Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Have you ever wondered why Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken tastes so irresistibly juicy and flavorful? Could you really recreate that same sweet, smoky glaze at home — without the heavy oils or processed ingredients? You absolutely can. In fact, this homemade version might just outperform the takeout favorite. In today’s recipe, you’ll discover how to make tender, juicy, grilled teriyaki chicken bursting with sweet and savory flavor — all while keeping it healthier and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re craving a copycat Panda Express lunch or looking to impress your family with an easy Asian-style grilled chicken, this recipe will hit every mark.

Ingredients List

Bring the flavors of Panda Express right into your kitchen with these pantry staples and fresh picks:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicy and tender – the key to matching the original!)
• ½ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter option)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for that signature sweet glaze; coconut sugar works too)
• 2 tablespoons honey (adds shine and rich sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (brightens the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for deep nutty aroma)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (freshly minced is best)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (adds warmth and zing)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken sauce)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional but adds color and freshness)

Substitution Tips:

• Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat (note: thighs deliver more juiciness).
• For a low-sugar option, reduce brown sugar and substitute honey with stevia syrup.

Timing

Save time without sacrificing flavor — this recipe is ready quicker than ordering takeout!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This mixture will serve as both the marinade and the sauce.

Pro Tip: Taste your marinade — it should be balanced between sweet and savory. Adjust sugar or vinegar if needed.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for the sauce later. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate overnight.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the marination — this step locks in moisture and builds deep flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and you see beautiful grill marks.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking. Chicken thighs stay tender, but timing is key for perfect juiciness.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Glaze

While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and whisk it into the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro Tip: For extra gloss and depth, add a teaspoon of butter off-heat.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

Brush the grilled chicken with the warm teriyaki glaze. Slice into strips and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Pro Tip: Glazing at the end prevents burning the sugars and delivers that shiny, restaurant-quality finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown for a single serving (approx. 6 oz chicken with sauce):

Note: Using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing sugar will lower the sodium and carbs.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Love Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken but watching your diet? Here are some delicious modifications:

1. Lower Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia (adjust to taste). This cuts the carbs by nearly 40% while maintaining sweetness.
2. Lower Sodium Version: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce (reduces sodium by approximately 65%) and add a tablespoon of lime juice to maintain flavor depth.
3. Leaner Protein: Substitute chicken breast for thighs to reduce fat content by about 7 grams per serving.
4. Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and verify your mirin is gluten-free (or substitute with rice vinegar plus a touch of maple syrup).
5. Extra Veggie Boost: Add 2 cups of steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the final dish for extra nutrients and fiber while stretching your Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken further.

These modifications let you enjoy the Panda Express flavor experience while accommodating different dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken experience with these complementary sides and presentation ideas:

1. Classic Panda Express Pairing: Serve with steamed white rice and a side of steamed broccoli for an authentic recreation of the restaurant experience.
2. Grain Alternatives: Try serving over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added nutritional benefits.
3. Panda Express Inspired Bowl: Create a teriyaki chicken bowl with rice, steamed vegetables, and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning.
4. Meal Prep Solution: Portion the chicken, rice, and vegetables into containers for quick lunches throughout the week – the flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator!
5. Party Presentation: Serve sliced Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on skewers for an elegant appetizer option, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with sesame seeds.
6. Family-Style Lunch: Present on a large platter surrounded by various Asian-inspired sides like vegetable chow mein, egg rolls, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete feast.

For an interactive lunch experience, set up a “build-your-own” Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken bowl station with various toppings and sides so everyone can customize their meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly by avoiding these common pitfalls:

1. Skipping the Chicken Rest: According to culinary experts, allowing chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking retains up to 15% more moisture. Always let your chicken rest before slicing.
2. Sauce Too Thin: If your teriyaki sauce isn’t thickening properly, the most likely culprit is heat that’s too low. The sauce needs to simmer actively for the cornstarch to properly activate.
3. Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once lowers the pan temperature and causes steaming rather than caramelization. Cook in batches if necessary for that authentic Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken color and texture.
4. Under-reducing the Sauce: A properly reduced teriyaki sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If you can draw a line through the sauce on the spoon and it holds, it’s ready.
5. Cutting With the Grain: Slicing chicken with the grain results in chewy, stringy meat. Always cut against the grain for tender bites.
6. Adding Sauce Too Early: Applying teriyaki sauce too early in the cooking process can cause burning due to the high sugar content. Add it only in the final few minutes of cooking.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize the freshness and flavor of your Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with these storage strategies:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy while preserving the optimal texture.
2. Freezing Option: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Allow both to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
3. Reheating Method: For the juiciest results when reheating, let refrigerated chicken come to room temperature for 10 minutes, then warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to create steam. Add fresh sauce to finish.
4. Sauce Storage: Extra teriyaki sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a glass jar. It thickens when cold but will return to the proper consistency when warmed.
5. Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare a double batch of the sauce and freeze in ice cube trays. Pop out a few cubes whenever you need a quick teriyaki fix – each cube is approximately 1 tablespoon of sauce.

For the ultimate convenience, prepare all components of your Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken meal in advance and assemble fresh when ready to serve.

FAQs

Is Panda Express grilled chicken unhealthy?

Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is relatively healthier compared to their fried options, as it’s grilled and lower in saturated fat. However, it can be high in sodium and sugar due to the teriyaki sauce. If you’re watching salt or sugar intake, consider ordering it without sauce or making a lighter version at home.

What does Grilled Teriyaki Chicken taste like?

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken tastes sweet, savory, and smoky. The teriyaki glaze gives it a rich umami flavor with hints of garlic and ginger, while the grilling adds a delicious charred aroma. It’s juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.

How many calories are in Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken without sauce?

A serving (about 6 oz) of Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken without sauce contains approximately 225-250 calories. Skipping the sauce lowers both the sugar and sodium content.

Does Panda Express teriyaki chicken have sauce on it?

Yes, Panda Express serves its Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with teriyaki sauce drizzled on top or on the side. The sauce is sweet, sticky, and adds extra flavor, but you can request it without sauce for a lighter option.

What does grilled chicken taste like?

Grilled chicken tastes mildly smoky and savory, with a juicy interior and slightly charred exterior. The natural flavor of the chicken shines through, and it can take on the flavors of any marinade or seasoning used.

How does teriyaki chicken taste?

Teriyaki chicken tastes sweet, salty, and umami-rich, with flavors of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. The glaze gives it a sticky, flavorful coating that balances sweetness and savoriness perfectly.

Conclusion

With its tender grilled chicken, rich sweet-and-savory glaze, and customizable options, this Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers bold flavors with less effort and more nutrition than takeout. Ready to fire up your grill and try this juicy masterpiece?

👉 Try it today, leave a comment with your results, or share your twist in our review section! Don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty, healthier copycat recipes delivered weekly.