Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe

Ready for a satisfying, quick, and delicious weeknight dinner? This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat brings together tender slices of marinated chicken, crisp-tender zucchini, and juicy mushrooms all tossed in a savory, glossy sauce that tastes just like your favorite takeout. Recreating this iconic dish at home means big, bold flavors and total control over every ingredient. Whether you’re a Panda Express devotee or just craving a cozy stir-fry, this recipe hits every note—umami-rich sauce, fresh textures, and an irresistible aroma—perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies to capture the classic flavors of Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat. Each ingredient brings something special—richness, crunch, aroma, or depth—so don’t skip a thing!

• Chicken breast: Thinly sliced boneless and skinless chicken breast absorbs the marinade and cooks up juicy and tender.
• Vegetable oil: Essential for getting a gorgeous golden sear on the chicken and for stir-frying the veggies.
• Mushrooms: Quartered mushrooms soak up the sauce and add that hearty, earthy bite.
• Zucchini: Slice into half circles for perfect stir-fry pieces—zucchini lends color and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds sharp, savory notes—fresh is best for full flavor.
• Ginger: A teaspoon of minced ginger wakes up the whole dish with its zingy aroma.
• Light soy sauce: Used in both the marinade and the sauce, this ingredient builds the salty, umami foundation.
• Rice vinegar: This gently tangy vinegar brings brightness to both marinade and sauce.
• Sesame oil: A splash in the marinade infuses the dish with comforting nuttiness.
• Corn starch: Both for marinating and thickening, cornstarch ensures tender chicken and a glossy sauce.
• Water: Thins out the sauce just enough for perfect coating consistency.
• Oyster sauce: The secret ingredient that packs in that signature Panda Express savoriness.
• Brown sugar: Just a touch rounds out the salty and tangy flavors with sweetness.

How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a medium bowl. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast and toss to thoroughly coat each piece. Let the flavors mingle for at least 20–30 minutes—or, if you have time, let it sit overnight in the fridge for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set this mixture aside—it will bring everything together at the end with a craveable, velvety glaze.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over high heat, and let it get nice and hot until it just begins to smoke. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, and resist the urge to stir too soon—you want each piece to get that caramelized edge. Flip and toss as needed, cooking until no longer pink. Once golden and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—the brown bits add flavor), toss in your quartered mushrooms and sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies are still vibrant and just crisp-tender; they’ll soften further in the sauce.

Step 5: Add Aromatics and Return Chicken

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slide the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir everything together—these aromatics promise an incredible fragrance while their flavors meld into every bite.

Step 6: Pour and Thicken the Sauce

Give the prepared sauce one last stir (cornstarch likes to settle), then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well as the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens until it coats everything in a shiny, savory glaze. This is the transformation moment—watch the magic happen!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat over hot rice, sprinkle with optional green onions or sesame seeds, and dig in while it’s fresh and sizzling.

How to Serve Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Garnishes

A final touch of green onions scattered on top adds freshness and a gentle bite. Toasted sesame seeds bring extra nuttiness and crunch, while a drizzle of extra sesame oil or chili oil gives it that restaurant-level finish. Feel free to go classic or let your creative side shine!

Side Dishes

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is wonderful paired with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or a bowl of fluffy brown rice. If you’d like to go lighter, steamed broccoli or snap peas make a crisp and colorful accompaniment. And, of course, egg rolls or crab rangoons would complete the takeout feast vibe at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform dinner into a fun “takeout night” by serving in paper Chinese takeout boxes, or plate everything family-style so everyone can help themselves. For gatherings, arrange individual portions in small bowls for a chic appetizer, or tuck leftovers into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy lunch. There’s no wrong way to serve something this delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, cool the chicken and vegetables completely, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh in the skillet to enjoy that just-cooked texture again.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stir-fry method keeps everything tender, moist, and flavorful.

FAQs

Is there a way to make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is also labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a super adaptable meal.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully here. They offer even more juiciness and flavor, so feel free to swap equal amounts and prepare the recipe as directed.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are classic and soak up the sauce perfectly. However, feel free to use your favorite variety—shiitake or portobello would add a different twist!

How do I prevent the stir-fry from being soggy?

The key is stir-frying over high heat and not overcrowding the pan. This ensures veggies stay crisp-tender and the sauce thickens instead of pooling.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat doubles well—just cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding, then combine everything when adding the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those craveable dishes you’ll make again and again. Once you master your own Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat, you’ll never look at takeout the same way—fresh, fast, and packed with flavor, right in your kitchen. Don’t wait to give it a try, and share your delicious results with friends or family!

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