Craving that delicious grilled teriyaki chicken from Panda Express but don’t want to leave your house? You’re not alone! Many people love the savory flavor and tender texture of this dish but find it hard to replicate at home.
Key Takeaways
- Ingredients Matter: Key ingredients like boneless chicken thighs, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic are essential for achieving an authentic teriyaki flavor in your grilled chicken.
- Marination Is Key: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally up to 2 hours or overnight, to ensure deep, rich flavors.
- Grilling Technique: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and cook the chicken without flipping initially for best caramelization and grill marks.
- Teriyaki Sauce Preparation: Homemade teriyaki sauce enhances the dish’s flavor; combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before thickening with cornstarch.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, mixed vegetables, or grilled pineapple to complement the savory chicken and create a balanced meal.
- Visual Appeal: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a visually appealing presentation.
Overview of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken features tender, marinated chicken thighs chargrilled to perfection. This dish stands out for its savory teriyaki glaze, combining sweet and salty flavors. It’s a popular menu choice for those seeking a satisfying meal.
You often see this dish paired with steamed rice and mixed vegetables, adding variety to your plate. The marinating process enhances the flavor, making the chicken juicy and delicious. When prepared correctly, it achieves a delightful balance of seasoning and texture.
To replicate this dish at home, you can use simple ingredients: chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Consider using a grill or grill pan for optimal results. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and best flavor.
Ingredients Needed
To make delicious grilled teriyaki chicken like Panda Express, gather the following ingredients. These essential components ensure a flavorful, juicy outcome.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Include 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar for sweetness and caramelization.
- Ginger: Grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger for a zesty kick.
- Garlic: Mince 3 cloves of garlic to enhance the savory profile.
- Sesame Oil: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
- Green Onions: Chop 2 green onions to use as a garnish, adding freshness and color.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, if desired.
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to recreate the delicious grilled teriyaki chicken from Panda Express.
Marinating the Chicken
- Combine the marinade ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- Add optional ingredients: For extra depth, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. These add subtle heat.
- Prepare the chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade: Add the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F (190°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken: Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This helps achieve even cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side without flipping. This allows for nice grill marks and caramelization.
- Flip the chicken: Turn the chicken thighs over and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest before serving: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step locks in juices and enhances tenderness.
These preparation steps ensure a flavorful and satisfying grilled teriyaki chicken dish similar to Panda Express.
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
Creating the teriyaki sauce for your grilled chicken adds a fresh, homemade touch to the dish. This flavorful sauce combines sweet and savory elements that perfectly complement the chicken’s natural taste.
Ingredients for the Sauce
Gather the following ingredients for the teriyaki sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a rich, salty base while minimizing excess sodium.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a fresh and zesty kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Brings a savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Contributes a nutty aroma, elevating the sauce’s profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Cooking the Sauce
Follow these steps to cook your teriyaki sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir well until blended.
- Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while continuously stirring.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once boiling, gradually add the cornstarch mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, typically about 2-3 minutes.
- Cool Down: Remove the sauce from heat, allowing it to cool slightly before using it for marinating or basting your grilled chicken.
By preparing this tasty teriyaki sauce, you enhance the flavor profile of your grilled chicken, mirroring the delicious experience of Panda Express at home.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your grilled teriyaki chicken with a variety of side dishes and toppings. Consider these options:
- Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce, making each bite more flavorful.
- Mixed Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. These vegetables add both color and nutrition to your meal.
- Salad: A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the savory chicken. Use ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and arugula for added crunch.
- Pineapple: Grilled or fresh pineapple brings a sweet contrast to the chicken’s salty glaze. It also ties in nicely with the teriyaki flavor profile.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds a nutty flavor and a pleasing visual touch.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions serve as a bright garnish. They add freshness to the dish and enhance the overall presentation.
For more variety, serve the chicken in a lettuce wrap or thinly slice it for use in tacos. Customize your meal based on your preferences and available ingredients to make it even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
You’ve got everything you need to whip up a delicious batch of grilled teriyaki chicken right at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy that savory flavor and tender texture that makes this dish so popular.
Don’t forget to let your chicken rest after grilling to keep all those juicy flavors locked in. Whether you serve it with steamed rice and veggies or get creative with lettuce wraps and tacos, you’ll impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
So fire up that grill and enjoy a homemade version of Panda Express that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panda Express’s grilled teriyaki chicken?
Grilled teriyaki chicken from Panda Express is made with tender, marinated chicken thighs that are chargrilled and topped with a sweet and salty teriyaki glaze. It’s typically served with steamed rice and mixed vegetables, creating a satisfying meal.
How can I recreate Panda Express’s grilled teriyaki chicken at home?
To replicate the dish, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate and grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for optimal flavor and safety.
What ingredients do I need for homemade teriyaki sauce?
For homemade teriyaki sauce, combine 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Thicken the sauce with a mixture of cornstarch and cold water.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, consider marinating them for several hours or overnight, if possible.
What side dishes pair well with grilled teriyaki chicken?
Grilled teriyaki chicken pairs well with fluffy steamed rice, mixed vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, and fresh salads. Grilled pineapple or lettuce wraps can also enhance the meal experience with their contrasting flavors.
