Black Pepper Chicken Panda Express Recipe: Copycat Favorite!

The Black Pepper Chicken Panda Express Recipe is a flavorful dish inspired by Asian-American cuisine, featuring tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with a savory black pepper sauce.

To prepare, boneless chicken thighs or breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked until golden brown. The sauce, made from black pepper sauce (or a homemade substitute of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper), coats the chicken, imparting a bold and peppery flavor.

Serve the Black Pepper Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions for added freshness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through before serving to preserve its delicious taste and texture.

This recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy a popular Panda Express dish at home, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors with a touch of Asian-inspired flair.

Black Pepper Chicken Panda Express Recipe

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken features marinated ginger soy chicken in a peppery black pepper sauce with celery and onions, replicating the beloved flavors of the restaurant version.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 stalks Celery thinly sliced on a bias
• 1/2 medium White onion chopped into ¾ – 1 inch squares
• 1/4 cup Low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp Ginger powder
• 1 tbsp Chili vinegar*
• 1 1/2 tbsp Coarse ground black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
• 2 tbsp Corn starch
• 4 tbsp Canola oil divided

Instructions

 

• Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and marinate with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp chili vinegar, cornstarch, and ginger powder for 30 minutes.
• Heat wok with 2 tbsp canola oil on high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove chicken from wok.
• In the same wok, add remaining 2 tbsp canola oil. Stir-fry celery and onions for 30-45 seconds until slightly cooked but crisp.
• Add remaining soy sauce, chili vinegar, cooked chicken, and black pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 15 seconds to combine evenly.
• Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken!

Notes

• Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bold flavor punch. Avoid using pre-ground pepper, as it can overpower the dish.
• Marinate for Flavor: Give the chicken enough time to marinate—about 30 minutes—to enhance its flavor and ensure it’s tender when cooked.
• High Heat for Stir-Frying: Maintain high heat when stir-frying the chicken and vegetables. This helps retain their crispness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Quick Veggie Cooking: Stir-fry the celery and onions briefly (30-45 seconds) to keep them crunchy. This adds texture and freshness to the dish.

Keyword Black pepper chicken recipe, Chinese black pepper chicken, Copycat Panda Express chicken, Panda Express black pepper chicken, Spicy pepper chicken recipe

Nutrition Facts:

Is There a Substitute For Black Pepper Sauce If I Can’t Find It?

If you can’t find black pepper sauce, you can make a substitute at home using soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients together to achieve a similar savory and peppery flavor profile. Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preferences.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use For This Recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the flavors from the black pepper sauce.