Get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe! This homemade version emulates all the savory flavors of the cherished fast-food classic, featuring tender chicken with mushrooms and zucchini in a savory sauce that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is on your table in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful and Authentic: Enjoy the bold flavors of an authentic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken without leaving home.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences—vegetarian options are just a swap away!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh mushrooms and zucchini, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe requires simple yet essential ingredients that bring vibrant flavors and textures. Each ingredient contributes its character, making the dish both colorful and delicious!
- Chicken Breast: Ensure they are thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the necessary umami flavor that makes the dish savory and delectable.
- Shaoxing Wine: A dash of this Chinese wine adds depth—use cooking wine if unavailable.
- Mushrooms: Contribute earthiness and a hearty texture that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Zucchini: Adds a wonderful color and freshness to the plate.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle over to add a nutty crunch and perfect finish.
Variations
Feel free to tweak this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe to your liking! Whether you’re switching ingredients for dietary needs or looking for new flavor profiles, it’s a playful and easy-to-customize dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu for a meat-free option that’s equally delicious.
- Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a hint of heat that can elevate the flavors.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control and reduce the overall salt content.
How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix together the ingredients for the marinade and add the thinly sliced chicken breast. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch dissolves, as this will help thicken the sauce later. Set it aside until ready to use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a wok or large pan on high. Add oil and once hot, place chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until golden brown on each side and remove from the pan. This achieves the perfect sear, keeping the chicken rich and juicy!
Step 4: Saute the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in mushrooms and zucchini. This combination brings a fresh element to the dish. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are tender yet crisp.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Add the chicken back to the pan along with your prepared sauce. Stir to coat everything well. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse each bite with flavor. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.
Pro Tips for Making Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe
- Marinade Mastery: For ultimate flavor penetration, let your chicken marinate overnight if time permits.
- Searing Secrets: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a perfect sear and to lock in juices.
- Veggie Viability: Keep a bit of crunch in your zucchini by not overcooking; it adds a beautiful texture contrast.
- Sauce Smoothness: Stir sauce thoroughly to eliminate any cornstarch clumps for a smooth, glossy finish.
How to Serve Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds not just aesthetic appeal but a subtle nuttiness to each bite. Freshly chopped scallions are another vibrant garnish choice, offering a crisp, spicy edge.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, providing a neutral base that soaks up the savory sauces. If you’re feeling adventurous, fried rice or mixed greens can complement the main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the dish in small, individual iron skillets or elegantly arranged on bamboo platters. An eye-catching presentation not only enhances the dining experience but makes each meal unforgettable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish for up to two months. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They’re juicier and offer a richer flavor, just ensure they’re cooked until fully cooked through.
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What’s a good substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or non-alcoholic options like grape juice combined with a bit of white vinegar.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, opt for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce with rice vinegar instead of Chinese black vinegar.
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Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli are excellent additions that complement the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I hope you delight in preparing and savoring this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe as much as I do. It’s a dish filled with rich textures and flavors that bring a taste of the beloved restaurant to your home. So gather your ingredients, and let the cooking adventure begin! Enjoy!
Print
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe offers a delicious stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, savory mushrooms, and zucchini, all coated in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish captures the essence of the popular restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast thinly sliced, about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Shaoxing wine or cooking wine
- 2 teaspoon corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons chicken stock
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 teaspoon ginger grated
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced
- 1 zucchini cut into half circles
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, corn starch, and brown sugar. Add the sliced chicken breast, mix well, and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot. Add vegetable oil, then lay the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and zucchini. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture, stirring well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens appropriately.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken slices are thin for quicker cooking and better searing.
- Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the sauce amount based on personal preference for sauciness.
- Use a hot pan to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
