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Hi, I’m Amanda — welcome to my kitchen.
This Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken came from one of those tired nights when takeout sounded easy… but I needed something better. Something lighter. Something homemade.
I’ve been cooking for decades, but it hasn’t always been joyful. I lost that rhythm during the busy years — raising kids, working full-time, doing what had to be done. Then I found my way back through simple meals like this one: quick, comforting, and quietly nourishing.
That’s why I started HealthyMealRecipe — not for perfection, but for real-life food that works. And if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.
— Amanda
Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
When dinner needs to happen fast, Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is the kind of meal that shows up. It’s simple, satisfying, and tastes like it took way more effort than it did.
It’s faster than takeout
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe skips the delivery wait but still hits that crave-worthy flavor you expect from Panda Express.
It’s healthier than the restaurant version
Less sodium, less sugar — but still sticky, savory, and perfectly grilled. This version lets you enjoy the taste without the guilt.
Only 6 ingredients, big payoff
Soy sauce, garlic, honey, and sesame oil come together in a fast marinade that turns plain chicken into something special.
Meal prep–friendly and kid-approved
Reheats beautifully, works in rice bowls or wraps, and gets devoured by picky eaters. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation.
If this sounds like your style, you might also love Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs — another fast, flavor-packed dinner made for real life.
Ingredients for Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
This is one of those recipes where everything works harder than it looks. Just a few basic pantry staples — and some good chicken — are all you need.
🧂 Pantry staples that pack flavor
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs – tender and juicy, just like the original
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce – the salty backbone of teriyaki
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – adds natural sweetness without overdoing it
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – balances the sauce with a gentle tang
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – brings in that toasted, nutty aroma
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
🛠️ Easy swaps that still work
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce
- No thighs? Breasts or tenders will do (just don’t overcook)
- No honey? Try brown sugar, agave, or date syrup
- Low-sugar diet? Skip the sweetener — it still tastes great with grilled caramelization
Want more ideas like this? This Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls recipe is another fast, saucy dinner that uses simple pantry ingredients with zero stress.
🍃 Optional toppings (but always welcome)
A side of rice or steamed broccoli
Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
How to Make Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at Home
You only need one bowl, one grill pan, and less than 30 minutes. Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is one of those weeknight recipes that looks and tastes like a big effort — but couldn’t be easier.
1. Make the marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This sauce is bold, sweet, and salty — the kind of flavor that sticks to the chicken beautifully.
This quick marinade is what gives Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken its signature taste with half the effort.
2. Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let them soak overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or pan
Set a grill or grill pan over medium heat and let it preheat for 4–5 minutes. A hot surface gives you that signature sear and locks in juices.
Even without a backyard grill, you can still recreate the char and flavor of Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a simple stovetop grill pan.
4. Grill the chicken
Remove the thighs from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Chicken should hit 165°F inside.
5. Boil leftover marinade (optional)
To make a drizzle sauce, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and boil for 3–5 minutes. This kills any bacteria and thickens the flavor.
A spoonful of this glaze over sliced Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken takes it from fast to full-on comfort.
6. Slice and serve
Let the grilled chicken rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot over rice, with vegetables, or tucked into lettuce wraps. Spoon sauce on top and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
What Makes Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken So Irresistible
This recipe isn’t just easy — it’s smart. Here’s why it tastes so good, so fast.
Quick marinade, big flavor
Soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar work fast. Even a short soak gives the chicken bold, balanced flavor that clings and caramelizes.
Chicken thighs = no stress
Thighs stay juicy, even if you’re multitasking. That’s why Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken turns out well every single time.
Grilled = deeper taste
A hot pan adds those golden edges and smoky bits that take this dish from simple to seriously satisfying.
Want more flavor with minimal effort? Try this Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe — it’s another keeper for easy weeknights.
The glaze seals the deal
A spoonful of boiled marinade turns this into something special. No thickeners, no fuss — just that classic sweet-savory finish.
Make It Yours: Easy Twists on This Teriyaki Favorite
This recipe is forgiving, flexible, and made to fit your life — no matter who’s coming to dinner.
No grill? Use a skillet
A cast iron pan works just fine. You’ll still get that rich, caramelized crust — no outdoor grill needed.
Feeding picky eaters?
Slice the chicken before cooking and serve it with plain rice and steamed veggies. It’s easy to separate and customize without making extra meals.
Low-carb or keto?
Skip the sweetener or use monk fruit. Serve with cauliflower rice or stir-fried cabbage — the flavor still holds up.
Want to make it vegetarian?
Swap in pressed tofu or portobello mushrooms. Marinate just like the chicken, then grill or pan-sear.
Prep ahead for busy nights
Marinate the chicken in the morning, grill it in the evening. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or grain bowls the next day.
For another flexible dinner that works around your week, try this Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake — it’s hearty, simple, and just as family-friendly.
What Can Go Wrong (And How to Fix It)
Even the easiest recipes have their trouble spots. Here’s how to make sure your Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken turns out just right.
Using cold chicken straight from the fridge
Cold meat hits a hot pan and seizes up. Let your chicken rest at room temp for 15 minutes before grilling — it’ll cook more evenly and stay tender.
Skipping the boil on leftover marinade
It might seem like a shortcut, but brushing raw marinade on cooked meat is a food safety no-no. Always bring it to a boil before using as a sauce.
Overcrowding the pan
This is a fast way to steam, not grill. Cook in batches if needed to get that golden sear and signature flavor.
Not drying off excess marinade
Dripping wet chicken won’t brown — it’ll sputter and slide around the pan. Let the excess drip off before it hits the heat.
Using chicken breasts without adjusting
They can dry out quickly. If swapping them in, cook for less time and consider pounding them to even thickness.
FAQ: Quick Answers About This Teriyaki Favorite
What type of chicken does Panda Express use in its grilled teriyaki?
They use boneless, skinless chicken thighs — and so does this recipe. Thighs stay juicy, hold marinade well, and are much harder to overcook than breasts.
Is Panda Express’s grilled teriyaki chicken healthy?
It depends. The restaurant version tends to be high in sodium and sugar. This homemade Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken cuts both while keeping the flavor — making it a healthier, heartier option.
How do you make grilled teriyaki chicken at home like Panda Express?
Marinate the chicken in a quick soy-based sauce, then grill until browned and juicy. A drizzle of boiled marinade adds that signature sticky-sweet finish. Full instructions are above — it’s faster than you think.
What sauce does Panda Express use for its teriyaki chicken?
They use a sweet soy-based glaze. This version mimics it using pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil — no bottled sauce required.
Before You Go
If tonight feels rushed, loud, or just a little off — I hope this recipe brings a bit of calm to your table.
Real food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to feel like it fits your life. A warm plate. A quiet moment. Something that says: you did enough.
Whether this becomes a weeknight go-to or a once-in-a-while favorite, I’m so grateful you cooked it here with me.
We’ll see you in the next recipe.
Craving more one-pot wonders? Find me on Facebook and Pinterest — real food, made for real life.
— Amanda (and Lina, behind the scenes)
Print
Panda Express Quick Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Quick, crave-worthy, and healthier than takeout — this Panda Express–style grilled teriyaki chicken is ready in under 30 minutes, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for busy nights.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat for 4–5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Optional: boil remaining marinade in a saucepan for 3–5 minutes to create a glaze.
- Let grilled chicken rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with rice or vegetables, and drizzle with glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
For a low-sugar version, skip the sweetener. For vegetarian options, use tofu or portobello mushrooms. Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick Healthy Chicken Recipes
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg