Panda Expressstyle Zucchini Mushroom Chicken a Weeknight Winner
- Recipe Introduction
- Why You'll Love This Panda Express-Style Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken
- Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
- Let's Get Cooking! How To Make Your Own Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken
- Level Up Your Dish: Tips and Tricks From My Kitchen
- Beyond the Recipe: Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Cooking Method: Stir-Frying Like a Pro!
- Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Panda Express Craving Sorted!
Fancy some Panda Express tonight? Me too! This Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom is your answer, a homemade delight that's healthier and bursting with savory flavor.
Honestly, once you try it, you might ditch the takeaway altogether.
Brief Overview: Panda's Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken
This dish channels those famous Asian Dishes we all know and love. This tasty treat falls into the difficulty level medium.
It's all about a quick chop and saute. We're talking 45 minutes total. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits: A Healthier Take away
One of the best things about making this at home? You control the ingredients! This Healthy Chinese Food Recipe is packed with protein and veggies.
Perfect for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe , this Panda Express Copycat Recipe brings restaurant flavor to your table, guilt free.
Why You'll Love This Panda Express Style Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken
I've always loved recreating restaurant favorites at home. There's something so satisfying about nailing that perfect flavor profile. My take on the Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom is no different.
It captures that savory umami taste while using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
We're gonna dive into the ingredient list. Don't worry, most of these are cupboard staples! From juicy chicken to crisp tender zucchini and earthy mushrooms, each element plays its part in creating a truly delicious dish.
And honestly, you can adapt it to whatever veg you have in the fridge! Wanna be sure? Here is the list to get this dish going:
- For the Chicken Marinade:1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces, 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp (5ml) cornstarch 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) ground ginger, 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) white pepper
- For the Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 inch (2.5cm) piece of ginger, minced, 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth, 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) hoisin sauce, 1 tsp (5ml) sesame oil, 1 tsp (5ml) sugar, 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp cold water to create a slurry)
- For the Vegetables: 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil, 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1 cup), 8 oz (227g) cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups), 1/4 cup (60g) sliced yellow onion, 1/4 cup (30g) sliced green onion, for garnish
Let's Get Cooking! How To Make Your Own Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken
Making this tasty dish is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying a delicious, homemade meal in no time.
We'll start by marinating the chicken, then move on to prepping the sauce and stir frying those yummy veggies. By the end, you'll have a restaurant worthy Stir Fry Recipe ready to serve.
Level Up Your Dish: Tips and Tricks From My Kitchen
Over the years, I've picked up a few tricks for making this Panda Express Mushroom Chicken even better. Wanna know my secrets? First, don't overcrowd the pan.
Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure even browning. And remember to use a hot wok or skillet to get that authentic wok hei flavor.
Trust me, it makes all the difference. Want to change it a little? Try Sauteed Zucchini with a little bit more garlic!
Beyond the Recipe: Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom is delicious on its own, but it's even better when paired with the right sides.
I love serving it over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a heartier meal. Wanna spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha at the end.
You can also easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by substituting tofu or tempeh for the chicken. And don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables! Broccoli florets or bell peppers would work great too.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let’s dive into the bits and bobs you’ll need to whip up this Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom sensation.
Honestly, it's easier than you think! Getting all this prepped makes the actual cooking a doddle, trust me. We are making Panda Express Copycat Recipe !
Main Ingredients
Okay, first things first, the stars of the show. The Mushroom Chicken comes out of the pan very yummy.
- Chicken: 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless breasts. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Quality chicken makes a difference! Look for plump breasts with even color, don't buy slimy nasty chicken or you'll be regretting it after.
- Zucchini: 1 medium, halved and sliced. Think firm and shiny skin.
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (227g) cremini, sliced. Go for firm and dry ones.
- Yellow Onion: 1/4 cup (60g) sliced.
- Green Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) sliced, for garnish.
For the marinade:
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Rice wine vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Cornstarch: 1 tsp (5ml)
- Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml)
- White pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml)
For the sauce:
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) piece, minced
- Chicken broth: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Hoisin sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Sesame oil: 1 tsp (5ml)
- Sugar: 1 tsp (5ml)
- Cornstarch: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) (slurry with 1 tbsp cold water).
Seasoning Secrets
Spice up your life! This Healthy Chinese Food Recipe is awesome.
- Essential spice combinations: Ginger and garlic are your best mates here. Don't skip them!
- Flavor enhancers: Oyster sauce adds that Asian Dishes umami, but go easy if you're watching the sodium.
- Quick sub: No oyster sauce? A splash more soy sauce and a tiny bit of brown sugar does the trick.
Equipment Needed
Less fuss, more flavor. This Stir Fry Recipe is a winner.
- Wok or large skillet: Non-stick is your friend, but a well seasoned wok gives it that authentic flavor.
- Cutting board and knives: Obvious, but sharp knives make all the difference.
- Measuring cups/spoons: Accuracy is key, especially for the sauce.
- Small bowls: For marinade and sauce.
- Household alternative: No wok? A large frying pan works just fine.
This Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe will taste much better than Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
Honestly, this Panda Express Style Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken is one of the Zucchini Recipes I always go back to and is better than the store ones.
It's so bloomin' tasty. Give it a go and tell me what you think! This Homemade Panda Express is also a real winner.
Cooking Method: Stir Frying Like a Pro!
So, you fancy a bit of Asian Dishes at home? Stir frying is your friend! It's quick, it's easy, and honestly, it's dead versatile.
I’m going to show you how to nail it. This will take a bit of skill, but nothing too taxing think of it more like learning a dance than climbing Everest.
