Panda Express’s Teriyaki Chicken is renowned for its tender, grilled chicken thighs enveloped in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. This dish has become a favorite among fast-food enthusiasts seeking a flavorful yet balanced meal. Recreating this iconic dish at home is both achievable and rewarding, allowing for customization and control over ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through.
3. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cornstarch.
- Mix until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet.
- Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency.
5. Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken into strips and drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
- Serve over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Marination: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by modifying the amount of cornstarch. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water; if too thin, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Grilling the chicken can impart a smoky flavor, closely resembling the original Panda Express preparation.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of homemade dishes is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. The following information is based on Panda Express’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken:
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 275
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 9g
Please note that the nutritional values of the homemade version may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion
Recreating Panda Express’s Teriyaki Chicken at home is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and satisfying meal. By following the outlined recipe and tips, individuals can enjoy a dish that mirrors the flavors of the original while allowing for personal customization. Whether served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables, this teriyaki chicken is sure to become a household favorite.
