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Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken was one of the first recipes I recreated when I started this site — not just because it’s tasty, but because it felt like real comfort food.
I’m Amanda. I’m 50, a mom, and someone who learned to cook beside my grandmother — simple food, made with care. Years later, after some hard seasons, I came back to the kitchen to feel steady again.
Now, with Lina by my side, I focus on healthy chicken recipes that are quick, nourishing, and practical — like this Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, which brings all the flavor of takeout, without the fuss.
If you’re craving something bold and easy, this Bang Bang Chicken Bites is another keeper.
Why This Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Works
Fast, Family-Friendly, and Flavorful
When life is moving fast, you need dinner to just work. This Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe hits that rare sweet spot — it’s quick enough for a weeknight, easy enough for beginners, and tasty enough to make everyone at the table happy (even the picky ones). With just a few pantry staples and no complicated steps, it’s a dependable go-to when you’re tired but still want something good.
Takeout Taste Without the Guilt
We all love the sweet, smoky flavor of takeout teriyaki chicken, but the sodium and sugar can be a lot. This version gives you that same satisfying flavor — juicy chicken, caramelized edges, and all — using cleaner ingredients. You’re in control of the sauce, the sweetness, and how it’s served. Pair it with rice, lettuce wraps, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb spin.
Grill or Pan-Sear, Your Choice
You don’t need a fancy outdoor grill to make this work. A simple cast-iron pan or grill pan gives the same charred, glossy finish in less than 15 minutes. That flexibility means you can make this rain or shine, all year round.
Better Ingredients, Better Results
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs makes all the difference — they stay moist, soak up the marinade beautifully, and never dry out. A little fresh ginger and garlic give the sauce a punch of flavor without needing anything artificial. It’s a recipe built on real ingredients that taste like more.
If you’re into flavor-packed chicken dinners that come together fast, these Street Corn Chicken Enchiladas are another terrific family-style meal that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Let’s take a look at what goes into this dish — it doesn’t take much, but each ingredient plays a key role in bringing that signature flavor to life.
Ingredients for Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
What You’ll Need
To make this juicy and flavorful Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at home, you only need a handful of ingredients — most of them pantry staples:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
(thighs stay moist and are perfect for grilling) - 1/2 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
(store-bought works fine, but homemade gives you control) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
(adds that toasty, nutty flavor) - 1 garlic clove, minced
(fresh is best for punchy flavor) - 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
(don’t skip this — it makes the sauce taste bright and real) - 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
(helps caramelize the glaze for that glossy finish) - Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Smart Ingredient Swaps
- No thighs? You can use boneless chicken breasts, but keep a close eye so they don’t dry out.
- No sesame oil? A little avocado or olive oil will do, though you’ll miss the depth.
- Low-carb option? Skip the honey and serve it with cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce cups.
- Want it sweeter? Add an extra teaspoon of honey or a splash of pineapple juice to your marinade.
If you’re looking for another family-friendly chicken dish that works beautifully with pantry staples, this Chicken and Rice Tacos recipe is a fun, flexible option that kids and adults both love.
You’ve got your ingredients ready now it’s time to bring everything together. Here’s exactly how I make this grilled teriyaki chicken come out juicy and bold every time.
How to Make Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey (if using). This creates a bold, balanced marinade that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure every piece is coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill or Pan
Heat a grill or grill pan to medium. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Give it a few minutes to come to temperature so you get that golden sear right away.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and the internal temp reaches 165°F. Don’t crowd the pan — give them room to breathe so they sear instead of steam.
Step 5: Brush With Extra Marinade
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush a little fresh marinade over each piece. This adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor — just like they do at Panda Express.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Garnish
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes to stay juicy. Then slice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with rice or vegetables.
Why This Recipe Tastes So Good
Thigh Meat = Juicy Every Time
Chicken thighs are nearly impossible to mess up. They have more fat than breasts, which means they stay juicy and tender even if you slightly overcook them. For Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, they’re the ideal cut — rich enough to hold the sauce, but lean enough to stay light.
Quick Marinade, Deep Flavor
Thanks to fresh garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, even a 30-minute soak gives your chicken a bold, complex flavor. These ingredients penetrate quickly, especially in thighs, giving you that takeout-style punch without waiting overnight. That’s one reason Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken works so well — short prep, big payoff.
Sweet, Smoky, and Salty Balance
The flavor combo is what makes this dish addictive. The honey and teriyaki give it a sweet glaze. The grill adds a hint of smokiness. And the soy sauce brings everything together with that salty, umami base. It’s a full flavor circle, all from just a few ingredients.
Searing Locks in Flavor
When the chicken hits a hot grill pan, the sugars in the marinade start to caramelize. That creates those beautiful char marks and sticky, flavorful edges — just like the original from Panda Express.
