Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve craved that perfect balance of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp zucchini all coated in a light, savory garlic ginger sauce. Recreating the famous Panda Express Mushroom Chicken in my kitchen has been one of my proudest kitchen moments, and let me tell you — it’s as comforting as it is easy.

When I first decided to try this recipe at home, I didn’t realize how quickly it would come together. Within minutes, my kitchen was filled with that unmistakable aroma of sizzling chicken and vegetables, reminding me of busy mall food courts and casual dinners with friends. The flavor is spot on — slightly sweet, garlicky, and so satisfying.

I love how versatile this dish is, too. Whether I serve it over steamed rice, brown rice, or even noodles, it never fails to impress. Plus, making it at home means I can adjust the veggies and seasoning just how I like them, with no extra oil or MSG. If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired comfort food, you’re going to fall hard for this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

This recipe is quick, healthy, and budget-friendly, perfect for weeknight dinners. It delivers restaurant-quality taste with everyday ingredients. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or even switch up the protein. Plus, it’s lower in sodium and lighter than takeout but still incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

The star of this dish is, of course, the chicken breast. I use boneless, skinless pieces sliced thinly for quick cooking and maximum tenderness. The mushrooms bring that deep, earthy flavor while the zucchini adds freshness and a bit of crunch. To create that iconic sauce, you’ll need soy sauce, which adds saltiness, a touch of sugar for balance, fresh garlic and ginger for their aromatic punch, and a splash of cornstarch slurry to give the sauce its silky, slightly thick texture. A drizzle of vegetable oil is all you need to get everything sizzling to perfection.

How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin bite-sized strips. Wash and slice the mushrooms and zucchini into even pieces so they cook evenly. Mince your garlic and ginger to have them ready.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil if needed and toss in the mushrooms. Let them cook for about 2–3 minutes before adding the zucchini. Stir-fry both until they are just tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the vegetables cook, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a little water. Pour this sauce into the pan, followed by the cooked chicken. Stir everything to coat evenly, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Finally, stir in your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a bit of water) and cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is glossy. Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’d like to switch things up, try using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. You can also swap the zucchini with snap peas or broccoli for a different texture and flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can replace regular soy sauce if needed. Even tofu works beautifully in place of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I love serving this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken over a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice, but it also pairs wonderfully with brown rice or lo mein noodles. For a complete meal, I sometimes serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup. If you want to keep things low-carb, you can even serve it over cauliflower rice or on its own with extra veggies.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it for a minute or two, stirring halfway. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it up.

FAQs

How can I make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken healthier?

You can use less oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and add extra vegetables to make it lighter and more nutritious.

Can I make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook everything and refrigerate it, then reheat just before serving. It keeps well for up to 3 days.

What type of mushrooms are best for Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?

I like using white button mushrooms or cremini, but shiitake mushrooms add a more intense flavor if you prefer.

Can I freeze Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.

What can I serve with Panda Express Mushroom Chicken besides rice?

You can serve it with noodles, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoy this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try my Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken, which brings another layer of savory comfort with plenty of rich, cheesy goodness. Another excellent choice is my Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice — a flavorful, garlicky dish that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken recipe to your Pinterest board so you can easily find it when the craving strikes. Sharing this recipe with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, or even by email is a great way to spread the love. Your weeknight dinner rotation just got more exciting, and everyone will thank you for introducing them to this homemade favorite!

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