why make this recipe
Recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home can be a rewarding experience. The Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. This homemade version is packed with flavor, features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce that you’ll absolutely love. By making this dish at home, you can customize it to your tastes, serve it fresh, and know exactly what goes into it—no mystery ingredients here! Plus, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
how to make Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Making the Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Here’s how to do it.
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 preparing the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Then, add the sliced chicken breast to the bowl and toss to ensure it is covered in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together the sauce. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, the remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the quartered mushrooms and sliced zucchini. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender yet still crisp. You want them to retain some bite for a nice texture.
Add Garlic and Ginger: After the vegetables are cooked, stir in the minced garlic and minced ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds an amazing aroma and flavor to the dish.
Combine Everything: Next, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and the stir-fried vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together well, making sure to coat all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
Serve: Your Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is ready to eat! Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade take on a beloved dish!
how to serve Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
For the best experience, serve your mushroom chicken hot, right from the skillet. Place a generous helping over rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top can enhance both the presentation and the flavor. If you want to add a little freshness, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or any other favorite vegetable. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
how to store Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Storing your Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is quite simple. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until it is heated through. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Practice Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, measure and prepare all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more organized.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to give the chicken and vegetables enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, which can make everything soggy.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and zucchini for the best flavor and texture. Avoid canned vegetables for this recipe.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or oyster sauce to fit your taste. If you like it a bit sweeter, add more brown sugar. For a kick, add red pepper flakes.
Use a Nonstick Skillet: A nonstick skillet can be very helpful to prevent sticking and burning, especially when cooking the chicken.
variation
If you want to switch things up or cater to dietary preferences, here are a few variations you can try:
Protein Options: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Ensure to prepare the tofu properly by pressing it to remove excess moisture and marinating it similarly to chicken. Shrimp or beef can also be used as alternatives.
Veggie Medley: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition. Adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetables used to ensure all ingredients are cooked perfectly.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
Sauce Variations: Experiment with using different sauces like hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for different flavor profiles that complement the dish well.
FAQs
1. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the flavors. Just make sure to cover it well while it’s in the fridge.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
While you can use frozen chicken, it’s recommended to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. Always marinate fresh or completely thawed chicken for the best results.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken goes perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. It can also be accompanied by fresh salad rolls or egg rolls for a complete meal.
Making your own Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken at home not only satisfies your cravings but also gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring a delicious dish every time! So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to this delightful meal—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious homemade version of the classic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce.
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 by whisking together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss the sliced chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing 1/2 cup water, the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch in another bowl until smooth.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the quartered mushrooms and sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the prepared sauce with the chicken and vegetables, stirring well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve your dish over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
For the best flavor, serve hot with optional sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Panda Express, mushroom chicken, copycat recipe, stir-fry