Sesame Oil’s Nutty Magic
It’s just one tablespoon, but sesame oil adds so much depth. It gives the dish a toasted, nutty base that lingers behind the sweetness. Leave it out, and you’ll definitely notice something missing.
If you love meals that layer sweet, smoky, and savory, this Peruvian Chicken Stew is another deeply satisfying recipe worth bookmarking.
And if you’re ready to put your own spin on this dish, the variations below offer easy ways to adapt it to your lifestyle — whether you’re eating low-carb, going meat-free, or just switching things up.
Make It Low Carb or Keto
Easy Variations of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Make It Low Carb or Keto
Skip the honey and serve it with cauliflower rice, shredded cabbage, or wrapped in lettuce cups. You’ll still get all the flavor of Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, but without the extra sugar or starch.
Swap Chicken for Tofu or Shrimp
If you’re cooking for vegetarians or just want something different, this marinade works beautifully on tofu or shrimp. For tofu, press it well and sear until golden. For shrimp, reduce marinating time to just 15 minutes.
Oven or Air Fryer Option
No grill? No problem. You can bake the marinated chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Or toss it in the air fryer for a faster finish with crispy edges. If you love recipes that cook fast and still deliver, try our Crockpot Southwest Chicken next — it’s full of flavor and easy to adapt.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
Slice it and tuck into rice bowls with cucumbers, edamame, and avocado. Or go fusion and roll it into tortillas for Asian-style tacos. My youngest even dips pieces into ranch — and honestly, it still works.
Meal Prep It for the Week
Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and makes a killer lunch over greens, grains, or noodles. Just keep the garnish separate until ready to serve.
But before you pack it up or fire up the grill, let’s make sure you’re avoiding a few easy-to-miss mistakes that can mess with flavor or texture.
Avoid These Mistakes When Making Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Don’t Over-Marinate
It’s tempting to leave the chicken in the sauce all day, but more than 4 hours can actually break down the meat too much — especially with fresh ginger in the mix. For Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, 30 minutes to 2 hours is the sweet spot.
Use the Right Heat
Medium heat is your friend. Too low, and the chicken steams instead of sears. Too high, and the sugars in the marinade can burn. Preheat your grill or pan until you hear a light sizzle when the chicken hits.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing gives the juices time to redistribute. Cut too soon, and those flavorful juices will run out onto the board instead of staying in each bite.
Avoid Drying It Out
Thighs are forgiving, but they’re not invincible. If you cook too long or crowd the pan, even juicy cuts can turn tough. If you’re worried about dryness, this Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole is another moist, flavor-packed option that’s nearly impossible to overdo.
Got more questions before you get started? Let’s go over the most common ones to help you feel fully prepped and confident in the kitchen.
FAQ About Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
How do you make grilled teriyaki chicken like Panda Express?
Start with boneless chicken thighs and marinate them in a mix of teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey. Then grill them until slightly charred and cooked through, brushing on extra sauce for a glossy finish. This homemade Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken version nails the flavor using simple pantry ingredients.
Is Panda Express’s teriyaki chicken healthy?
The restaurant version is delicious but often contains more sugar and sodium than you’d expect. Making it at home gives you full control over the ingredients, so you can use low-sodium sauce, skip added sugar, or even swap in healthier sides like cauliflower rice.
What chicken cuts does Panda Express use?
They typically use boneless, skinless chicken thighs — which is why the texture stays tender and juicy. This recipe uses the same cut to stay true to the original, but it’s easy to adjust if you prefer breasts.
Can I make this grilled teriyaki chicken recipe?
Yes! It’s beginner-friendly and comes together in under 30 minutes. No fancy tools needed — just a pan or grill, a few ingredients, and some prep time. If you’re just starting out, this Chicken Tender Salad is another easy recipe that delivers flavor without complexity.
A Final Word
If you’re here, reading this, I hope you know something: dinner doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be made with heart.
This recipe isn’t about impressing guests or chasing trends — it’s about giving yourself a break, feeding your people well, and maybe even finding a little peace over a warm plate of food.
Whether you’re making this after a long workday or trying something new on a weekend, I hope it brings a bit of ease to your kitchen. You deserve meals that taste good and feel good.
We’re so glad you’re cooking with us. Come back anytime — we’ll be here, apron on, pan hot, cheering you on.
Craving more one-pot wonders? Find me on Facebook and Pinterest — real food, made for real life.
— Amanda & Lina
Print
Healthy Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet, smoky teriyaki glaze, grilled to perfection and finished with a nutty hint of sesame oil. It’s everything you love about takeout — made healthier and faster at home.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey (if using).
- Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over and coat well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium and lightly oil the surface.
- Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the last 2 minutes, brush chicken with extra marinade for a glossy finish.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For a low-carb version, skip the honey and serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce cups. Avoid over-marinating beyond 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick Healthy Chicken Recipes
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg