If you have ever craved the perfectly balanced savory and slightly sweet flavors of your favorite Panda Express dish, you’re in for a treat with this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and crisp zucchini all enveloped in a luscious, fragrant sauce that you can easily recreate at home. This recipe captures the essence of the iconic restaurant dish, offering that signature taste in every bite while being simple enough to whip up any weeknight. Trust me, once you try this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe, it might just become your new go-to comfort meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of ingredients for a meal arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with thin, pale pink slices of raw chicken in the bottom right. Next to it are three fresh green onions placed diagonally from bottom right to the middle. To the left of the onions, a clear glass measuring cup contains sliced green zucchini with light green interior and dark green skin. Above it, another clear bowl holds sliced white mushrooms with brown gills, placed to the left of the chicken bowl. Near the top center, a piece of ginger with a rough light brown skin is placed next to a bulb of garlic. Surrounding these fresh ingredients are several small white bowls and blue glass bowls holding various liquids and powders: two bowls hold pale yellow liquids, two small bowls contain dark brown soy sauce, and the blue bowls hold light tan or white powders and seeds. A larger clear measuring cup with a yellow liquid is at the left-center. The composition is clean, bright, and evenly spaced, capturing a fresh ingredient setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create impactful flavor and satisfying textures. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the umami, adding a touch of sweetness, or providing the perfect textural contrast.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick and even cooking, ensuring tender bites throughout.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory umami base to the chicken marinade and the sauce behind it all.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle aroma and warmth to the chicken without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A mild sweetness to complement the garlic and deepen flavor.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a lovely sear and helps thicken the sauce.
1/4 cup unsalted chicken stock: Brings moisture and richness to the sauce, balancing flavors.
3 tablespoons light brown sugar: Offers a gentle caramel sweetness that balances the salty and tangy notes.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: For the signature salty-savory depth in the sauce.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Elevates umami and adds a subtle richness.
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy contrast that livens up the dish.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Works as a thickening agent to create a glossy sauce.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used in stages for searing chicken, mushrooms, and zucchini perfectly.
8 ounces white mushrooms: Thinly sliced to soak up the sauce and add earthiness.
2 cups medium sliced zucchini: Adds vibrant color and a crisp, fresh texture.
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger: Provides a zesty warmth and fragrance.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for punchy savory flavor in the finishing sauce.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty crunch as a garnish.
Thinly sliced scallions (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion note and bright green color.

How to Make Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing the thinly sliced chicken breast in soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple marinade infuses the chicken with foundational savory notes. Next, coat all the pieces with cornstarch, which is key for creating a silky sauce later and gives the chicken that satisfying sear when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

While the chicken marinates, whisk together chicken stock, light brown sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch. This sauce recipe is the heart of the Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe — it perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy elements, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and a glossy finish.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully lay the chicken in a single layer, letting it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds to develop a golden crust. Toss and turn the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Removing it to a plate keeps it warm while you cook your veggies.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and toss in your mushrooms. Keep stirring them for 2 minutes until they soften and release their earthy aroma. This step brings out the umami qualities of mushrooms, which complement the chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Sauté the Zucchini

Using the remaining oil, cook the sliced zucchini for 2 to 3 minutes until tender yet crisp. This adds a fresh, bright contrast to the dish, enhancing both texture and color. Once done, transfer the zucchini to the plate with the chicken and mushrooms.

Step 6: Finish with Aromatics and Sauce

Add minced ginger and garlic to the hot skillet and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle bubble. Return the chicken, mushrooms, and zucchini to the pan and toss everything to coat well in the thickened sauce. Let it simmer a couple of minutes to meld all the flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe

A black pan filled with cooked pieces of golden-brown chicken mixed with sliced green zucchini and light brown mushrooms. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan, partially stirring the ingredients. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions over the dish before serving. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch, color, and fresh oniony brightness that elevate the overall presentation and taste further.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or even lightly stir-fried noodles make excellent companions, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe over crispy wonton strips or alongside crunchy lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld meal. You could also plate it with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to add even more texture and color variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the ingredients moist and flavorful so that reheated portions taste almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal longer, freeze the cooked dish in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the tenderness of the chicken and vegetables.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms in the Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While white button mushrooms are traditional here, cremini or baby bella mushrooms will add a deeper flavor and work just as well — feel free to use your favorites.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce and oyster sauce for gluten-free versions. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no changes needed there.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Definitely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will add more richness and stay juicy, making this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe even more indulgent.

How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild and approachable. To add a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce when cooking the sauce.

What can I substitute for rice wine vinegar?

If you don’t have rice wine vinegar on hand, a mild white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work. Use slightly less and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary arsenal — it nails the comforting, flavorful vibe of the classic restaurant favorite while being straightforward enough to make anytime. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try; it’s perfect for impressing family or just treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal with vibrant flavors and textures. Once you make it, I bet you’ll want to keep this recipe close for many dinners to come!