Why make this recipe

Mushroom Chicken is a popular dish at Panda Express, known for its savory flavors and satisfying textures. Making this Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe at home allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is not only delicious but also quick to put together, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and fulfilling. By making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

How to make Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

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 :

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Next, toss in 1 pound of thinly sliced chicken and ensure all pieces are well-coated with the marinade. Let this marinate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors soak into the chicken.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set it aside.
Now heat a large skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s ready for the chicken.
Carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, toss in the 2 cups of quartered mushrooms and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to the skillet. Stir everything together for an additional minute to let the garlic and ginger release their aroma.
Lower the heat slightly and pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and chicken in the skillet. Stir until everything is well-coated and the sauce has thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Once done, serve the Mushroom Chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

How to serve Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken can be served in several delightful ways. The best option is to serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For those looking for a healthier option, consider serving the chicken and vegetables over a bed of cooked quinoa or zucchini noodles.

To elevate the meal further, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad to add extra nutrition and crunch.

How to store Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

To store any leftovers of the Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, do the following:

Allow the dish to cool completely after cooking.
Place the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it:

Transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container.
Label it with the date and contents.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Tips to make Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Cutting Chicken: For the best results, slice your chicken breast thinly against the grain. This makes the chicken tender and easy to eat.
Marinating Time: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken for a longer period (up to 2 hours) can enhance the flavor even more.
Fresh Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you enjoy, like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time based on their different textures.
Adjusting Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar in the mixture. Alternatively, for more of a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and ginger.
Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook a double batch and use it in lunchboxes or for easy dinners throughout the week.

Variation

For a different twist on this classic recipe, try these variations:

Spicy Mushroom Chicken: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for firm tofu, cut into cubes, to create a vegetarian version of this dish. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Mushroom Medley: Instead of just using one type of mushroom, experiment with different kinds such as shiitake, cremini, or portobello for a richer taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast. Just ensure to thaw it completely before slicing and marinating.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute to keep the dish gluten-free.

3. How can I make the dish less salty?

If you want to reduce the saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a little water before using it in the recipe.

4. Can I cook this in advance?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can cook it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when needed.

5. What can I serve as a side dish?

Some popular side dishes include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement the Mushroom Chicken.

Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Author: mohamadalaoui
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful copycat version of the popular restaurant dish, featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and zucchini in a savory sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Next, toss in 1 pound of thinly sliced chicken and ensure all pieces are well-coated with the marinade. Let this marinate for at least 20 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Now heat a large skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s ready for the chicken.
Carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, toss in 2 cups of quartered mushrooms and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for an additional minute.
Lower the heat and pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables and chicken. Stir until well-coated and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Once done, serve the Mushroom Chicken over rice or noodles.

Notes

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Mushroom Chicken, Panda Express Copycat, Easy Chicken Dinner