Why Make This Recipe
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a delicious and popular dish, known for its savory flavors and tender chicken. Making a copycat version at home not only satisfies your cravings but also allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you might not have much time to cook but still want a comforting and delicious meal. Plus, this recipe is packed with vegetables and can easily be served over rice or noodles, making it a well-rounded meal that the whole family will love.
How to Make Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat
Creating your own Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is simple, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can whip this up even on the busiest nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless skinless, thinly sliced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)
- 1 large zucchini (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (light)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add in 1 pound of thinly sliced chicken and toss it well. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well-coated in the mixture. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside. This sauce will bring all the flavors together.
- Cook the Chicken: Now it’s time to cook the chicken. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, toss in 2 cups of quartered mushrooms and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. You want them to retain their crunch while absorbing the flavors.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Next, introduce 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger to the skillet. Stir for another minute until fragrant. This will add a nice aromatic layer to your dish.
- Combine everything: Now, pour the prepared sauce over the veggies and chicken in the skillet. Stir everything well until it’s nicely coated and the sauce has thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve it Up: Once everything is combined and cooked to perfection, serve your Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Serving Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is fun and versatile. You can plate it over a bed of white or brown rice, which absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Alternatively, egg noodles or rice noodles are excellent choices if you prefer a different texture. Keep in mind that you can garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. This recipe also pairs well with steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side, adding even more nutrition and color to your meal.
How to Store Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is quite simple. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or reheat it on a stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
If you want to store the meal for a longer period, you can freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, and it will last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Tips to Make Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken will make a significant difference in flavor. Look for bright, firm mushrooms and crisp zucchini when shopping.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken or vegetables, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like it spicier, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when adding the sauce to the skillet.
- Meal Prep: You can marinate the chicken a day ahead for even more flavor. This makes weeknight cooking even faster!
- Serve with Extras: Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a couple of variations:
- Swap the Protein: You can use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu and make sure to use a vegan oyster sauce substitute or skip it entirely.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook it right before serving for the best taste.
What can I serve with Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken? This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. You can also add a spring salad for a refreshing side.
Is there a gluten-free option? Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the oyster sauce is gluten-free or replace it with a suitable alternative.
How spicy is this dish? The recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add chili sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat if you desire it spicier.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
With fantastically vibrant flavors and minimal fuss, this Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat will become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a beloved takeout dish right at your dining table!
Print
Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
A quick and delicious copycat recipe of the popular Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, packed with savory flavors and tender chicken, served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless skinless, thinly sliced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)
- 1 large zucchini (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (light)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add the chicken and toss until well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 cups quartered mushrooms and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine everything: Pour the prepared sauce over the veggies and chicken in the skillet. Stir until nicely coated and the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Serve it up: Serve the dish over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the sauce for spiciness to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg