Laura Smith
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a beloved dish known for its savory sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms, making it a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout. Recreating this dish at home allows you to enjoy its flavors while customizing ingredients to your preference. The recipe typically involves marinating chicken in a blend of soy sauce, cornstarch, and seasonings, then stir-frying it with mushrooms, zucchini, and a rich sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, making Panda Express Mushroom Chicken at home is an accessible and rewarding way to bring a restaurant favorite to your kitchen.
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What You'll Learn
- Ingredients Needed: Gather chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, sherry, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, oil, and veggies
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in soy sauce, sherry, and cornstarch for 15 minutes
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat oil, cook chicken until golden, then set aside for later use
- Sauté Mushrooms & Veggies: Stir-fry mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and veggies until tender and fragrant
- Combine & Thicken: Return chicken to pan, add sauce, and simmer until glossy and thickened. Serve hot
Ingredients Needed: Gather chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, sherry, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, oil, and veggies
To begin crafting your Panda Express-style Mushroom Chicken, the first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Start with the protein: chicken breasts or thighs, which will be the star of the dish. Ensure the chicken is fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, you’ll need mushrooms, preferably button or cremini, as they provide a hearty texture and earthy flavor that complements the chicken. Slice them uniformly to ensure consistent cooking. These two ingredients form the foundation of your dish, so their quality and preparation are key.
Moving on to the flavor components, soy sauce is essential for its savory, umami-rich profile, while dry sherry adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce. If you don’t have sherry, a dry white wine or chicken broth can be substituted, though the flavor will differ slightly. Garlic and ginger are the aromatic powerhouses of this dish, providing a fragrant base. Mince the garlic finely and grate or mince the ginger to release their full flavor potential. These ingredients will infuse the dish with the signature Panda Express taste.
To create the sauce’s silky texture and bind the flavors together, cornstarch is crucial. Mix it with a bit of water to create a slurry, which will thicken the sauce as it cooks. Additionally, oil (vegetable or canola works well) is needed for stir-frying the chicken and mushrooms. It ensures the ingredients cook evenly and develop a slight crispness without burning. These ingredients work behind the scenes to elevate the dish’s texture and consistency.
Finally, don’t forget the veggies to add color, crunch, and nutritional balance. Common choices include bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas, but feel free to use your favorites. Slice them thinly so they cook quickly and retain their crispness. These vegetables not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sauce. With all these ingredients gathered, you’re now fully prepared to start cooking your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken.
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Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in soy sauce, sherry, and cornstarch for 15 minutes
To begin the process of making Panda Express Mushroom Chicken, the first crucial step is to marinate the chicken. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring a tender texture. Start by gathering your ingredients: boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, soy sauce, dry sherry, and cornstarch. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in size, to allow for even cooking and better absorption of the marinade. The soy sauce will provide a savory, umami base, while the dry sherry adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Cornstarch, on the other hand, will help create a velvety texture on the chicken's surface and promote browning during cooking.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dry sherry, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The cornstarch should not be lumpy, as this can affect the texture of the chicken. Once the marinade is prepared, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently coat each piece of chicken in the marinade, ensuring that every surface is covered. The soy sauce and sherry will penetrate the chicken, imparting their flavors, while the cornstarch will form a thin, protective layer around each piece.
Allow the chicken to marinate for exactly 15 minutes. This brief marinating time is sufficient for the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to work its magic. Avoid marinating the chicken for too long, as the acidity from the soy sauce can begin to break down the chicken's texture, making it mushy. Set a timer to ensure you don't exceed the recommended marinating time. While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the other ingredients for the dish, such as slicing mushrooms and chopping green onions. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything is ready when it's time to cook the chicken.
During the 15-minute marinating period, the chicken will undergo a subtle transformation. The soy sauce and sherry will tenderize the chicken, making it more succulent and juicy. The cornstarch will absorb some of the moisture from the chicken, creating a slightly tacky surface that will promote browning and help the chicken develop a delicious crust when cooked. This marinating step is a simple yet crucial aspect of recreating the authentic Panda Express Mushroom Chicken flavor and texture. By following this process, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your homemade version of this popular dish.
After 15 minutes, the chicken is ready to be cooked. Gently shake off any excess marinade from the chicken pieces, as too much liquid can interfere with the cooking process. The marinated chicken can now be stir-fried or sautéed according to the recipe's instructions. The result will be tender, flavorful chicken that's perfectly coated in a savory sauce, just like the Panda Express original. Remember, the key to success in this step is precision and attention to detail – measuring the ingredients accurately, mixing them thoroughly, and adhering to the specified marinating time will all contribute to a delicious final product.
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Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat oil, cook chicken until golden, then set aside for later use
To begin crafting the stir-fry chicken component of your Panda Express-inspired mushroom chicken dish, start by selecting high-quality chicken breast. Trim any excess fat and cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, or for a more authentic flavor, use a pinch of white pepper commonly found in Chinese cuisine. Preparing the chicken properly at this stage sets the foundation for a delicious final product.
Next, heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the pan. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers but not to the point of smoking. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the first side develops a golden-brown crust.
Once the chicken is golden on the first side, use a spatula or tongs to flip each piece and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden color on both sides while ensuring the chicken is nearly cooked through but still slightly undercooked, as it will finish cooking later in the recipe. Properly searing the chicken locks in juices and adds depth of flavor to the dish. Keep a close eye on the heat to prevent burning, adjusting as needed to maintain a steady sizzle.
