21 Delicious Panda Express Copycat Recipes for Busy Home Cooks

Carmen Eldridge

September 16, 2025

Often, recreating your favorite Panda Express dishes at home is a delightful experience that can be both fun and rewarding in equal measure! Making these popular dishes in your own kitchen not only provides an opportunity to control the ingredients and adjust them to suit your taste preferences but also brings the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal.

By cooking these dishes from scratch, you’ll have a deeper connection with the food you eat and be able to share it with loved ones while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Tangy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Tangy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Tangy Panda Express Mushroom Chicken

Becoming your own chef is not only fulfilling but also a healthier alternative to relying on fast food. Bringing Panda Express’s signature flavors into your home kitchen requires some basic preparation. Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper to enhance its flavor and texture. While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of water, and a teaspoon of cornstarch in a small bowl.

This will create the savory glaze for the dish, much like the one you’d find at your favorite restaurant. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking. Allow the chicken to sear without moving for a few minutes, then stir to cook all sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly cooked at this stage; the sauce will help finish the job.

Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking until fragrant and filling your kitchen with their aromas. Then, introduce the mushrooms and continue to cook until they begin to soften and brown, adding a nice texture contrast to the dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and mushrooms, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce is glossy.

This will help tie all the flavors together and create a harmonious balance of tastes on your plate. Once everything is ready, garnish the dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a pop of color and texture. Serve your Mushroom Chicken over a bed of freshly steamed rice, brown rice, or tossed with lo mein noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

This homemade version of Panda Express Mushroom Chicken brings all the flavors of your favorite takeout with a fresh and personal touch, proving that a delicious and hearty meal can be achieved in your own kitchen with minimal effort. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the delightful taste of this dish without leaving home.

Best Copycat Panda Express String Bean Chicken

Best Copycat Panda Express String Bean Chicken

Just like your favorite Panda Express dish, you can create a mouth-watering String Bean Chicken at home using fresh ingredients and a rich, homemade ginger sauce. This easy-to-make copycat recipe is just as delicious as the original, but with the added benefit of being made from scratch. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this entire dish comes together – in the same time it takes to order and pick up from the restaurant!

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Next time you’re craving Chinese food, skip the takeout menu and try making this recipe instead. Your taste buds will thank you! The combination of chicken, green beans, and onions in a light and tasty ginger soy sauce is absolute perfection. This stir-fry is perfect with any type of rice – white, brown, or fried – for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to become your go-to.

Best Panda Express Beef and Broccoli

Best Panda Express Beef and Broccoli

Revive your takeout nights with a healthier and equally delicious alternative: our one-skillet beef and broccoli recipe. This dish showcases that light and nutritious options can indeed be incredibly flavorful. Imagine tender slices of beef and crunchy broccoli florets smothered in a rich, savory sauce – it’s a match made in heaven. Beef and broccoli is a beloved Chinese staple in the US for good reason. The harmonious combination of juicy steak and crunchy broccoli is a winning pairing.

And let’s not forget that magical sauce! The blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, cornstarch, and sesame oil creates an unforgettable flavor profile. Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. With just one skillet needed, you can say goodbye to cluttered countertops and hello to a stress-free cooking experience. Plus, all the necessary ingredients can be found at your local supermarket, making this recipe accessible to anyone.

Copycat Kung Pao Chicken Thighs Recipe

Copycat Kung Pao Chicken Thighs Recipe

Taking center stage in Chinese cuisine, Kung Pao chicken is a harmonious blend of succulent chicken and crunchy vegetables drenched in a tantalizing sweet and spicy sauce. Topped with aromatic Asian ingredients such as Hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and tamari, the sauce boasts an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to leave you craving more. Fortunately, you have complete control over the heat level, allowing you to tailor it to your taste.

Try Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Chicken with Soy Sauce, Mirin and Sugar

Try Panda Express Mandarin Teriyaki Chicken with Soy Sauce, Mirin and Sugar

Honestly, there’s something magical about the combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar that creates an irresistible sweet glaze in traditional teriyaki sauce. The Japanese version remains unbeatable, but its Mandarin counterpart has also won me over with the addition of garlic, lemon juice, and ginger, which adds a delightful depth to the flavor. Unfortunately, when Panda switched back to the regular teriyaki, I was initially disappointed.

Fortunately, this homemade copycat recipe perfectly captures the essence of the original, so I can enjoy my favorite flavors once again.

Chicken and Mushrooms Zucchini Stir-Fry

Chicken and Mushrooms Zucchini Stir-Fry

Getting tired of the same old Panda stir-fry? Well, we’ve got some good news for you – a healthier version is just around the corner. Instead of indulging in the high-calorie original, this recipe offers a delicious alternative that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Chicken cutlets, zucchini, and mushrooms are tossed together in a mouth-watering sweet and savory sauce, before being finished off with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

With just a skillet and 20 minutes on hand, you can easily whip up this amazing copycat stir-fry at home. And the best part? By choosing smarter ingredients, it’s not only healthier but also incredibly tasty. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and easy or looking to upgrade your meal game, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

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Gluten Free Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat)

Gluten Free Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat)

Here’s how to whip up a mouth-watering Gluten-Free Orange Chicken dish that perfectly captures the essence of Panda Express. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Plant-based Orange Chicken (Popular Copycat Panda Express Recipe)

Plant-based Orange Chicken (Popular Copycat Panda Express Recipe)
Plant-based Orange Chicken (Popular Copycat Panda Express Recipe)

Eagerly searching for a vegan version of Panda Express’s iconic Orange Chicken, this recipe is here to satisfy your cravings. We’ve expertly crafted a plant-based alternative that mimics the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken strips, smothered in a vibrant, citrusy, sticky, and spicy sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s not only delicious but also allergy-friendly, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken with Celery

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken with Celery

Joining the ranks of my favorite Asian-inspired dishes, this Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken with Celery recipe stands out as an exceptional replica of the popular culinary brand. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it an absolute must-try for anyone looking to bring a taste of Asia into their own kitchen.

Budget-friendly Panda Express Fried Rice

Budget-friendly Panda Express Fried Rice
Budget-friendly Panda Express Fried Rice

Elevate your dining experience by whipping up your very own Panda Express-style fried rice at home – it’s surprisingly easy! This cost-effective, one-pan copycat recipe is a game-changer, especially when served alongside our mouth-watering Black Pepper Chicken.

Panda Express Vegetables Recipe Super Greens for Your Family

Panda Express Vegetables Recipe Super Greens for Your Family

Zeroing in on a delicious and authentic-tasting Panda Express vegetables recipe can be a challenge, but with this copycat super greens recipe, you might just discover a new family favorite that becomes a staple in your household.

Honey Walnut Shrimp – Tasty Panda Express Copycat Recipe

Honey Walnut Shrimp – Tasty Panda Express Copycat Recipe

Versatile home cooks will appreciate this fantastic alternative to Panda Express’s renowned Honey Walnut Shrimp dish. To make it at home, one can simply replicate that distinctive flavor and texture found in their favorite restaurant, thereby elevating mealtime with a genuine taste of Asia. The result is an authentic homemade version that mirrors the original remarkably well.

Homemade Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe

Homemade Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this scrumptious and effortless Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken recipe, featuring straightforward ingredients and a touch of heat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings on even the busiest weeknights.

Delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp

Delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp

Splendidly capturing the essence of Chinese-American cuisine, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings together a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The sweet, creamy sauce perfectly complements the crunchy walnuts atop crispy fried shrimp, creating an irresistible combination that’s sure to satisfy any craving. What’s more, this dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a convenient alternative to ordering takeout without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or quality.

Easy and Tasty Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Easy and Tasty Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Light years ahead of takeout, this Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe allows you to create a mouthwatering, homemade version of the classic Chinese-inspired dish with ease.

Sweet and Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp

Sweet and Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp

Bringing together only a handful of basic yet flavorful components, this Honey Walnut Shrimp is an incredibly easy and scrumptious copycat recipe that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. Its harmonious balance of sweetness and savory flavors makes it a truly irresistible dish.

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Honey Walnut Shrimp | Crispy Takeout-Style Fried Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp | Crispy Takeout-Style Fried Shrimp

Taking a trip to my local Chinese restaurant always leaves me craving for their signature dish – honey walnut shrimp. The combination of crispy fried shrimp and creamy sauce is simply irresistible! Traditionally made with large shrimp or prawns, you’ll often find this popular walnut shrimp recipe on the menu at most Chinese banquet dinners.

Panda Express Fried Rice – Ultimate Instant Pot Copycat Recipe

Panda Express Fried Rice – Ultimate Instant Pot Copycat Recipe

Often touted as a restaurant favorite, making Panda Express-style fried rice at home is easier than you think. By using the Instant Pot to cook the ingredients, you can achieve tender white rice, crispy veggies, and juicy chicken in every bite, eliminating the need for takeout.

Delicious Panda Express Chow Mein Instant Pot Chinese Meal

Delicious Panda Express Chow Mein Instant Pot Chinese Meal

Often, the convenience of ordering takeout or having pre-packaged meals can be appealing, but for those who crave something more authentic and cost-effective, it’s easy to prepare delicious Panda Express-style dishes at home. In this case, whipping up a mouth-watering chow mein in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple. The result is tender noodles, crunchy celery, and fresh cabbage all perfectly coated with that signature sauce that Panda Express fans adore.

Homemade Copycat Panda Express Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp

Homemade Copycat Panda Express Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp
Homemade Copycat Panda Express Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp
Homemade Copycat Panda Express Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp

Here’s the thing: I’m absolutely hooked on Panda Express’ brown rice. Their menu often pays homage to pan-Asian flavors, and their take on this particular dish is no different. My wife, Mod, who has a Thai background, managed to reverse-engineer the sauce – although we made some adjustments, like using a butane burner instead of the restaurant’s equipment, it’s an incredibly close and healthier version of the original.

If you’re craving Panda Express at home, why not give these 20 tangy copycat recipes a try? You can easily recreate your favorite dishes with just a few tweaks!

Instructions

Instructions

Whether you’re in the mood for some Chinese cuisine or just need a quick fix, I’ve got you covered with a selection of easy Panda Express copycat recipes. With just a few clicks, you can access the full recipes and instructions by clicking on the link below each photo. Take your pick from the various options available, try them out, and don’t forget to share your photos on my Pinterest page for everyone to enjoy!

The following recipes are all easily replicable at home, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. So go ahead, click on the link below each photo to get started, and let me know which one becomes your new favorite!

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