If you’ve ever fallen in love with the savory, comforting flavors of Chinese-American cuisine, then you’re in for a real treat with this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe. It perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken strips with fresh mushrooms, crisp vegetables, and a luscious, flavorful sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking to impress with a homemade dish, this recipe brings all the goodness of Panda Express’s classic mushroom chicken right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe will have the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms to the vibrant veggies and savory sauce components.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Sliced thin for quick and even cooking, the star protein of this dish.
- 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button): Adds an umami-rich depth and satisfying texture.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers a bright crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a pop of beautiful red.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying and getting that delicious sear.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Delivers savory saltiness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances umami richness and adds subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor base for the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and seasoning.
- Sliced green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and a burst of color to finish.
How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breast into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook fast and evenly, making every bite tender and juicy. Quick prep like this sets the stage for the entire dish to come together smoothly.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Warm up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The hot oil will give the chicken those beautiful browned edges that add flavor and texture, so make sure it’s shimmering before adding the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Drop the chicken strips into the hot skillet and stir-fry them for about five minutes. Keep them moving so they don’t stick or dry out. You want to see a nice golden color, signaling that the chicken is cooked through and ready to join the veggies.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to bring in the freshness! Add your sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for three to five minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp, keeping that wonderful bite and nutrients intact.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the heart of your sauce, delivering savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors that make the dish truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Add Sauce to Skillet
Pour the sauce mixture right over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well so every piece gets coated in the delicious glaze. This step infuses your ingredients with flavor, elevating the entire dish.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring continuously. Within a minute or two, you’ll notice the sauce thickening to a glossy, luscious consistency – that iconic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken look and texture.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your dish a quick taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Then take the skillet off the heat and transfer everything to a serving dish. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions to add freshness and crunch. You’re now ready to enjoy your homemade Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe!
How to Serve Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are fantastic for adding pops of color and an extra layer of mild onion flavor. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds if you want to add a subtle nutty crunch that complements the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you want a lighter option, simple stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice can make a delicious base. The savory sauce seeps perfectly into any side you choose.
Creative Ways to Present
For a home-cooked feel with a restaurant touch, try serving your mushroom chicken in individual shallow bowls with a lime wedge on the side for a zesty contrast. You could also plate it over a bed of fragrant fried rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced chilies for an extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce helps maintain moisture, so reheated portions stay juicy and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the vegetables might soften a bit after freezing, so this method works best if you plan to reheat and enjoy within a reasonable timeframe.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce to its original silky texture if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While shiitake and button mushrooms are recommended, you can also try cremini or portobello mushrooms based on availability and personal preference. Each brings its own unique flavor profile, making the dish fun to customize.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce provides that signature umami sweetness crucial to the dish’s flavor, but if you need a vegetarian alternative, you can use mushroom sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of hoisin sauce to mimic a similar taste.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a richer flavor and more tender texture. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked but not overdone.
What’s the best way to get the sauce thick enough?
Make sure to mix your cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the hot skillet. Stir continuously after adding, and the sauce will thicken within a couple of minutes to that perfect, glossy consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
The classic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe is mildly savory without heat, making it kid-friendly and approachable. However, feel free to add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili if you enjoy a little spice.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe at home is such a satisfying way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen. It’s straightforward, quick, and packed with it mouthwatering combinations you’ll want again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new weeknight favorite!
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Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
Enjoy a delicious and healthy Panda Express-style Mushroom Chicken made with tender chicken breast strips, fresh mushrooms, broccoli, and red bell pepper, all stir-fried to perfection in a savory soy and oyster sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that packs flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, and red bell pepper into the skillet. Continue stir-frying for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the sauce mixture.
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt or pepper if needed for desired flavor balance.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, transfer the mushroom chicken to a serving dish, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist (use tofu instead of chicken).
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- To make it spicier, add a dash of chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies during the sauce preparation.
