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Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Savory Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Made Easy

Recreate the beloved Panda Express Mushroom Chicken with this easy copycat recipe. Enjoy tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Thighs can be substituted for a richer flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Can substitute with sesame oil.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Mushrooms Shiitake or button mushrooms based on availability.
  • 1 large Zucchini Can substitute with bell peppers or broccoli.
For the Marinade
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; increase for more flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Minced; fresh preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce For marinade.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar For marinade.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Omit if unavailable.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch For marinade.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Water Essential for sauce consistency.
  • 1/4 cup Light Soy Sauce For sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce Can substitute hoisin sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar For sauce.
  • 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar Can replace with honey or maple syrup.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch For sauce.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Add the sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, coating them well in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or for deeper flavor, up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of water, ¼ cup of light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set this sauce aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the cleaned and sliced mushrooms and zucchini. Sauté over medium-high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Lower the heat and return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring together for just 1 minute until fragrant. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken for optimal browning. Customize with different vegetables as desired.

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