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Craving a tasty Chinese-American dish without the guilt? Look no further! Our black pepper chicken recipe is a Panda Express copycat that’ll satisfy your takeout cravings. This easy dinner recipe features juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that packs a peppery punch.
Skip the deep fryer and opt for this healthier stir-fry that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family with restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This black pepper chicken recipe will be your new favorite quick meal. You can make it in just 30 minutes. It tastes like restaurant food but is much cheaper.
This recipe is a healthy choice that doesn’t need deep frying. It’s full of flavor but has fewer calories. You can also change the veggies to use what you have at home.
- Fast preparation time – perfect for busy weeknights
- Restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag
- Healthier than typical Chinese takeout options
- Versatile – customize with your favorite vegetables
- Budget-friendly using common pantry ingredients
Get ready to impress your family with this tasty and easy black pepper chicken. It will quickly become a favorite in your home!
“This recipe changed my weeknight dinners. It’s quick, tasty, and my kids love it!” – Sarah, busy mom of three
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
Are you ready to make this delicious black pepper chicken? First, let’s look at what you need. You’ll need 1 pound of chicken thighs. You can also use chicken breast if you like.
For the sauce, get light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, Mirin or sherry are good substitutes. Don’t forget to add sesame oil and a bit of sugar too.
- Chicken thighs (1 pound)
- Light soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Shaoxing wine
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper (coarse ground)
- White pepper
- Avocado oil
- Cornstarch
You’ll also need celery, yellow onion, garlic, and ginger for flavor. These veggies make your dish tasty and crunchy. A little chicken stock helps everything come together.
What makes this dish special? It’s the coarse ground black pepper. This gives it a bold, peppery taste.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of MSG for an extra flavor boost. It’s optional but can take your black pepper chicken to the next level!
Instructions
Start by marinating your chicken pieces. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl. Add the chicken and coat it well. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This makes the chicken tender and juicy.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and cornstarch. Set this aside for later.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pan, stir-fry your aromatics – garlic, ginger, and onions – until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook for a minute. The key to a great stir-fry technique is quick cooking at high heat.
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in your prepared sauce and stir continuously. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of black pepper. Give it a final toss and serve your black pepper chicken hot over steamed rice.
“The secret to perfect black pepper chicken lies in the balance of flavors and the quick cooking process.”
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make your black pepper chicken better? Let’s look at some cooking tips. Cut your chicken and veggies the same size for even cooking. Make sure you have all your ingredients ready before you start.
For tender chicken, try the velveting method. Mix chicken with cornstarch and egg white before cooking. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty.
Don’t put too much in the pan when cooking. This stops it from steaming instead of searing. We want that nice, tasty crust.
Now, let’s talk about storing leftovers. Put your cooled chicken in a container and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for three days. To reheat, use the microwave or a pan. If it’s too thick, add a little water.
- Cut ingredients uniformly for even cooking
- Prep all ingredients before starting
- Use velveting technique for tender chicken
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in microwave or pan, adding water if needed
With these tips, you can make amazing black pepper chicken at home. Enjoy cooking!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Get creative with your Black Pepper Chicken! Try swapping celery for bell peppers to add a sweet crunch. This simple change can make your dish taste new. Feel free to mix and match veggies from your fridge.
For a complete Panda Express meal, pair your chicken with classic sides. Steamed rice, chow mein, or fried rice are great choices. Want more? Add egg rolls, beef and broccoli, or orange chicken for a feast.
Craving soup? Try hot and sour or egg drop soup with your meal. This recipe is easy to adapt. You can change it for picky eaters or foodies. With these tips, your dinner will be as good as any Chinese restaurant!