Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a light yet flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp zucchini, all tossed in a savory garlic ginger sauce. The combination of juicy chicken and perfectly sautéed vegetables creates a balance of textures, while the umami-rich sauce brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and depth.
The first time I made this, I wanted something quick yet packed with takeout-style flavor, and it hit the spot! The chicken was juicy, the mushrooms absorbed all the delicious sauce, and the zucchini added a fresh, slightly crisp bite. Served over steamed rice, it was just as good—if not better—than the restaurant version!
What I love about Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is how simple and wholesome it is. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can recreate a takeout favorite at home in under 30 minutes. Whether for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is an easy, satisfying, and flavorful option every time!
Perfect for:
- Quick and easy dinners
- Asian-inspired meals
- Meal prepping
- Healthy and flavorful stir-fry lovers
- Busy weeknights
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken will become a household favorite:
- Restaurant-Style at Home: Enjoy the classic Panda Express flavor without leaving your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: This stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes with simple steps.
- Rich and Savory Sauce: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates an irresistible umami taste.
- Perfectly Balanced: Tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and fresh zucchini offer a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, this dish is both tasty and nourishing.
- Versatile Dish: Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires only pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings, spice levels, or swap vegetables to suit your taste.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers and reheats well for easy lunches.
- Family Approved: A kid-friendly dish that everyone will love.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Zucchini: Adds a crisp and light texture to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Enhance the umami richness and complement the savory sauce.
- Ginger and Garlic: Provide warmth and depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: Create a balanced, savory stir-fry sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Stir-Fry:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Panda Express Mushroom Chicken:
- With Steamed Rice: Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a comforting meal.
- Over Noodles: Pair with lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.
- With Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes.
- With a Side of Vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- In a Lettuce Wrap: Wrap in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb meal.
- As Meal Prep: Store in containers with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- With a Side of Dumplings: Pair with potstickers for a complete Asian meal.
- With Egg Rolls: Enjoy with crispy egg rolls for extra crunch.
- With Hot Sauce: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Additional Tips
- Use High-Quality Chicken – Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish. If using chicken breast, tenderize it to keep it moist.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor – Marinate the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of cornstarch for at least 15 minutes to enhance the taste and texture.
- Sear the Chicken Properly – Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it develops a light golden-brown crust before adding the vegetables.
- Stir-Fry in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken and mushrooms get an even sear without steaming.
- Choose Fresh Mushrooms – White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work best. Slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Keep the Zucchini Crisp – Stir-fry the zucchini for just 1-2 minutes to maintain a slightly crunchy texture. Overcooking can make it mushy.
- Balance the Sauce – Adjust the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger-garlic ratio according to your taste preference. Add a pinch of sugar for a subtle sweetness.
- Thicken the Sauce Correctly – Dissolve cornstarch in a little cold water before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
- Use a Wok or Large Skillet – A wok allows for even heat distribution, helping all ingredients cook quickly without becoming soggy.
- Serve Immediately – Mushroom Chicken tastes best fresh and hot. Pair it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Mushroom Chicken: Add chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha for extra heat.
- Teriyaki Mushroom Chicken: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter variation.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Reduce cornstarch and serve with cauliflower rice.
- Extra Crunch: Add water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch.
- Garlic Butter Variation: Sauté mushrooms in garlic butter for a richer taste.
- More Veggies: Try bell peppers, carrots, or baby bok choy for added variety.
Special Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet: For even cooking and high heat stir-frying.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating and preparing the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir-fry ingredients effectively.
FAQ Section
- What is Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a popular entrée featuring tender chicken breast, mushrooms, and zucchini stir-fried in a light ginger soy sauce. - Is Panda Express Mushroom Chicken healthy?
Yes, it is one of the lower-calorie options at Panda Express. A serving contains around 220 calories, 14g of protein, and 13g of fat, making it a lighter choice compared to fried options. - Is Mushroom Chicken spicy?
No, Mushroom Chicken is not spicy. It has a mild, savory flavor with a hint of ginger and garlic. - Is Mushroom Chicken gluten-free?
No, Mushroom Chicken contains soy sauce, which typically includes gluten. If you have gluten sensitivities, it’s best to check with Panda Express for ingredient updates. - What sides go best with Mushroom Chicken?
It pairs well with steamed rice, brown rice, chow mein, or super greens for a balanced meal. - Can I make Mushroom Chicken at home?
Yes! You can recreate it using chicken breast, mushrooms, zucchini, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a similar taste. Stir-fry everything in a pan for a quick homemade version. - Does Panda Express Mushroom Chicken contain dairy?
No, Mushroom Chicken does not contain any dairy ingredients. However, cross-contamination is possible in shared kitchen environments. - Is Mushroom Chicken available at all Panda Express locations?
Most locations offer it, but availability may vary depending on the store. You can check the Panda Express website or call your local restaurant to confirm. - Is Mushroom Chicken keto-friendly?
It has 8g of net carbs per serving, which might fit a low-carb diet, but it is not strictly keto due to the sauce containing sugar and starch. - Can I order Mushroom Chicken with extra vegetables or sauce?
Some locations allow modifications, like adding extra veggies or requesting more sauce. It’s best to ask when placing your order.
Conclusion
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is a flavorful, takeout-inspired dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with earthy mushrooms and crisp zucchini in a savory garlic ginger sauce. The light yet flavorful sauce coats each bite perfectly, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Every forkful delivers the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of warmth from the aromatics.
Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish can be served over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a delicious homemade meal. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch or a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. However you enjoy it, this easy stir-fry is sure to be a new favorite!
I can’t wait to see how your Panda Express Mushroom Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
