes if you want to elevate the flavor.

How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

Bringing this dish to life at home is surprisingly simple. Follow these detailed steps and you’ll be enjoying homemade grilled teriyaki chicken that tastes just like Panda Express—if not better.

Step 1 – Prep Your Chicken

Before you start cooking, you’ll want to prepare the chicken so it’s seasoned and ready to go.

• Pat dry the chicken thighs using paper towels. This step helps you get a better sear.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: If you have time, marinate the chicken in a small amount of the sauce mixture for about 30 minutes. This adds an extra depth of flavor, especially if you’re not grilling.

Chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and absorb flavor well. But if you’re using chicken breast, just monitor the cook time closely to avoid dryness.

Step 2 – Sear the Chicken

Now it’s time to give your chicken that signature golden color and slight char—just like the grilled teriyaki chicken at Panda Express.

• Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for a good sear.
• Add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.
• Place the chicken thighs smooth side down. Let them sear without moving them for about 5–6 minutes per side.

You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the chicken lifts easily and has a deep golden-brown color. Resist the urge to flip too soon—good browning equals great flavor.

Once fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist when you slice it.

Step 3 – Mix the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken rests, you’ll prepare the heart of the dish—the glossy, flavorful teriyaki sauce.

In a small bowl or mixing cup, combine:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Whisk well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. You want a smooth, lump-free mixture before it hits the heat.

Feel free to customize:

• Use fresh ginger and garlic for a bolder, more aromatic flavor
• Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want some heat
• Substitute coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free version

Step 4 – Simmer and Combine

Now it’s time to bring the dish together.

• Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan you used to cook the chicken. (No need to clean it first—those leftover brown bits add flavor.)
• Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently. Within 2–4 minutes, it should thicken to a rich, glossy consistency.

Once thickened, add your sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together so the chicken is fully coated in sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two to absorb the flavor.

Step 5 – Serve and Garnish

Your grilled teriyaki chicken is now ready to enjoy! For that full Panda Express experience, here’s how to serve it:

• Sliced over steamed white rice
• With a side of stir-fried vegetables
• Sprinkled with sesame seeds or chopped green onions
• Drizzle of sesame oil for extra richness (optional)

This recipe makes enough for four servings, so it’s perfect for family dinners or easy meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer and reheat them without losing flavor.

Expert Tips to Make Your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Even Better

If you want your grilled teriyaki chicken to truly shine, a few small tweaks can make a big difference. Whether you’re aiming to copy the Panda Express flavor exactly or just want to elevate your home cooking, these expert tips can help:

Use a Hot Pan for a Proper Sear

For the best texture and flavor, make sure your pan is hot before you add the chicken. A hot surface allows the chicken to brown nicely, locking in juices and creating that slight grilled crispness that sets this dish apart. Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed.

Marinate for Deeper Flavor

If time allows, marinate your chicken in a portion of the sauce before cooking. Just 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference, but even longer—up to 2 hours—will really infuse the meat with that rich teriyaki taste.

Adjust the Sauce to Your Preference

The sauce in this grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express copycat is intentionally well-balanced. But feel free to tweak it:

• Too salty? Add more water or a splash of pineapple juice.
• Too sweet? Use less sugar or switch to honey for a different profile.
• Need more thickness? Dissolve more cornstarch in cold water and add it gradually while the sauce simmers.
• Want more heat? Add chili flakes or a dab of hot sauce.

Choose Fresh Garlic and Ginger

While garlic powder and ground ginger work well for speed, nothing beats the flavor of freshly grated ginger and minced garlic. They bring brightness and complexity to your teriyaki sauce that’s hard to match with dry spices.

Make It a Meal

Grilled teriyaki chicken goes well with more than just rice. Here are some serving ideas:

• With steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas
• On top of noodles like soba or lo mein
• Inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
• In a rice bowl with avocado, cucumber, and edamame

Don’t forget to garnish! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions not only looks great but adds a nice pop of flavor and texture.

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This dish stores well, making it perfect for weekly meal prep or saving leftovers. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

Refrigerating

• Let the chicken cool to room temperature.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge.

Freezing

You can also freeze your grilled teriyaki chicken for later:

• Place the sliced chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label it with the date.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a pan or microwave. You can also freeze just the sauce separately for easy weeknight dinners.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Making your own grilled teriyaki chicken at home lets you control your ingredients and portions—especially useful if you’re watching your sodium, sugar, or calories.

Here’s the approximate nutritional info for one serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 238
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 108mg
• Sodium: 916mg
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Potassium: 342mg

Tips for reducing sodium or sugar:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with extra water.
• Swap brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in smaller amounts.
• Reduce overall salt by seasoning the chicken lightly if you’re serving it with salty side dishes like soy-sauce-flavored rice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express Style

Here’s a list of common questions readers ask when trying this recipe. These answers will help you troubleshoot or customize your dish to your preferences.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, absolutely. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, but they can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to pound them to even thickness and reduce cook time slightly—usually about 4–5 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them to retain juiciness.

How can I make this grilled teriyaki chicken gluten-free?

Soy sauce contains gluten unless specified otherwise. To make this recipe gluten-free:

• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos (tamari is the most similar in taste).
• Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Is this the exact same grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express uses?

While it’s a close match, this copycat recipe focuses on replicating the flavor and texture in a home-friendly way. Panda Express may use additional ingredients or techniques suited for large-scale cooking. That said, most readers find this version incredibly similar—and sometimes even better because it’s fresh and customizable.

Can I cook this grilled teriyaki chicken on a grill?

Yes! This recipe translates well to the grill. Use a clean, oiled grate or a grill pan, and preheat to medium-high. Grill each side for about 5–6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush the sauce on during the last minute of grilling or toss with warm sauce after grilling.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

The sauce should lightly coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy finish. It will thicken more as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it. If it thickens too much, stir in a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it up.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a party or meal prep?

Definitely. This grilled teriyaki chicken is perfect for batch cooking. Just scale the ingredients proportionally and cook the chicken in batches so each piece gets proper browning. Store extras in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Variations to Try

This grilled teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile. Once you’ve made the original, you can put your own spin on it. Here are a few easy ideas:

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Add:

• ½ teaspoon of chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon of sriracha or hot chili paste

This version is great for spice lovers who want more heat without losing the sweet-savory balance.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Mix:

• 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice into the sauce
• Serve with grilled pineapple rings

This variation offers a tropical, tangy flavor and pairs beautifully with rice or coconut rice.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Layer in a bowl:

• Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
• Chopped grilled teriyaki chicken
• Steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers
• Drizzle extra sauce over the top
• Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, or avocado

It’s a healthier and more balanced way to enjoy your favorite Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken at home.

Let’s Recap: Why You Should Make This Recipe

By now, you’ve seen just how easy and rewarding it is to recreate Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken in your own kitchen. Not only does it taste remarkably close to the real thing, but you get to:

• Save money on takeout
• Cook with better ingredients
• Control portions and nutrition
• Store leftovers for later meals
• Enjoy a fast, family-friendly dinner any night of the week

This recipe proves that restaurant-quality dishes don’t need to be complicated or expensive. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can turn ordinary chicken into something truly delicious.

Final Thoughts + Your Turn!

Now that you’ve learned how to make grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express style, it’s time to try it yourself. Don’t worry if it’s your first attempt—this recipe is very forgiving and customizable. Once you’ve made it, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.

Did you make this recipe?
Leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out. Share any tweaks you made, serving ideas, or tips that worked for you. And if you found this helpful, send it to a friend who loves Panda Express as much as you do!

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