We’re going to be taking on the challenge to make Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom at home! You can be cooking up a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe in no time.
Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Mindset
Honestly, the secret to a good stir fry is all in the prep. Mise en place , darling! Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the hob.
It is the most important skill you can learn in the kitchen. Trust me. You don’t want to be scrambling for soy sauce while your garlic is burning.
Also be sure to take time to clean as you go.
Time Saving Tip: Chop your veg the day before. Store 'em in airtight containers in the fridge. Boom! Safety wise, use a sharp knife.
A blunt knife is more likely to slip and cause bother.
step-by-step: Stir Fry Simplicity
Right, here's how we're making this Panda Express Style Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken!
- Marinate the chicken: Get your chicken in the marinade (soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, white pepper). Let it sit for at least 15 minutes .
- Whisk the sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. That includes your chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and sugar.
- Sauté: Add oil to a hot wok. Brown and cook your chicken through. Set aside
- Veg power: Add more oil. Sauté your Sauteed Zucchini and mushrooms until tender crisp. Then garlic and ginger.
- Combine and simmer: Add the sauce to the veg. Simmer for a bit. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Chicken return: Add the chicken back in. Toss to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions. Boom, ready for some Healthy Chinese Food Recipe joy!
Cook chicken to 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe. You're looking for a lovely golden brown on your chicken and tender crisp veggies.
Pro Tips: Stir Fry Secrets
- Hot wok, hot wok, hot wok! Honestly, this is key. Get that wok screaming hot before you add anything. You want to get that wok hei flavor - that smoky taste!
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not frying. No Bueno.
- Avoid overcooking zucchini. Mushy zucchini is no good. You want it to be tender crisp.
- For a real Panda Express Copycat Recipe ensure to use high-quality ingredients.
- For meal prep, this makes a delicious Mushroom Chicken stir fry which can be enjoyed all week.
Right then, get in the kitchen and have a go. Stir frying is proper fun!
Right then, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this delicious Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken dish. Honestly, I think it's going to be your new go-to for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe .
Here are a few pointers to make sure you nail it every single time.
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code
Presentation is Key, Mate
Plating and presentation? It's all about making your Healthy Chinese Food Recipe look as good as it tastes. Think bright green spring onions sprinkled on top! A neat pile of rice next to the glistening Mushroom Chicken also helps.
And why not a little sprig of something green?
Want to take it up a notch? Serve this Panda Express Copycat Recipe with some classic spring rolls. They add a nice crunch and complement the flavours perfectly.
A crisp lager or even a chilled glass of white wine goes down a treat, you know?
Storing Like a Pro
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Stir Fry Recipe keeps well. Pop your leftover Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken in an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Fancy saving some for later? You can freeze it! Thaw it overnight and reheat it gently in a pan or microwave.
Mixing It Up: Variations
Fancy a little tweak? No problem! For a veggie option, chuck in some tofu instead of the chicken. You will still feel like you are eating at Panda Express Mushroom Chicken .
It soaks up all that lovely sauce.
Want something spicier? A dash of chilli flakes does the trick. If you're watching the salt, use low-sodium soy sauce. The sweetness of in-season Sauteed Zucchini or Zucchini Recipes is absolutely divine.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, so roughly, each serving clocks in around 350 calories. It's packed with 35g of protein, which is great for keeping you full.
There's about 15g of fat and 20g of carbs. Remember, these are just estimates. This is Homemade Panda Express so they will change a little depending on what you use.
The main thing is you get a balanced meal, packed with vitamins from the Asian Dishes thanks to all the veg.
So there you have it! A super simple breakdown of how to make this dish your own. Don't be afraid to experiment! Cooking should be fun, after all.
Now, get cracking and enjoy your Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables separately, then combine them with the sauce right before serving. Store the chicken and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When ready to eat, reheat everything in a skillet or wok until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. It's a great way to get a jump on a busy weeknight a proper "blue peter" moment for organised cooks!
What if I don't have all the ingredients for the sauce? Are there any substitutions I can make?
No worries, mate! If you're missing oyster sauce, a little extra soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar will do the trick. For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of hoisin and oyster sauce. And if you're missing rice wine vinegar you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
How can I make this Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom dish spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick, do you? The easiest way to add some heat is to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it's simmering. You could also add a drizzle of sriracha at the end, or even finely chop a fresh chili pepper and add it with the garlic and ginger.
Just remember, a little goes a long way, so add gradually to taste, otherwise, you will need a fire extinguisher!
My zucchini always gets soggy. How can I prevent that when making Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom?
Ah, the dreaded soggy zucchini! The key is not to overcrowd the pan and to cook it over relatively high heat. Cook the zucchini and mushrooms in batches if needed to ensure they brown nicely and don't steam. You want them tender crisp, not mushy.
Also, adding them toward the end of the cooking process helps prevent them from overcooking it's all about timing, like a good cuppa!
Can I freeze leftovers of the Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom?
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the zucchini and mushrooms may change and become a bit softer. For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
When reheating, thaw completely and add a tablespoon or two of fresh chicken broth or water to help reconstitute the sauce. It might not be quite as good as fresh, but it's still a tasty way to avoid food waste. I think even Gordon Ramsay would approve of saving food!
Is this Panda Express Zucchini & Mushroom recipe healthy?
This recipe is designed to be a healthier alternative to takeout. It features lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vegetables. You can further reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of hoisin and oyster sauce.
Serving it with brown rice instead of white will also increase the fiber content. Check out the nutritional information provided in the recipe for an estimate of calories, protein, and other nutrients, but remember that these are just estimates!
Panda Expressstyle Zucchini Mushroom Chicken A W
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
