Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Discovering ways to recreate favourite restaurant meals at home always sparks joy. Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of family outings and indulgent meals that brought everyone together. The irresistible sweet and savoury flavours danced on our tongues, compelling us to make this dish a household staple.

Crafting this grilled teriyaki chicken is an adventure in itself. Using simple ingredients, you can capture the same flavours that encapsulate the true essence of comfort food. The aroma of soy sauce and garlic mingling in the kitchen creates an intriguing atmosphere, making everyone eager for a taste. This recipe not only shines as a dinner option but seamlessly fits into any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to delightful gatherings with friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the steps to achieve this delight are straightforward and fulfilling. Prepare to be amazed as you unleash a culinary masterpiece that tastes just like your favourite takeout. Let’s dive into the delightful process of recreating this classic dish, perfect for sharing and savouring.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Fundamentals

Understanding the fundamentals of preparing grilled teriyaki chicken sets a solid foundation for your culinary journey. The juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs act as the perfect canvas to absorb the beautiful teriyaki sauce, bringing a fresh, homemade twist to this classic dish. The use of marination intensifies the flavours, allowing the chicken to soak in the delightful combination of soy sauce, sugar, and spices.

The art of making a delicious teriyaki sauce lies in balancing the elements. Sweetness comes from the sugar and brown sugar, while the soy sauce delivers that umami punch. Garlic powder, ginger powder, and a hint of white pepper add depth, ensuring that each bite resonates with rich flavours. Knowing these elements will enrich your cooking experience and help you appreciate the layers of taste involved.

Preparation/setup

Preparation plays a significant role in achieving perfect grilled teriyaki chicken. Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring you have everything you need at hand. The marination process involves mixing together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon white pepper in a shallow dish. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are well-coated, and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

Once you complete the marination, focus on creating the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the additional 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup soy sauce with 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk these ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer. As it heats, you’ll notice the sauce thickening, transforming into a luscious glaze that will coat your chicken beautifully.

Ingredients

To create this flavourful grilled teriyaki chicken, ensure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 cup water (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup sugar (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (for cooking)

With these ingredients, you’re well-equipped to craft a dish that sings with vibrant flavours.

Directions

1. Combine the soy sauce, water, sugar, garlic powder, and white pepper in a shallow dish. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully covered by the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, mix water, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens.
3. Heat canola oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Pat the marinated chicken dry and place it carefully in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked.
4. Slice the chicken and drizzle it with the prepared teriyaki sauce before serving.

Crafting Flavours

Technique

Mastering the technique of grilled teriyaki chicken brings you one step closer to achieving culinary perfection. The key to beautifully grilled chicken lies in the marination step. Allow the chicken to bathe in the marinade long enough to absorb all the flavours; more time can enhance the outcome significantly.

When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated. A properly heated skillet creates a beautiful sear and prevents sticking. Maintain an eye on the temperature, as medium-low heat helps cook the chicken more evenly without burning the exterior.

Tips/tricks

Several tips can elevate your grilled teriyaki chicken. Try marinating the chicken thighs longer than 30 minutes if time allows. A longer marination infuses deeper flavours. If you want to add a smoky note, consider using a grill pan instead of a skillet.

For added presentation and taste, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the finished dish. These simple garnishes enhance the dish’s aesthetics while adding a touch of freshness to each bite. Remember to slice the chicken against the grain for a tender texture and a visually appealing presentation.

Achieving Perfection

Perfecting results

To perfect your grilled teriyaki chicken, focus on how the chicken cooks. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, providing confidence in serving your dish.

Beyond temperature, watch the colour of the chicken. A lovely golden-brown hue signals a beautifully cooked portion. Revise the cooking time based on thickness; thicker pieces will require more time.

Troubleshooting/variations

Every cook faces challenges, so knowing how to troubleshoot helps refine your skills. If your chicken turns out dry, consider adjusting the cooking time or the heat level. Cooking at too high of a temperature can lead to drying out.

Should you desire variations, consider adding your favourite veggies to the skillet during cooking. Bell peppers, onions, or broccoli can provide colour and nutrition, making the dish even more exciting. If you prefer a heat kick, add a touch of chilli flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.

Serving the Dish

Presentation

Presentation creates a memorable dining experience. Arrange the sliced grilled teriyaki chicken on a serving platter, drizzling the luscious teriyaki sauce generously atop. Introduce a splash of colour with garnishes like sesame seeds or finely chopped spring onions.

Accompany the dish with a side of fluffy rice, perfect for soaking up the delightful sauce. For an authentic feel, serve with steamed edamame or a refreshing cucumber salad, providing a bright contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken.

Pairings/storage

Delight in pairing your grilled teriyaki chicken with a variety of sides. Fluffy steamed rice, whether white or brown, serves as the perfect base. Fresh cucumber salad or grilled veggies adds a crispness, balancing the meal harmoniously.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them and consume within 3-4 days to ensure freshness. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.

A delectable dish like Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken deserves to shine on your dining table, enchanting everyone who shares a meal with you. Enjoy the flavours, friends, and memories this delightful recipe creates.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This homemade grilled teriyaki chicken captures the sweet and savory flavors reminiscent of your favorite restaurant meal, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon canola oil for cooking

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method 

Marination

1. Combine the soy sauce, water, sugar, garlic powder, and white pepper in a shallow dish. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully covered by the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, mix water, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens.

Cooking

1. Heat canola oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Pat the marinated chicken dry and place it carefully in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked.
2. Slice the chicken and drizzle it with the prepared teriyaki sauce before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs longer than 30 minutes. Adding sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish enhances presentation.