This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken copycat recipe combines tender chicken with perfectly seared mushrooms and zucchini in a rich, savory sauce. It brings the flavors of takeout straight to your kitchen, ideal for anyone who loves easy and delicious Asian-inspired dishes at home. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this recipe offers a great alternative to takeout, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (500 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
- 1 large zucchini, cut into half circles
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, coat evenly, and marinate for 20–30 minutes or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook until browned, flipping as needed, then remove and set aside.
- Add mushrooms and zucchini to the skillet and cook until crisp-tender (about 2–3 minutes), stirring often.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, then return the chicken to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute while stirring.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet, coating all ingredients. Stir fry until the sauce thickens, then serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a beloved favorite in Asian-inspired cuisine, known for its tender, marinated chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and perfectly cooked zucchini in a savory soy-based sauce. This recipe embodies the convenience and charm of restaurant-style stir-fries without needing a trip to the nearest Panda Express. What’s more, it’s a fantastic example of how quickly and easily a satisfying, nutritious meal can come together with just a few quality ingredients and some simple cooking techniques.
Background and Inspiration
This dish takes its cues from the classic stir-fry methods that have made Asian cooking such a staple worldwide. Using fresh vegetables, a balance of flavors, and high-heat cooking, this mushroom chicken delivers a taste experience that rivals takeout. Originally inspired by Chinese cuisine, stir-fries gained popularity for their simplicity and adaptability, leading to endless variations and adaptations in American kitchens. Panda Express has mastered the art of presenting familiar flavors in a way that feels both comforting and exciting, and their mushroom chicken is no exception. This copycat recipe is designed to replicate those beloved flavors while allowing for customization based on dietary preferences and available ingredients.
The Magic of Marination
One of the critical elements in this recipe is marination, which is essential for creating juicy, flavorful chicken that’s rich in taste. The marinade here features soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch, which not only adds flavor but tenderizes the chicken by breaking down its proteins. A 30-minute marinating period is often enough to allow the flavors to penetrate, but if you have more time, marinating overnight can create an even richer flavor profile. The cornstarch plays a dual role, giving the chicken a slightly crisp exterior when seared in the hot pan, a technique common in many stir-fry dishes.
The High-Heat Stir-Fry Technique
Cooking this mushroom chicken involves a classic stir-fry approach, using high heat and a single-layer cooking method to achieve the perfect sear on both the chicken and vegetables. Using high heat is essential for creating a rich, caramelized flavor and avoiding the tendency of ingredients to steam and become soggy. The goal is to cook the chicken in a single layer, allowing each piece to brown evenly without overlapping. This searing technique locks in the flavor, yielding chicken that is both juicy and flavorful.
After the chicken is seared and set aside, the vegetables enter the pan. The mushrooms and zucchini cook quickly in the same hot pan, retaining their crispness and vibrant color. The high heat encourages the mushrooms to release their earthy flavors, while the zucchini stays slightly firm, adding a nice textural contrast to the dish.
Why Mushrooms and Zucchini?
This recipe’s combination of mushrooms and zucchini is not only a flavor match but also a healthy, nutrient-rich choice. Mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the dish, while zucchini adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Both vegetables are high in essential nutrients; mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants, while zucchini is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Together, they provide a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that elevate the dish.
Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable, so you can switch out or add vegetables based on your preference or what you have available. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are all excellent additions that maintain the dish’s integrity while adding variety.
The Signature Sauce
The sauce in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing all the elements together with its savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich profile. Composed of soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken, it perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables without overpowering them. Soy sauce serves as the base, imparting a salty richness, while oyster sauce deepens the flavor with its unique umami quality. The addition of brown sugar offers a hint of sweetness to balance the saltiness, and rice vinegar adds brightness and a subtle acidity that lifts the flavors. Finally, the cornstarch provides a smooth, glossy finish to the sauce, ensuring it clings to each piece of chicken and every vegetable.
Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste
While this recipe is a spot-on copycat of the Panda Express original, it also offers opportunities for customization. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a touch of chili paste or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick. Those watching their sodium intake might opt for a low-sodium soy sauce or even a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary preferences. Alternatively, if you prefer a stronger umami flavor, consider adding a small splash of fish sauce to the marinade or sauce.
You can also swap the chicken for other proteins, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu, for a different twist. Just keep in mind that each protein has its own marinating and cooking requirements. For example, shrimp would require a much shorter cook time, while tofu would benefit from a quick sear in the pan to achieve a slightly crispy exterior before adding it to the stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles, making it a versatile addition to any meal. For a lighter, low-carb alternative, serve it with cauliflower rice or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh take on the classic dish. Adding a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, enhances the meal with more greens and gives it a wholesome balance.
This dish also complements a wide range of Asian-inspired appetizers, such as egg rolls, dumplings, or wonton soup, making it an excellent choice for a family-style meal or gathering. The mild flavor profile of the mushroom chicken pairs well with a variety of other flavors, allowing it to work seamlessly alongside spicier dishes if you’re aiming for a more diverse spread.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating overnight allows the chicken to fully absorb the marinade’s flavors, making it more tender and flavorful.
- High-Heat Cooking: Achieving a quick sear on the chicken and vegetables is essential. A hot pan helps lock in juices and prevents ingredients from becoming soggy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the mushrooms and zucchini, the better the dish. Fresh vegetables provide a crisp, bright texture that’s essential for a great stir-fry.
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying requires quick cooking, so have all ingredients prepped and within reach before you start cooking.
- Add the Sauce at the Right Time: Stir the sauce thoroughly before adding it, ensuring any settled cornstarch is mixed in, for even thickening. The sauce should go in toward the end, allowing it to coat the ingredients without becoming too thick or sticky.
Conclusion:
This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home with simple ingredients and quick preparation. It’s ideal for weeknights when you crave something savory and satisfying without a lot of fuss. With its adaptable flavor profile, nutritional benefits, and ease of cooking, this dish brings the best of Asian-inspired cuisine to your table. Whether you’re recreating a family favorite or exploring new flavors, this recipe offers a delightful meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.