This Panda Express’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki glaze. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a soy-based sauce, then air-fried to tender perfection and brushed with thick, sticky teriyaki for that signature restaurant-style finish—all in under 30 minutes.
If you love the sweet and savory flavors of Panda Express’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, you’re going to love this easy homemade version!
Made right in the air fryer, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs coated in a rich, glossy teriyaki glaze. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re craving takeout without the wait.
Serve it over Copycat Panda Express White Rice Recipe or with Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy in the Air Fryer – No grill needed; ready in under 30 minutes.
- Authentic Takeout Flavor – Tastes just like Panda Express, but homemade and fresher.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken Thighs – Marinated and cooked to perfection every time.
- Thick, Glossy Teriyaki Glaze – Sweet, savory, and perfectly sticky for that signature finish.
- Great for Meal Prep – Perfect over rice, noodles, or veggies for easy lunches all week.
Panda Express’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Juicy, flavorful dark meat perfect for grilling or air frying.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty, umami-rich base to the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Brings sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze.
- Honey: Natural sweetener for a smooth, glossy finish
- Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Ginger: Fresh and zesty kick with subtle warmth.
- Rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with mild tangy acidity.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the teriyaki sauce until glossy.
- Water: Helps thin the sauce to desired consistency.
How To Make Panda Express’s Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve the leftover marinade for the sauce). Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Bring the marinade to a low simmer, then stir in the slurry. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 4: Brush or spoon the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken thighs.
Slice and serve over steamed rice, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best results: They stay juicy during air frying and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes: Longer marinating (up to 4 hours) deepens flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Don’t skip flipping halfway: This ensures even browning and crisp edges on both sides.
- Thicken the sauce separately: Boiling the reserved marinade with cornstarch keeps it safe and gives you that perfect sticky glaze.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing: Resting for 5 minutes helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies: This chicken pairs well with white rice, fried rice, lo mein, or fresh vegetables for a full takeout-style meal.
- Double the sauce for extra drizzling If you love saucy dishes, make extra teriyaki glaze to pour over your rice or veggies.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Place leftover grilled teriyaki chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep it juicy and crispy. Alternatively, warm in the microwave covered to prevent drying out.
What To Serve With Panda Express Grilled Chicken Recipe
Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a balanced meal, add simple stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers tossed in a light garlic sauce. You can also serve it alongside fried rice or lo mein for a heartier takeout-style feast that’s easy to recreate at home.
Panda Express Grilled Chicken Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful when air-fried. If using breasts, watch cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.
How long should I marinate the chicken? At least 30 minutes for good flavor, but marinating up to 4 hours will make the chicken even more tender and tasty.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and can be reheated before serving.
Is it necessary to thicken the sauce with cornstarch? Thickening the sauce gives it that glossy, sticky finish typical of teriyaki. You can skip it if you prefer a thinner sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover grilled teriyaki chicken? Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave, covering to keep moisture, for best results.
Can this recipe be made without an air fryer? Yes! You can grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or broil it in the oven, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
More Panda Express Copycat Recipes
- Air Fryer Panda Express Almond Chicken Recipe
- Panda Express Green Bean Chicken Recipe
- Reheating Panda Express Leftovers In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef
- Panda Express Chili Crisp Shrimp Recipe
- Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Fried Dumplings
- Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Chicken Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken
- Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe
- Air Fryer Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat
- Panda Express Apple Pie Egg Rolls
- Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
- Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon
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Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade for the sauce. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F internally.
- Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir slurry into simmering marinade. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
- Brush or drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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