Delicious Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

The aroma of tender chicken coated in a savory sauce, mingling with the earthy scent of fresh mushrooms, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This panda express mushroom chicken copycat dish brings back memories of bustling take-out nights, with family gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting their favorite meal.

Picture this: you whip up this comforting dish on a busy weeknight, and everyone comes running at the first whiff. It’s easy to feel like a culinary hero when you serve up this delight. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights, it promises an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The panda express mushroom chicken copycat is quick and simple, ideal for busy evenings or unexpected guests
  • The balance of savory and sweet flavors creates a delightful taste sensation
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing dinner guests
  • This recipe is versatile; serve it over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb delight

The last time I made this dish, my kids devoured it so quickly that I thought they might start fighting over the last piece. Their faces lit up with joy as they took their first bites—definitely a moment worth capturing.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how hungry your crowd is.

  • Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for button or shiitake mushrooms; they offer amazing flavor and texture.

  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are key; don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs.

  • Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds depth; avoid powder if you can for maximum zing.

  • Green Onions: These add a nice crunch and freshness; slice them thinly for garnish.

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best; it helps control saltiness while keeping flavor intact.

  • Oyster Sauce: This brings umami-rich goodness to the mix; don’t skip it!

  • Cornstarch: Use to thicken the sauce just right—no one likes a watery stir-fry.

  • Sugar: A touch of sugar balances flavors beautifully—trust me on this one!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for panda express mushroom chicken copycat

How to Make panda express mushroom chicken copycat

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Chop up the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice your mushrooms and green onions while inhaling that fresh ginger aroma.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and ginger until fragrant—around 30 seconds will do! Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Add Chicken: Next, add marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes should suffice. Don’t rush this step; let those juices seal in!

Add Mushrooms: Stir in your sliced mushrooms next. Cook them until they’re beautifully soft and juicy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Pour in oyster sauce along with sugar and a splash of water. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing it to bubble slightly until thickened—this should take another minute or two.

Enjoy every bite of this flavorful panda express mushroom chicken copycat dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying!

You Must Know

  • This panda express mushroom chicken copycat recipe is a delightful blend of savory chicken, tender mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables
  • It captures the essence of your favorite takeout dish while being easy to make at home
  • The aroma alone will draw everyone into the kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for about 30 minutes. Then, sauté the mushrooms and garlic before adding the chicken to ensure maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for bell peppers or snap peas. Adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil can enhance those umami flavors even more.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or stir-fry in a pan for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your panda express mushroom chicken copycat
  • Avoid overcrowding your pan during cooking to ensure even browning
  • Lastly, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance its flavors

Sharing this recipe reminds me of family gatherings when my cousins would fight over who got the last piece of chicken. Everyone loved it so much that leftovers were a rare treat.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this panda express mushroom chicken copycat?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.

How spicy is this panda express mushroom chicken copycat?

This recipe is not spicy; you can add chili flakes if you prefer some heat.

Print

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Panda Express mushroom chicken copycat recipe, featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory sauce with fresh mushrooms. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with mouthwatering taste that will satisfy your cravings. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting meal that brings the essence of takeout right into your kitchen.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American/Chinese

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms (button or shiitake), sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger root, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Add marinated chicken; cook until golden brown and fully cooked (5-7 minutes).
  4. Stir in sliced mushrooms; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
  5. Combine oyster sauce, sugar, and water; pour over chicken and mushrooms, stirring to combine until thickened (1-2 minutes).

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 790mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider tossing in bell peppers or snap peas. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

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