Easy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat Recipe

If you love ordering Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat every time you see it on the menu, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It brings all those savory, garlicky flavors you crave—without the takeout box or extra wait time.

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken copycat is light, saucy, and packed with tender chicken, juicy mushrooms, and crisp zucchini. It cooks fast, tastes incredibly fresh, and feels like one of those meals you can whip up after a long day and still feel proud serving.

Whether you’re trying to recreate your favorite takeout at home or just need a quick, healthy dinner idea, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients—and it’s way easier than you think.

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INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need to make this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat at home. Simple ingredients, big flavor.

• Chicken breast, thinly sliced – 1 lb (450 g)
• Fresh mushrooms (white or cremini), sliced – 8 oz (225 g)
• Zucchini, sliced into half-moons – 1 medium (about 200 g)
• Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
• Fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended) – 1 teaspoon (5 g)
• Soy sauce (low sodium preferred) – 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
• Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Chicken broth – ½ cup (120 ml)
• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (8 g)
• Water (for slurry) – 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Vegetable oil (for cooking) – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g), or to taste
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g)

Optional additions

• Green onions, sliced – for garnish
• Red pepper flakes – for a little heat

INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these simple steps to make this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat perfectly tender and flavorful.

1. Prepare the sauce.
   In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth. Set the sauce aside so it’s ready to go.
2. Heat the pan.
   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
3. Cook the chicken.
   Add the sliced chicken breast in a single layer. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, tossing often, until the chicken turns golden and cooks through. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Sauté the vegetables.
   In the same pan, add the mushrooms and zucchini. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the zucchini turns just tender.
5. Add aromatics.
   Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Keep the heat steady so the garlic doesn’t burn.
6. Combine everything.
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
7. Thicken the sauce.
   Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
8. Finish and serve.
   Remove the pan from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with green onions or red pepper flakes if desired.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Here are a few easy ways to make your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat turn out amazing every single time—and tweak it to fit your taste.

Cooking Tips

• Slice the chicken thinly and evenly so it cooks fast and stays tender, just like the restaurant version.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in a single layer so it sears instead of steaming.
• Prep everything before cooking. This recipe moves quickly once the heat is on.

Flavor Variations

• Make it spicier: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (1 g) or a splash of chili garlic sauce.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli work beautifully here.
• Extra savory sauce: Add 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (5 ml) for a deeper umami flavor.

Lighter Option

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, or swap half the chicken for extra mushrooms and zucchini for a lighter meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

SERVING IDEAS

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat is super versatile, which makes it perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

Classic Pairings

• Serve it over steamed white rice or brown rice for a true takeout-style meal.
• Pair it with fried rice or garlic noodles for something a little more indulgent.

Lighter Options

• Spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner.
• Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra greens.

Complete the Meal

• Add egg rolls, spring rolls, or dumplings on the side for a Panda Express–inspired dinner night at home.
• Pair with a light drink like jasmine tea or sparkling water with lemon to balance the savory flavors.

Occasion Ideas

• Weeknight dinners: Fast, easy, and family-friendly.
• Meal prep: Divide into containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches.
• Casual entertaining: Serve buffet-style with other copycat takeout favorites.

FAQs

Can I store leftovers of this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken copycat?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Freezing isn’t ideal because mushrooms and zucchini release extra moisture when thawed. If you do freeze it, expect a softer texture after reheating.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

You can substitute hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a small pinch of sugar. The flavor will change slightly but still taste delicious.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Slice the chicken thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Cooking over medium-high heat for a short time keeps it juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Cook everything fresh when ready to eat.

Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer another 30–60 seconds. If it’s too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of chicken broth and stir until smooth.

Recipes

Yield: 4 servings

Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat

Print

This Panda Express Mushroom Chicken copycat is light, savory, and full of tender chicken, juicy mushrooms, and zucchini in a garlicky sauce. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken breast, thinly sliced – 1 lb (450 g)
• Fresh mushrooms (white or cremini), sliced – 8 oz (225 g)
• Zucchini, sliced – 1 medium (about 200 g)
• Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
• Fresh ginger, minced (optional) – 1 teaspoon (5 g)
• Soy sauce (low sodium) – 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
• Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Chicken broth – ½ cup (120 ml)
• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (8 g)
• Water – 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g)
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g)
• Optional garnish: sliced green onions or red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
   
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
   
3. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
   
4. Add the mushrooms and zucchini to the same pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
   
5. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
6. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce.
   
7. Stir constantly and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
   
8. Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Slice the chicken thinly for the most tender texture.
  
• Prep all ingredients before cooking since this dish cooks quickly.
  
• Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1¼ cups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

I hope this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat brings a little takeout-style comfort right into your kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and one of those recipes that feels both light and satisfying at the same time—perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime. I’d also love to hear how it turned out for you—leave a comment with your favorite variation or how you served it. Happy cooking! 💕🍄🍗