Name: Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced- 1/4 inch thick; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 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; 2 cups mushrooms, cleaned and quartered; 1 large zucchini, cut into half circles; 3 minced garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Jump to Recipe

Craving that savory, saucy bite of tender chicken, crisp-tender zucchini, juicy mushrooms, and an aromatic glaze just like your favorite takeout spot? This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat brings all the flavors and textures you adore right into your own kitchen, delivering the comfort and excitement of restaurant-style Chinese food—without the delivery fees. Whether you’re a takeout enthusiast or simply love a quick weeknight stir-fry, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds) every single time!

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something special to the table, from deep umami to a bright, fresh crunch. Every item is a star: together, they recreate the perfect balance of the Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat we know and love.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and thinly sliced, this is the main protein that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
Vegetable oil: Gives the dish a neutral, high-heat base for searing chicken and stir-frying veggies.
Mushrooms: Quartered for hearty bites and earthy flavor—button or cremini work beautifully!
Zucchini: Sliced into half-moons, it adds a sweet crunch that soaks up the sauce nicely.
Garlic: Minced fresh to give a sharp, aromatic depth to the whole dish.
Ginger: Freshly minced for that gentle heat and authentic profile.
Light soy sauce: Key for salty, savory goodness; both for marinating and making the sauce.
Rice vinegar: This brightens everything up, adding a delicate tanginess.
Sesame oil: Just a little infuses nutty aroma and that classic Chinese flavor.
Corn starch: Corn starch tenderizes the chicken when marinating, and helps the sauce thicken perfectly.
Water: Used to blend and loosen up the sauce—simple but essential.
Oyster sauce: Adds deep, rounded umami and a touch of subtle sweetness.
Brown sugar: A dash rounds out the flavors with a mellow, caramel sweetness.

How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and corn starch in a medium bowl to create a silky marinade. Toss your sliced chicken breast in this mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, but if you have time, overnight in the fridge works wonders for both tenderness and flavor depth.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, combine water, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and corn starch. Stir well until everything dissolves and forms a smooth, glossy sauce—this is your secret to infusing every bite with classic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat goodness.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering (you should see the first hint of smoke). Carefully lay the marinated chicken in a single layer, turning occasionally to get a golden, slightly crisp sear. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if necessary—and set browned chicken aside once cooked through.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Without wiping the skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Toss in the mushrooms and zucchini, stir-frying rapidly for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the vegetables to still have a little snap—they’ll absorb all the tasty brown bits left from the chicken.

Step 5: Finish with Aromatics and Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium low, and slide the cooked chicken back into your skillet. Sprinkle fresh minced garlic and ginger right over the top—now inhale, it smells amazing! Stir constantly for about a minute, then pour in your pre-mixed sauce. Watch as it thickens and glazes everything within a minute or two, creating that irresistible, glossy finish synonymous with Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat recipes.

How to Serve Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Garnishes

This dish shines with a sprinkle of freshly sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds on top. If you’re feeling extra, try a light drizzle of chili oil for some gentle heat—or simply leave it unadorned, because the glaze is gorgeous all by itself.

Side Dishes

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is happiest with a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter twist, serve alongside cauliflower rice or simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, serve the chicken in a shallow bowl with lots of sauce pooled underneath, or pile it inside lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held party snack. Leftovers make a stellar filling for lettuce wraps or even a quick fried rice the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat to an airtight container as soon as it cools off. It will keep brilliantly in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually get even richer overnight.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, portion the cooled chicken and veggies with sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving also works in a pinch—just cover the dish and stir halfway through for even warming. Either way, your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat will taste fresh and satisfying!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and add a richer flavor. Just slice them thinly as you would the breast, and the rest of the steps remain the same.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

No, but it does enhance the tenderness and depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, 20-30 minutes is plenty for a delicious Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn all work beautifully in this stir-fry. Just make sure the total veggie quantity doesn’t overcrowd the skillet—you want everything to sear, not steam.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

What mushrooms are best for this recipe?

White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are classic, but shiitake or even portobello work if you’d like a bolder mushroom flavor in your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a satisfying and easy way to bring restaurant-quality, saucy stir-fry into your weeknight routine, this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is your ticket to a homemade classic. Give it a try and watch it steal the show with every bite—your kitchen will become everyone’s favorite “takeout” spot!