Welcome to your kitchen’s new favorite! This homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken copycat recipe delivers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional Chinese takeout. Forget the drive-thru; now you can recreate this beloved dish in your own home with fresh ingredients like tender, succulent chicken, earthy sliced mushrooms, and crisp zucchini, all bathed in a rich, savory, and perfectly balanced sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
What is Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a popular menu item known for its flavorful and relatively light profile compared to some of the chain’s other dishes. It typically features thinly sliced chicken breast, fresh mushrooms, and vibrant zucchini, all stir-fried in a soy-based sauce infused with ginger and garlic. Our homemade version captures that authentic taste and texture, ensuring every bite is reminiscent of your favorite takeout, but with the added satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into it. It’s a harmonious blend of tender protein and fresh vegetables, elevated by a delightful umami sauce that perfectly coats each ingredient.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Effortless & Quick: This delectable dish can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it an incredibly convenient option for those hectic weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the lengthy cooking time. From prep to plate, it’s designed for speed and simplicity.
- A Healthier Takeout Alternative: Enjoy the rich flavors you love from your favorite Chinese restaurant without the guilt. Our recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients, allowing you to control the oil and sodium content, making it a much lighter and more nutritious choice for you and your family.
- Budget-Friendly & Economical: Satisfy your takeout cravings without breaking the bank. Preparing this dish at home is significantly more cost-effective than ordering from a restaurant, especially when feeding an entire family. You’ll save money while enjoying a superior, fresh meal.
- Perfect Balance of Textures and Tastes: The succulent, thinly sliced chicken combines beautifully with the tender, earthy mushrooms and slightly crisp zucchini. Each component is coated in a savory sauce that strikes a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Customizable to Your Liking: Whether you prefer more spice, different vegetables, or a specific protein, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It serves as a fantastic base for experimentation, allowing you to tailor the flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
The Secret to the Best Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Achieving that authentic Panda Express flavor at home relies on a few key techniques and high-quality ingredients. The marinade for the chicken is crucial for tenderizing the meat and infusing it with initial flavor. Don’t skip the cornstarch in the marinade; it creates a protective coating that keeps the chicken moist and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear. For the sauce, the combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness provides that characteristic umami depth. Proper heat management during cooking is also vital to ensure the chicken cooks quickly without drying out and the vegetables retain a slight crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this fantastic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken at home requires a thoughtful selection of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature flavor and texture. Below is a detailed overview of what you’ll need. You’ll find the full measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Key Components
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and searing the chicken. Its mild flavor ensures it won’t overpower the other ingredients. Canola oil is a suitable alternative for its similar neutral taste and high smoke point.
- Sliced White Mushrooms: These provide a wonderful earthy flavor and tender texture. While white mushrooms are used here, feel free to experiment with cremini (baby bellas) for a deeper umami note, or shiitake mushrooms for a more robust, authentic Asian flavor.
- Zucchini: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet element and a pleasant textural contrast to the dish. When selecting zucchini, look for firm, unblemished vegetables that feel heavy for their size, indicating freshness. Cut them into half-moon slices for even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
For the Chicken Marinade:
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that ensures flavor penetration and tender, juicy results.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: We opt for chicken breasts for a leaner protein, cut into thin slices to ensure quick and even cooking. This lean cut absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: The foundation of our marinade, providing essential savory and umami notes. Using low-sodium soy sauce allows for better control over the overall saltiness of the dish, but regular soy sauce works too.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a delicate tanginess to the marinade, helping to balance the richness of the other ingredients and tenderize the chicken.
- Light Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness from brown sugar complements the savory soy sauce and helps the chicken caramelize slightly during searing, adding depth of flavor.
- Cornstarch: This secret ingredient creates a protective coating on the chicken, locking in moisture and ensuring it remains tender. It also helps achieve a beautiful golden crust when cooked.
For the Savory Sauce:
This rich and complex sauce brings all the flavors of the dish together, providing that signature Panda Express taste.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the sauce, adding a layer of savory chicken flavor. Vegetable or beef stock can be used as alternatives if chicken stock is unavailable.
- Oyster Sauce: A cornerstone of Chinese-American cuisine, this thick, dark, and slightly sweet sauce is made from oyster extracts. It imparts a unique, deep umami flavor and a glossy sheen to the final dish.
