Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

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Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is a homemade version of the beloved dish that’s served at the popular Chinese American restaurant chain. Tender pieces of chicken breast are stir-fried with earthy mushrooms, onions, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—just like the version you know and love but made right in your own kitchen.

The first time I recreated this dish; it was amazing how similar it tasted to the original. The chicken is juicy, the mushrooms add a rich umami flavor, and the sauce is perfectly balanced, bringing everything together with a satisfying sweetness and a hint of saltiness. This recipe is great for a weeknight meal because it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or with a side of vegetables for a delicious, filling meal that’s so much better than takeout!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family meals
  • Asian-inspired cravings
  • Chicken lovers
  • Mushroom enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat will become your go-to weeknight meal:

  • Deliciously Savory: The combination of tender chicken and mushrooms in a savory, lightly sweet sauce is a flavor-packed delight.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
  • Healthy Option: A lighter take on take-out, with lean chicken and nutritious vegetables.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Made in a single skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
  • Authentic Flavor: The dish replicates the restaurant version closely, so you can enjoy the same delicious taste at home.
  • Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked just right—moist, tender, and full of flavor.
  • Umami Packed Sauce: The sauce is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, creating a rich depth of flavor.
  • Customizable Vegetables: Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrients.
  • Kid-Friendly: A great option for picky eaters who love chicken and mushrooms.
  • Great for Leftovers: The dish reheats well, so you can enjoy the flavors again the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 280-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Mushroom Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Optional Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

  • Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor and a rich umami profile to the sauce.
  • Oyster Sauce: Provides a slightly sweet and salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, smooth finish.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavors of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat Oils: Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Mushrooms:

  1. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer:

  1. Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms.
  2. Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and mushrooms, stirring to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and the chicken is well-coated.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat:

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a simple, satisfying meal.
  • With Fried Rice: Pair it with vegetable or egg fried rice for a more indulgent meal.
  • On Noodles: Serve with soba, udon, or lo mein noodles for a comforting noodle dish.
  • With Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra vegetables.
  • In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken and mushrooms into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
  • With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce.
  • As a Bento Box: Add small portions of this dish to a bento box for lunch.
  • With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled vegetables for a contrast of tangy and savory.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a refreshing side salad for a balanced meal.
  • For Meal Prep: Store in individual containers for an easy, reheatable lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Additional Tips

  • Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of hoisin sauce or sugar.
  • Customize Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas for added texture and flavor.
  • Cornstarch for Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch to make the sauce thicker or thinner, depending on your preference.
  • Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to your taste for a milder or spicier dish.
  • Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken breast will cook more evenly and yield a juicier result than frozen chicken.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a splash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • More Mushrooms: Add more mushrooms for an even heartier, more mushroom-forward dish.
  • Crispy Chicken: Coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry it until crispy for extra texture.
  • Add Cashews: Stir in roasted cashews for an extra crunchy element.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or Skillet: A large skillet or wok for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
  • Small Bowl: For preparing the sauce.
  • Whisk: To combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Tongs: To turn and handle the chicken as it cooks.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking.
  2. How long can I store leftovers?
    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze the dish?
    Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  4. Can I use different mushrooms?
    Yes, shiitake or cremini mushrooms work great in this dish.
  5. Can I make it without sesame oil?
    Yes, you can omit the sesame oil, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
  6. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
    You can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a dash of sugar.
  7. Can I add more vegetables?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for added texture.
  8. How do I make the sauce thicker?
    Add a little more cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce to your liking.
  9. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or wok.
  10. Can I skip the garlic and ginger?
    You can, but the garlic and ginger add great depth of flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is a homemade version of the popular dish that’s just as flavorful and satisfying as the restaurant version. Tender pieces of chicken are stir-fried with fresh mushrooms, green onions, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. The dish is cooked quickly in a hot wok or skillet, allowing the chicken and mushrooms to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce while maintaining a tender, juicy texture.

To make it your own, you can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for more color and crunch or even swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal. This copycat version is a healthier, homemade alternative to the classic takeout dish, allowing you to enjoy the same great flavor with fresh ingredients and without the need for delivery. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

I can’t wait to see how your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!