How To Make Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
There’s something about sharing a warm, juicy bite of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with family that feels like a tiny celebration. I still remember that evening when my friends and I stopped by Panda Express after a long road trip laughing, starving, and craving something both hearty and smoky. That first bite? Magic, honestly. Tender chicken, glazed in that sticky sweet sauce, and charred just right.
What Is Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a juicy, smoky sweet dish made from marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, then glazed in a glossy teriyaki sauce. Honestly, it’s comfort food with a bold Asian twist. Every bite feels satisfying sweet, savory, and just a little sticky. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s pure flavor happiness in every sense.
From healthy chicken breast recipes to easy low-carb dinners, this Healthy Chicken Recipes collection includes flavorful meals for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy grilled chicken drenched in a rich, glossy teriyaki glaze – sweet, salty, and smoky all at once.
- Quick prep time – ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take all night.
- Customizable: prefer more sauce? Go for it. Want it spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes.
- Tastes like your favorite Panda Express order, but made fresher, right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
You’ll need
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – the secret behind that tenderness. Thighs keep their juiciness even on the grill.
- Soy sauce – adds that salty depth and the base of the teriyaki magic.
- Brown sugar or honey – for the glaze’s signature sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger – fresh, fragrant, and vital for that true Asian flavor.
- Rice vinegar – for a mild tang that balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch – thickens the glaze so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
Optional Substitutions
- Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat though it’s slightly less juicy.
- Swap tamari for soy sauce if you’re gluten-free.
- Try maple syrup instead of sugar for a deeper, caramel like note.
Recipe Options
- Go tropical by adding pineapple chunks to the grill.
- Make it spicy with sriracha or chili oil.
- Or keep it classic and simple trust me, it’s perfect that way.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour
How to Make Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Drop in your chicken thighs and toss them gently. Let them soak up all that flavor. Pro tip: a ziplock bag works perfectly for even coating.
Professional tip: Chill the chicken for at least 30 minutes overnight if you can. The longer it sits, the richer the taste.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill or Pan
Heat your grill or pan to medium high. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the chicken hits it. That’s how you know it’s ready.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill and cook about 5–6 minutes per side. Don’t rush it let it char slightly. That char is pure flavor.
Professional tip: Avoid pressing down on the chicken; it squeezes out the juices. Patience is everything here.
Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze
While the chicken cooks, mix soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then whisk in cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. The sauce should thicken to a shiny, silky glaze in minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Once the chicken is done, brush the glaze generously over each piece. Flip and glaze again. The heat caramelizes the sauce into a sticky, shiny coat that screams Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken perfection.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. That pause locks in all the juices trust me, you’ll taste the difference.
Professional Cooking Tips
- Don’t over-marinate too long and the acid can make the texture mushy.
- Always preheat your grill; starting cold ruins the sear.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger, not powdered those tiny details change everything.
- Double the glaze if you like it saucy no judgment, I do the same.
- If grilling outdoors, oil the grates lightly to avoid sticking.
Best Seasonings for Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
The flavor balance matters enormously here because teriyaki chicken should taste savory, slightly sweet, smoky, and rich all at once. I love combining soy sauce, garlic, fresh ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar for deeper caramelization. Believe it or not, pineapple juice adds incredible tenderness without making the chicken overly sweet. I’ll let you in on a secret — grilling over slightly higher heat creates those irresistible charred edges that make homemade teriyaki taste restaurant-quality instantly.
How Long to Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken cooks surprisingly fast, especially when thinner chicken thighs are used. Most pieces need about 5-7 minutes per side on a medium-high grill until fully cooked and lightly charred. I used to overcook grilled chicken constantly because I worried about safety, but now I rely on a thermometer instead of guessing. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. And here was the surprise — resting the chicken for a few minutes afterward keeps every bite noticeably juicier.
How to Serve Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Want to take your Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken from great to unforgettable? Try these:
- Serve over jasmine rice with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
- Stuff it in a rice bowl with veggies and drizzle extra sauce for good measure.
- Slice it for wraps or Asian style tacos yes, it works beautifully.
- Pair it with noodles for a quick stir-fry twist.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
Can You Make It Ahead
Absolutely. In fact, I think this chicken tastes even better after marinating overnight. The soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and teriyaki flavors soak deeply into the meat, creating that signature sweet-savory taste people crave.
How to Store
Store leftover chicken inside an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Side note: keeping extra teriyaki sauce separate helps prevent the chicken from becoming overly soggy later.
Way to Reheat
Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture. Trust me on this one — quick high heat keeps the edges slightly caramelized while preventing dryness. Add a spoonful of sauce during reheating for extra moisture.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown for one serving of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (approximately 6 ounces):
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugars: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
How To Make Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Drop in your chicken thighs and toss them gently. Let them soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill or Pan
- Heat your grill or pan to medium high. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the chicken hits it. That’s how you know it’s ready.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook about 5–6 minutes per side. Don’t rush it let it char slightly. That char is pure flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze
- While the chicken cooks, mix soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
- Once the chicken is done, brush the glaze generously over each piece. Flip and glaze again.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. That pause locks in all the juices trust me, you’ll taste the difference.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugars: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
How many calories are in Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
Around 300 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and sauce amount.
Is Grilled Teriyaki Chicken healthy at Panda Express?
Yes, relatively speaking. It’s one of the lighter options on their menu high in protein, lower in fat compared to fried dishes.
What chicken does Panda Express use for teriyaki chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grilled until tender, then coated in a signature sweet savory teriyaki glaze.
What does Grilled Teriyaki Chicken taste like?
A mix of sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy honestly, it’s the perfect harmony of comfort and Asian flavor.
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Conclusion
To be honest with you, this Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe hits every note: smoky, sweet, juicy, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, it delivers satisfaction in every sense of the word. Try it out tonight, share your results, and let me know how it turned out in the comments. And hey if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for more flavor-packed updates.
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