- Soy Sauce: Again, low-sodium is preferred for balance, but regular soy sauce will provide a robust salty and umami flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Another splash of rice vinegar in the sauce brightens the overall flavor profile, adding a pleasant, subtle acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Corn Starch: Essential for thickening the sauce to the desired consistency, creating a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken and vegetables.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough to balance the savory and tangy elements, contributing to that irresistible sweet-and-savory profile.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that adds a distinctive, nutty aroma and flavor, characteristic of authentic Chinese cooking. Add it at the end to preserve its delicate fragrance.
- Minced Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is a staple in Asian cuisine, providing a pungent, aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.
- Ginger Paste: Offers a warm, slightly spicy kick. If fresh ginger is more accessible, two teaspoons of freshly grated ginger can be used as a substitute for one teaspoon of paste.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
To prepare this delightful Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, you won’t need a professional chef’s arsenal. A few basic kitchen tools will suffice. The following are affiliate links to products that can help you easily create this recipe.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and whisking together the sauce ingredients. Having a few different sizes is always handy.
- Large Skillet or Wok: A good quality large skillet or a traditional wok is crucial for stir-frying. It allows for quick, high-heat cooking and ensures even browning of the chicken and vegetables.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Mushroom Chicken
Making this homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish every time. Remember, the key is good preparation and mindful cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, and cornstarch to create the chicken marinade. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to this mixture and toss well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. For optimal flavor and tenderness, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken marinates, prepare the savory stir-fry sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, and ginger paste until well combined and smooth. Set this bowl aside, as it will be added later.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it shimmering before adding the chicken. High heat is essential for a good sear and to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully remove the marinated chicken pieces from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken in a single layer in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 1 minute on each side, or until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and is mostly cooked through. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the pan temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
- Remove Chicken: Once the chicken pieces are beautifully browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Keep them warm while you cook the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the same pan (no need to clean it; the leftover bits add flavor). Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are lightly browned and the zucchini is slightly tender-crisp.
- Combine & Thicken: Reduce the heat to medium. Return the cooked chicken back to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir in its bowl one more time to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated, then pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce begins to thicken and coats all the ingredients in a glossy, appetizing glaze. The cornstarch will activate with the heat, transforming the liquid into a rich, cohesive sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Your homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is now ready! Serve it hot, piled high over a bed of fluffy white rice for a truly satisfying and authentic Asian-inspired meal.
Expert Tips for a Restaurant-Quality Dish
Achieving that perfect, restaurant-quality Panda Express Mushroom Chicken at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:
- Thinly Slice the Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are cut into uniformly thin slices. This is crucial for quick and even cooking, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others dry out. Aim for slices that are about ¼-inch thick.
- Avoid Overcooking White Meat: Since this recipe uses lean chicken breast (white meat), it cooks very quickly. Be mindful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Cook until just golden brown and cooked through, then remove it promptly.
- Preheat Your Skillet or Wok: Always heat your skillet or wok and the oil to the proper temperature before adding any ingredients. A screaming hot pan ensures a good sear on the chicken, locking in juices and preventing a “steamed” texture. You should hear a sizzle as soon as the chicken hits the pan.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: This is a golden rule for stir-frying. Cooking too much chicken or too many vegetables at once will lower the pan’s temperature, causing the ingredients to steam rather than sear and brown. Work in batches if necessary to achieve crispy, flavorful results.
- Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before pouring the sauce into the pan, give it a quick taste. You can adjust the sweetness (more brown sugar), saltiness (more soy sauce), or tanginess (more rice vinegar) to suit your personal preference. Remember, it’s easier to add more flavor than to take it away.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While convenience ingredients are great, fresh garlic and ginger will always yield the most vibrant and authentic flavors. Fresh mushrooms and zucchini also make a significant difference in the final taste and texture of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To reheat this dish, you have a couple of excellent options. For best results, use the stovetop: heat a skillet over medium heat, add the leftovers with a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent drying, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, but add a little liquid to maintain moisture.
No, interestingly, the Panda Express version of Mushroom Chicken typically uses chicken thighs (dark meat), which contributes to its rich flavor and tender texture. Our homemade recipe, however, calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts (white meat) to offer a leaner, healthier alternative while still achieving fantastic results.
Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add some red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or directly into the sauce. For a more intense spice, a dash of sriracha or a few drops of chili oil can be stirred in at the very end of cooking, to taste.
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables such as sliced bell peppers (any color), carrots, snap peas, green beans, or broccoli florets. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust the sautéing time as needed.
As written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) and ensuring your oyster sauce is a certified gluten-free brand. Always check ingredient labels carefully if you have dietary restrictions.
Storage and Meal Prep
Planning ahead makes weeknight meals a breeze! Here’s how to store your delicious Mushroom Chicken and get a head start on preparation.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for packed lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.
- Freezer: This dish is freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead Tips: While my family prefers this dish served fresh, the best part about this recipe is the flexibility for meal prep. You can prepare and marinate the chicken in the morning (or even the night before) before you leave for work. This way, the chicken is ready to cook as soon as you get home, significantly cutting down on active cooking time. You can also chop all your vegetables and whisk together the sauce ingredients in advance, storing them separately in the fridge.
What to Serve with Mushroom Chicken
This flavorful Mushroom Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, transforming it into a complete and satisfying meal.
- Classic White Rice: We absolutely love serving this dish over a fluffy bed of Instant Pot Basmati Rice. The delicate flavor of basmati complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Fried Rice Options: For a heartier meal, you can pair it with Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice, or a simple vegetable fried rice.
- Other Asian Sides: Enhance your takeout experience with classic Chinese-inspired side dishes like crispy potstickers, savory eggrolls, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad with a ginger-sesame dressing.
- Sweet Treat: Conclude your meal with a delightful and irresistible Tanghulu Recipe for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the joys of cooking at home is the freedom to customize. Here are some exciting variations to keep this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken recipe fresh and exciting:
- Vegetarian Twist: Easily transform this into a vegetarian-friendly dish by substituting the chicken with firm tofu (pressed and cubed), tempeh, or your favorite meatless protein alternative. Be sure to marinate the tofu for maximum flavor.
- Dark Meat Option: If you prefer the richer flavor and moisture of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs tend to take a little longer.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, incorporate some red pepper flakes into the chicken marinade or directly into the sauce during the final cooking stage. A drizzle of chili oil before serving also works wonders.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and visual appeal by adding other colorful vegetables. Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), carrots, snow peas, or broccoli florets are all excellent additions. Adjust sautéing times as needed to keep them tender-crisp.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a richer, more viscous sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water) to the sauce mixture. Always mix it well before adding to the pan to avoid lumps.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the sesame oil or replace it with a nut-free oil like grapeseed oil or an extra teaspoon of vegetable oil for cooking.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious Asian-inspired recipes that bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen:
- Fried Buckwheat (Easy Yakisoba Recipe): Satisfy your Yakisoba cravings with this fantastic homemade version that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make.
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A perfect solution for satisfying takeout cravings while sticking to a low-carb diet. These wraps are light, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
- Homemade Big Mac Sauce: While not Asian, this is a beloved copycat recipe that tastes just like the real thing and can elevate any burger or sandwich to new heights.
- Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo: Discover this quick and easy Panera copycat dinner that’s even better than the original, offering creamy pasta perfection.
- Panda Express Sweetfire Chicken: This copycat recipe perfectly captures the sweet and spicy flavors of the popular Sweetfire Chicken, offering crispy chicken in a delightful tangy sauce.
- Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken: Another one of our favorite Panda Express copycat recipes, this Kung Pao Chicken is savory, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, bringing the taste of the restaurant to your home.
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Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 ounces Sliced white mushroom
- 1 zucchini cut into half circles
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin slices
- 1 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or 2 teaspoons fresh ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken marinade (soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch) then add chicken and mix well to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
- In a small bowl, mix sauce ingredients well and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat, add vegetable oil.
- Take chicken pieces out, let them drip excess marinade, and place chicken in a single layer; do not crowd the pan. Cook for a minute on each side or until chicken gets golden brown.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Add mushroom slices and zucchini to the pan and saute for 3 minutes until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium and add chicken back to the pan.
- Stir sauce well in the bowl then pour over the pan, cook for a couple of minutes or until sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately over white rice.
Notes
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.