What is in Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken?

Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken contains boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated and glazed in a teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. The dish is finished with sesame seeds and green onions. Unlike some fast-food versions, Panda Express uses high-quality ingredients and prepares their chicken fresh throughout the day, which contributes to its distinctive flavor and texture.

Is Panda Express teriyaki chicken healthy?

Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken is one of their healthier menu options, with approximately 300 calories per serving, 13g of fat, 8g of carbs, and 36g of protein. The grilled preparation method uses less oil than their fried options. However, the teriyaki sauce does contain sugar and sodium, so those watching sugar intake or on low-sodium diets should consume in moderation. For a healthier meal, pair with steamed vegetables instead of fried sides or noodles.

What sauce does Panda Express use for their teriyaki chicken?

Panda Express uses a proprietary teriyaki sauce that balances sweet and savory flavors. The base includes soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Their sauce achieves the perfect consistency - thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly sticky. While the exact recipe is closely guarded, our homemade version closely mimics their signature flavor profile with accessible ingredients.

How do you make Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken at home?

To make Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken at home, season boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet until golden brown. For the sauce, sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry, return the chicken to the skillet, and simmer until coated and glazed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. The key is achieving the right sauce consistency and ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

What kind of chicken does Panda Express use for teriyaki?

Panda Express exclusively uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their teriyaki chicken. This cut is preferred over breast meat because thighs have a higher fat content, which results in juicier, more flavorful chicken that stands up well to grilling without drying out. The thigh meat also absorbs the teriyaki marinade more effectively and remains tender even after being held in the restaurant's steam table.

How many calories are in Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken?

A standard serving of Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken contains approximately 300 calories. This includes 13g of fat, 8g of carbohydrates, and 36g of protein. These figures represent just the chicken portion without rice or other sides. When combined with a side of steamed white rice (380 additional calories), a complete meal would total around 680 calories. This makes it one of the more moderate calorie options on their menu, especially when paired with steamed vegetables instead of fried sides.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express: Best Homemade Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express

Print Recipe

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with sweet-savory teriyaki sauce just like Panda Express, but made right in your kitchen with simple ingredients.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
1½ tablespoon neutral oil, divided
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoon water + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Pat dry chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Transfer to plate.
Add remaining oil to skillet. Sauté ginger and garlic for 1 minute.
Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to boil.
Mix water and cornstarch to create slurry. Add to sauce and stir until thickened.
Return chicken to skillet, simmer 3-4 minutes on low heat.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve over rice with vegetables if desired.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: grilled teriyaki chicken, Panda Express copycat, homemade teriyaki sauce, Asian chicken recipe

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/grilled-teriyaki-chicken-panda-express/