Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe is a delightful way to enjoy this classic dish right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers a wholesome blend of flavors with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The quick preparation and easy-to-find ingredients make it an ideal choice for any occasion. Plus, you can adapt it to your taste preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – With just 10 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Flavor-Packed – The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that will impress your family and friends.
• Healthy Ingredients – Filled with lean protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious option for health-conscious eaters.
• Versatile Dish – Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to customize the dish to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat a breeze.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet – Allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken without overcrowding.
• Medium bowl – Perfect for marinating the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
• Measuring spoons – Helps in precise ingredient measurements for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breast (500 grams, thinly sliced- 1/4 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Vegetables

• 2 cups mushrooms (cleaned and quartered)
• 1 large zucchini (cut into half circles)

For the Sauce

• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons corn starch for the marinade. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the bowl and mix until each piece is coated well. Allow it to marinate for 20-30 minutes or overnight if time permits.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In another small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set this mixture aside as your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, flipping as needed. Once cooked through, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the quartered mushrooms and sliced zucchini. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Reduce heat to medium-low and return the chicken back into the skillet. Add minced garlic cloves and minced ginger; stir-fry for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce into the skillet over the chicken and vegetables. Mix everything together well so that all ingredients are coated. Stir-fry for an additional few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately while hot! Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat!

How to Serve Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Serving your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat can elevate the dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these presentation ideas will make your dish shine.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve the mushroom chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the savory sauce.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Toss some cooked noodles in sesame oil and serve the mushroom chicken on top for a delightful, hearty meal.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle fresh sliced green onions on top just before serving for an added pop of color and flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Salad

• Pairing this dish with a light salad adds freshness. Consider using mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette.

How to Perfect Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

To ensure your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor, making it more tender and delicious.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken, giving it nice color and texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Give each piece of chicken space in the skillet to cook evenly and develop a good crust.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding it to the skillet.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh mushrooms and zucchini for better texture and taste in the dish.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking to maintain its warmth and crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Enhancing your meal with side dishes can round out the flavors beautifully. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice with vegetables and egg makes a perfect base for your chicken.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds nutrition and crunch.
3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables are an excellent appetizer or side that complements the main dish.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing provides refreshing contrast.
5. Sweet Chili Sauce: Offering sweet chili sauce on the side can add an extra layer of flavor for those who enjoy spice.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings freshness to balance the rich chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to a bland flavor. Always marinate for at least 20-30 minutes for the best taste.
• Overcrowding the Skillet: Placing too much chicken in the skillet at once prevents proper browning. Cook in batches if needed to achieve a nice sear.
• Underestimating Vegetable Cooking Time: Rushing through the vegetable cooking process can leave them crunchy instead of tender. Ensure you cook them just until crisp-tender.
• Not Using Enough Sauce: If you don’t pour enough sauce on your ingredients, it may lack moisture and flavor. Make sure to coat everything well before serving.
• Ignoring Heat Levels: Cooking on too high or too low heat can ruin the texture. Adjust heat as necessary to achieve perfect cooking results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed throughout.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat?

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is a homemade version of the popular dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and zucchini in a savory sauce.

Can I customize this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli and adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.

How do I store leftovers of Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well and maintains its flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting yet healthy. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust sauces to make it your own!

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