Panda Express's Teriyaki Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe captures the sweet and savory flavors of the beloved dish from Panda Express. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a deliciously sticky glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
4. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the saucepan.
6. Bring the marinade to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a glaze.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
8. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki glaze over the sliced chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.