Panda Express Mushroom Chicken has become a traditional takeout favourite for a variety of food lovers. The flavorful sauce, the succulent chicken and succulent vegetables create a comfort dish that is worth making at home. This recipe is a copycat that captures the essence of this beloved dish, while also allowing you to alter it to suit your tastes. If you’re planning to host a dinner party or are looking for a tasty meal prep recipe, this recipe will satisfy. Let’s get into the specifics and discover how you can enhance this dish over the version served in restaurants.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True tastes This recipe utilizes traditional ingredients such as Shaoxing wines and Chinese Black Vinegar to reproduce the taste of a restaurant.
- Healthy and adaptable You can control the quality of the ingredients, alter the sodium levels, and then add your favorite vegetable.
- Easy and quick perfect for a quick dinner on a weeknight that requires less than 30 minutes to cook.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb of chicken breast Sliced thinly about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups of mushrooms – Cut
- 1 zucchini – Cut into half circles
- Sesame seeds – For garnish
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 Tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Shaoxing wine Substitute cooking wine if required
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons of chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar substitute with rice vinegar in the event that it is unavailable
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced
- 3 teaspoons ginger Grated
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a bowl of medium size mix the marinade components: Soy Sauce Shaoxing wine, cornstarch as well as brown sugar. Add the thinly cut chicken breasts to the mixture and ensure that every piece is covered. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 mins or up to a week for the greatest taste. If you’re short on time let the chicken marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
A small dish, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce oyster sauce, brown sugar cornstarch Chinese Sesame Oil, black vinegar minced garlic as well as grated ginger. Stir well before putting aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Cook a wok or a large skillet on high temperatures. Once it’s hot you can add vegetable oil, and lay the chicken pieces that have been marinated on top of each other in a single layer. Do not add the sauce to the skillet. The chicken should cook unaffected in the oven for between 30 and one minute until a golden brown sear appears. Turn the chicken over and repeat the process on the other side. Take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and place aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the mushrooms sliced and zucchini. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, until the zucchini is tender, but not mushy. Reduce the temperature to medium.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet together with the other vegetables. Mix the sauce until that the cornstarch has been fully integrated, then add it to the pan. Make use of about half the sauce if you’d like an easier coating. Mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce becomes thicker and coats the chicken and veggies equally.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the dish onto the serving dish and sprinkle sesame seeds over it for garnish. Serve it immediately with noodles or rice to make a complete dish.
Recipe Notes
- Storage Storage: Keep leftovers inside an airtight container within the refrigerator for up 3 days.
- Reheating Reheat the sauce in a skillet on medium heat to preserve the consistency of the sauce.
- Adjusting the spice levels The best way to spice up your meal is to add red pepper flakes, or a pinch of chili oil to give it spice.
Tips for Success
- Pick fresh ingredients Fresh zucchini and mushrooms give the most delicious taste and texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan Cooking the meat in small batches assures uniform cooking and more caramelization.
- Marinate for longer to enhance flavor Infuse the chicken with more flavor.
Chef’s Recommendations
- Chef John’s tip Use a cast-iron skillet to achieve a consistent sear, and for a richer taste.
- Chef Ming’s Observations Substitute chicken for shrimp or tofu to make a delicious variant.
- Chef Alice’s Tips: Serve this meal with a refreshing cucumber salad to enjoy a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
1. What if I wanted to use an alternative protein?
Yes shrimp, tofu or beef slices are good as alternatives.
2. What should I serve with this dish?
Serve it with jasmine steamed rice, rice fried or noodles.
3. What can I do to create gluten-free?
Choose tamari over soy sauce. Also, make sure that the oyster sauce you use is gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze any leftovers?
Yes, you can store it in a freezer-safe container at least 3 months. It is best to let the freezer freeze overnight prior to heating.
5. What happens if I don’t have Chinese white vinegar?
Rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar are great substitutes.
6. How can I make the sauce?
Mix another teaspoon of cornstarch and water, and mix in the dish as it is it is cooking.
7. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are best However, frozen ones may be useful if they are thawed, then rinsed correctly.
8. What can I do to improve the flavor?
Include sriracha, chili oil or fresh chili pieces in the recipe.
9. Can I make the recipe twice?
Yes, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your needs as well as cook them in small batches so that you prevent overcrowding.
10. What’s the most efficient way to slice the bird?
Cool the chicken for 15 minutes prior to cutting to create smooth thin cuts.
Conclusion
The Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipe offers restaurant-quality tastes to your kitchen in a snap. With these easy steps and tricks to create an item that’s not just tasty but also healthy and adaptable. If you’re looking for a quick evening meal or a popular dish for your guests This recipe is certain to please. Take a look today and discover the pleasure of making your own takeaway!
Best Ever Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 30minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast – Thinly sliced, about ¼ inch thick
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups mushrooms – Sliced
- 1 zucchini – Cut into half circles
- Sesame seeds – For garnish
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1½ Tablespoon Shaoxing wine – Substitute with cooking wine if needed
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons chicken stock
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Chinese black vinegar – Substitute with rice vinegar if unavailable
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced
- ¾ teaspoon ginger – Grated
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and brown sugar. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best flavor. If short on time, allow the chicken to marinate while prepping the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add vegetable oil and lay the marinated chicken pieces flat in a single layer. Avoid adding the marinade to the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until a golden-brown sear forms. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini. Saute over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Reduce the heat to medium.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Stir the sauce to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated, then pour it into the pan. Use about half the sauce if you prefer a lighter coating. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the dish to a serving plate and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes