Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken

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Cooking is a journey, not a destination. As a food enthusiast, I often find myself embarking on new culinary adventures, each more delicious than the last. Today, I want to take you along on a savory path exploring the delightful Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken.

At its core, this dish balances tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and bold Asian flavors. Trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to try for that nutritious weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

But before we dive deep into this delicious stir-fry, let’s think about what could accompany it perfectly. In my experience, steamed jasmine rice is a solid match, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it atop a bed of quinoa. That nutty profile really complements the dish. Let’s dive into what makes Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken a beloved recipe.

What is Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken?

Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken is a fantastic dish that encapsulates the essence of Chinese-American cuisine. Featuring succulent chicken paired with fresh zucchini and mushrooms, this dish presents a delightful mix of textures.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the crispy chicken coated in a savory sauce that ties everything together. It’s a satisfying blend of protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome meal choice. This dish can often be found as a popular menu item at Panda Express and many people crave its unique flavor profile.

The Ingredients

Before we embark on making this fantastical dish, let’s check out the ingredients you’ll need. Having everything prepped and ready makes the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll gather:

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger as a substitute)
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (for a touch of tanginess)

¼ cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium based on your preference)
3 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating and crisping the chicken)
8 ounces fresh white mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola (for stir-frying)
1–2 scallions, thinly sliced (to adds brightness and texture)
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for mild heat and depth)

2 teaspoons granulated sugar (balances the savory elements)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (adds rich, nutty flavor)
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, sliced thinly into bite-sized strips

1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch half-moons
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Gathering fresh ingredients is crucial for highlighting flavors in any dish. It’s like painting with vivid colors; each ingredient adds its unique hue to the overall canvas of flavors.

How to Make Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken

Creating this dish is straightforward, but the flavors are anything but simple. You’ll be surprised at how quickly things come together. Here’s a brief introduction to the stages involved in bringing this delicious meal to life.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Chop, slice, and mince. The first step is crucial to a smooth cooking experience. Measure out all your ingredients because stir-frying is a quick process. Allow yourself some time to get everything prepped. It saves hassle later; you don’t want to be chopping zucchini while the chicken is sizzling!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Lightly coat your sliced chicken with cornstarch. This step gives it a delightful crispiness when you fry it. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is also a good idea here. Make sure each piece is well coated. You want that crunch without being heavy.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. You want that oil nice and hot before you add anything. A good tip is to check if the oil is ready by adding a small piece of chicken. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the cornstarch-coated chicken to the hot oil. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes. You want a nice golden color. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and zucchini. Cook until they’re tender-crisp. The mushrooms release moisture, so you’ll want that to cook off. Stir for about 3-4 minutes. This is where the aroma starts to transform your kitchen.

Step 6: Add the Flavors

This is where magic happens. Mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Bring that to a simmer; you want all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Combine

Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of that delicious sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to plate! Garnish with sliced scallions and optional sesame seeds. Voila! You’ve created Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken in the comfort of your home.

Notes: Five Tips for Success

Preparation is Key: Always prep your ingredients before cooking. It saves time and ensures everything is cooked perfectly.
Control the Heat: Don’t rush the cooking process. Medium-high heat is ideal for stir-frying without burning.

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables. They not only enhance flavor but also give the dish appealing visuals.
Customize It: Feel free to modify ingredients based on your preferences. Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave them out!
Don’t Skip the Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to marry.

Storage Tips

You might have some leftovers after indulging in this delightful meal. Here are some storage tips:

Cool Within Two Hours: Allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Air-Tight Containers: Use a good air-tight container to maintain texture and flavor.

Refrigeration: Store for up to 3 days in the fridge. For any longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Tips: If freezing, use freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat with Care: When reheating, do it gently in a skillet instead of the microwave for better texture.

Nutrition Information

For those keeping an eye on nutrition, let’s consider what makes up a serving of Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken. Each serving contains roughly:

Keep in mind that variations in ingredients will influence the final nutrition stats. It’s always good to check your portions.

Serving Suggestions

Looking to make the meal more complete? Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Serve with Steamed Jasmine Rice: This classic side complements the stir-fried flavors beautifully, soaking up all that savory sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf with Herbs: Quinoa adds a nutty taste. It’s nutritious and pairs well with the chicken and veggies.
Side Salad with Sesame Dressing: A crisp salad with a sesame dressing adds freshness and balances the meal.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Crunchy rolls add a fun texture contrast to the stir-fried chicken.
Additional Stir-Fried Veggies: Add a colorful array of other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and flair.

Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken copycat recipe

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Panda Express Zucchini Mushroom Chicken?

If you don’t have everything on hand, don’t fret! Here are some alternatives:

Broccoli Instead of Zucchini: Broccoli provides crunch and absorbs flavors well. It’s a fantastic substitute.
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Thighs offer juicier meat, if you prefer a richer flavor and texture.
Tofu Instead of Chicken: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture before cooking.

Miso Paste Instead of Soy Sauce: Miso adds a deeper umami flavor that enhances the savory profile.
Sugar Snap Peas Instead of Mushrooms: These pods add a refreshing sweetness and shine in your dish.

Cooking is a journey, not a destination. As a food enthusiast, I often find myself embarking on new culinary adventures, each more delicious than the last

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings

Calories 263 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan

Rice bowl

Ingredients

2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons cornstarch
8 ounces fresh white mushrooms thinly sliced

1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola
1 –2 scallions thinly sliced
½ teaspoon red chili flakes

2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 lb skinless boneless chicken breast, sliced thinly into bite-sized strips

1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch half-moons
3 cloves garlic finely minced
Sesame seeds for garnish