Best Copycat Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

I have to admit, because I’ve burned more than my fair share of chicken in my life, and seriously, it’s like the universe laughs when I try to make “simple” dishes, and have you ever stared at a pan thinking “Why is this sticking?” Well, yeah, me too.

That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tried to make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken at home, because I thought it would be easy to chop some chicken and toss some mushrooms, pour sauce, but nope, it turned into a total mess.

But here’s the thing, after a few tries, I finally nailed Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, let me tell you it was so worth it because the chicken was tender and the mushrooms were juicy, that sauce made me want to drink it straight from the pan.

Honestly, it felt like a little victory dance in my kitchen. Have you ever had that moment when something finally turns out right? You just sit there, amazed. Well, that’s exactly how Panda Express Mushroom Chicken makes you feel because even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, you should keep going, trust me, you’ll get that magical saucy goodness that makes everyone smile.

ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated or minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

ingredients notes

• Chicken: Make sure it’s cut into small pieces so it cooks fast and is easy to eat.
• Mushrooms: Any kind of mushroom works, but white or cremini are soft and tasty.
• Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and flavor. You can use low-sodium if you like.
• Oyster sauce: Makes it sweet and rich.
• Cornstarch: This helps the sauce stick to the chicken and mushrooms.
• Ginger and garlic: Give the dish a yummy, fresh taste.

How to make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?

step 1: prepare the chicken

Mix the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir until every piece is coated. This helps the chicken stay tender and soak up the flavors.

step 2: cook the chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

step 3: cook the mushrooms

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they are soft and golden, about 4–5 minutes. Mushrooms shrink a little as they cook, so don’t worry if they look smaller.

step 4: make the sauce

Mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is combined nicely.

step 5: combine chicken and sauce

Add the chicken back into the pan with the mushrooms. Pour the sauce over everything. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and sticks to the chicken and mushrooms.

step 6: garnish and serve

Sprinkle the green onions on top if you want. Serve your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken hot with rice or noodles. Enjoy every bite.

kitchen equipment needed

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl for sauce
• Pan or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon

storage options!

You can keep your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warm. Don’t leave it out too long because chicken needs to stay cold when not being eaten. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat before eating.

variations!

• Spicy version: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Vegetable mix: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots to make it colorful and healthy.
• Different meat: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a fun twist.
• Thicker sauce: Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water if you want it stickier.

what to enjoy with Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?

I love pairing Panda Express Mushroom Chicken with other fun foods, because it makes dinner feel exciting and not just plain chicken and mushrooms. Here are some of my favorite things to eat with Panda Express Mushroom Chicken first one is simple steamed rice because it soaks up all that yummy sauce and makes every bite perfect.

Second one is noodles because sometimes I just crave long, slurpy noodles that stick to the sauce, the third one is School Cafeteria Pizza because mixing flavors is kinda fun, the fourth one is Mini McGriddle Muffin Bites because breakfast-for-dinner vibes are the best, and the fifth one is roasted vegetables.

tips for making the best panda express mushroom chicken

• Always cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
• Fresh mushrooms give the best flavor. Avoid canned ones unless that’s all you have.
• Taste the sauce before adding it to make sure it’s not too salty or too sweet. Adjust sugar or soy sauce as needed.
• Stir constantly when adding the sauce so it doesn’t burn.
• Use medium-high heat to get nice browning on the chicken and mushrooms.

FAQ

what is panda express mushroom chicken made of?

It is made of chicken, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a little cornstarch to make the sauce thick.

what does panda express mushroom chicken taste like?

It tastes sweet, salty, and savory at the same time. The chicken is tender, the mushrooms are soft, and the sauce is rich and yummy.

can i use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking so it cooks evenly.

can i make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu or extra mushrooms and skip oyster sauce or use a vegetarian version.

how long does it take to cook?

About 30 minutes from start to finish.

can i make it spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes, sriracha, or a little hot sauce to the sauce.

what rice goes best with it?

Steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice are perfect.

can i freeze leftovers?

Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

do i need fresh ginger?

Fresh is best, but powdered ginger can be used in a pinch.

can i use other mushrooms?

Yes, cremini, shiitake, or white mushrooms all work.

can kids eat it?

Yes, it’s mild and sweet enough for kids. Adjust the sauce if you want less salty or sweet.

can i double the recipe?

Yes, just double all ingredients and cook in batches if your pan is small.