Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat brings the beloved Chinese-American dish right to your kitchen. With tender chicken pieces, fresh mushrooms, and a savory, umami-rich sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, healthier than the takeout version, and is sure to satisfy your cravings for a quick, delicious meal.

ingredients

• chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• mushrooms (sliced, preferably white button or cremini)
• vegetable oil (for sautéing)
• garlic (minced)
• ginger (fresh, minced)
• low-sodium soy sauce
• oyster sauce
• chicken broth
• cornstarch
• sugar
• sesame oil
• green onions (for garnish)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

directions

1. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
6. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir, bringing it to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
8. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for more texture and color.
• Use beef or tofu as a substitute for chicken for a different protein option.
• If you like it spicy, add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for a kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, shiitake or portobello mushrooms would work great as well.

Can I skip the oyster sauce?
You can, but it adds a distinctive umami flavor. If omitted, you can try a bit more soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce for a similar effect.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that rivals the restaurant version. With tender chicken, savory sauce, and earthy mushrooms, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Try it at home and enjoy the comfort of takeout-quality Chinese food without the wait!

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