When the chicken is golden and almost cooked through, transfer it to a clean plate or bowl using a slotted spoon to allow excess oil to drain. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the remaining components of the dish, such as the mushrooms and sauce. This step is crucial, as it prevents the chicken from overcooking and becoming dry. The reserved chicken will be added back to the wok or skillet later, where it will absorb the flavors of the sauce and mushrooms, resulting in a harmonious and mouthwatering stir-fry.
While the chicken rests, take a moment to prepare your workstation for the next steps. Have your mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients ready to go, as stir-frying moves quickly once it begins. Ensuring everything is prepped and within reach will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. By mastering the stir-fry chicken technique—heating oil, cooking the chicken until golden, and setting it aside—you’re well on your way to recreating the beloved Panda Express mushroom chicken at home.
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Sauté Mushrooms & Veggies: Stir-fry mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and veggies until tender and fragrant
To begin the sauté process for your Panda Express-style Mushroom Chicken, heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, preferably one with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil, to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and a 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated or minced. The garlic and ginger will infuse the oil with their aromatic flavors, creating a fragrant base for your dish. Stir them constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to let them burn, as this can turn them bitter.
Next, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the wok or skillet. Button mushrooms work well for this recipe, but you can also use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor. Sauté the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their moisture, which should take about 3-4 minutes. As the mushrooms cook, they'll absorb the flavors of the garlic and ginger, enhancing their natural umami taste. If the pan seems dry, add a splash more oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Now it's time to add your vegetables to the mix. Toss in 1 cup of sliced bell peppers (a combination of red, yellow, and green adds color and flavor), 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of sliced zucchini or carrots. You can adjust the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand, but aim for a variety of textures and colors to make the dish more appealing. Stir-fry the vegetables with the mushrooms, garlic, and ginger for 4-5 minutes, until they're tender but still slightly crisp. This will ensure they maintain their vibrant color and don't become mushy.
As you sauté the mushrooms and veggies, pay attention to the cooking time and heat level. You want to achieve a balance between cooking the ingredients thoroughly and retaining their texture and flavor. Keep the heat at medium-high to ensure a good sear and quick cooking time, but be prepared to adjust the heat if the ingredients start to burn or stick to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss and stir the ingredients gently, taking care not to break them apart or overmix.
The key to achieving the perfect sauté for your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is to cook the mushrooms and veggies until they're tender and fragrant. This means the mushrooms should be soft and slightly browned, with a rich, savory aroma. The vegetables should be cooked through but still slightly firm, with a bright, vibrant color. Taste a piece of mushroom or veggie to ensure they're seasoned correctly and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Once your mushrooms and veggies are sautéed to perfection, remove them from the heat and set them aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce, ensuring they stay warm and ready to be combined with the rest of the dish.
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Combine & Thicken: Return chicken to pan, add sauce, and simmer until glossy and thickened. Serve hot
Once you’ve prepared the chicken and sauce separately, it’s time to bring them together in the final stages of cooking. Begin by returning the cooked chicken pieces to the pan. Ensure the pan is over medium heat, allowing it to retain enough warmth to combine the ingredients effectively. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. The sauce should sizzle slightly as it hits the pan, signaling that the heat is just right for the next step. This is where the magic happens—combining the savory chicken with the rich, flavorful sauce.
As the chicken and sauce mingle, stir gently to ensure even distribution. The goal here is to let the chicken absorb the flavors of the sauce while the sauce itself begins to thicken. Keep the heat steady; too high, and the sauce might burn, too low, and it won’t thicken properly. A gentle simmer is ideal. You’ll notice the sauce starting to cling to the chicken and become glossy, a sign that it’s reaching the desired consistency. This process should take about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the heat and the amount of sauce.
While simmering, pay close attention to the texture of the sauce. It should transform from a thin, watery consistency to a glossy, slightly sticky coating that clings to the chicken. Use a spatula or spoon to occasionally flip the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated and heated through. The glossy appearance is a visual cue that the sauce has thickened enough to create that signature Panda Express texture. If the sauce thickens too quickly, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency without compromising the flavor.
Once the sauce is glossy and thickened, it’s time to serve. Remove the pan from the heat to prevent overcooking, which could cause the sauce to become too sticky or the chicken to dry out. Transfer the mushroom chicken to a serving dish, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed over the chicken and mushrooms. The dish should look appetizing, with the chicken glistening under the savory sauce. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to complete the Panda Express experience.
Finally, remember that the key to this step is patience and attention to detail. Rushing the simmering process can result in a sauce that’s either too thin or too thick, so monitor it closely. The glossy, thickened sauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visually appealing finish to the dish. By following these steps, you’ll achieve that perfect Panda Express mushroom chicken—tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious sauce that ties it all together. Serve it hot, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients include chicken breast, cremini or button mushrooms, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, sugar, sesame oil, and green onions for garnish.
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and lightly coat with cornstarch. Pan-fry or stir-fry the chicken until golden brown and set aside.
Slice the mushrooms and sauté them in a wok or large pan with oil until they release their moisture and become tender. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat.
Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, chicken broth, sugar, and a cornstarch slurry in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the pan with the mushrooms and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and mushrooms separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat and combine with the sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
