Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
Craving Black Pepper Chicken? Let's Get Cooking!
Ever get that hankering for Black Pepper Chicken ? Honestly, me too! This recipe nails that Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken vibe.
Expect bold, peppery flavors dancing with savoury chicken and crisp veggies.
Why Make It At Home?
Let's be real. We all love Chinese Takeout Recipes . This Black Pepper Chicken Chinese Recipe is simple enough for a weeknight.
It beats the queues and lets you control the salt. You know?
Quick Overview: Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken, Elevated!
This is our take on that classic Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken . It’s inspired by the flavours you love. Think of it as a homemade hug in a bowl.
This dish is a staple in many Chinese Takeout Recipes and restaurants around the world, loved for its bold flavours and satisfying textures.
A stir fry that is a true knockout!
It's a medium effort meal taking about 40 minutes . It yields 4 servings . Perfect for a family dinner or some seriously tasty leftovers.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
Did you know that black pepper is packed with antioxidants? This Homemade Black Pepper Chicken is tasty and good for you! It's great for a casual dinner party or just a cozy night in with some Panda Express Chicken and Rice .
What makes this recipe special? The freshly ground pepper, for sure! It gives it a real punch.
Alright, time to gather our ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up some seriously tasty Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken at home. This ain't rocket science, so don't sweat it!
Gearing Up: Ingredients & Equipment
First things first, let's talk ingredients. I remember one time I tried making a stir fry with some dodgy chicken. Never again! Quality matters, mate.
Main Ingredients
Here's the shopping list, broken down for ya:
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Veggie Power:
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 4 oz (115g) cremini mushrooms
Black Pepper Sauce - the star !
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper! Don't skip this, it makes all the difference!
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
Honestly , when getting your chicken thighs, make sure they are plump and pink. If they look a bit grey ish? Chuck 'em.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, so, the black pepper is the obvious MVP here. I like to use a coarse grind for that extra oomph .
But don't underestimate the power of the soy sauce and oyster sauce combo . That's where the umami magic happens.
Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics : Ground ginger and garlic, are the secret spices for a moreish Black Pepper Chicken Chinese Recipe ! Substitution options: No Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry works just fine.
Don't have oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce can fill in.
Equipment Needed
You really don't need a ton of fancy stuff. A wok is ideal for creating that smoky wok recipes chicken , but a large skillet will do the trick, too.
Essentials: Wok or large skillet, cutting board, sharp knife, mixing bowls, measuring bits.
Household Hacks: Don't have a fancy wok? A good ol' non-stick frying pan will totally work. Just make sure it's big enough.
Honestly, this homemade black pepper chicken is a lot easier than you think. Just get your ingredients prepped, and you'll be good to go.
Get ready to enjoy some easy stir fry recipes chicken that tastes better than any Chinese takeout recipes you've ever had.
We're about to make some seriously tasty Panda Express Chicken And Rice , in the comfort of your kitchen! Plus, knowing exactly what goes in it? Absolute win.
This Copycat Panda Express Recipes will become a family favourite, trust me.
Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken: A Home Cook's Knockout
Fancy some Black Pepper Chicken Panda Express vibes tonight? Who doesn't love that slightly sweet, intensely peppery Black Pepper Chicken ? Honestly, sometimes the takeout queue just ain't it.
That's why I'm sharing my take on this Chinese Takeout Recipes favourite. This Homemade Black Pepper Chicken is surprisingly easy.
Prepare for a flavor explosion.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, mise en place. Chop that chicken (about 1 lb (450g) ). Get those veggies prepped 1 red bell pepper , 1 green bell pepper , 1 medium onion , and 4 oz (115g) of mushrooms are calling.
Whisk together your sauce in a separate bowl; it's easier to just grab and go when the wok is hot.
Remember folks, a sharp knife is a safe knife. Trust me, I’ve been there.
From Wok to Plate: Stir Fry Magic
Here’s the Easy Stir Fry Recipes Chicken guide:
- Marinate the chicken with all the marinade goodies for at least 20 minutes.
- Stir fry the chicken until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and ginger.
- Add the onion and bell peppers and stir fry. Then toss in mushrooms.
- Return chicken to the wok.
- Pour that luscious black pepper sauce over.
- Simmer it until the sauce thickens like magic.
We’re aiming for a nice, thick, glossy sauce that clings to everything.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Panda Express Chicken And Rice Game
High heat is your bestie. Seriously. The Wok Recipes Chicken needs that intense heat to get that restaurant style char. Freshly ground black pepper is non-negotiable.
It's the key. It makes all the difference. Seriously! Don't overcook the chicken. Nobody wants rubbery chicken, right?
So there you have it, my friend! My version of Copycat Panda Express Recipes . Give this recipe a go! I think you'll ditch that delivery app.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Black Pepper Chicken Panda
So, you're about to whip up some amazing Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken at home! Awesome! I reckon you'll be chuffed with this, especially after reading these handy notes.
It's basically me, sharing what I've learnt. Honestly, a bit of prep goes a long way.
Serving Suggestions: Get That Insta Worthy Plate
Right, presentation matters! I always like to serve my Black Pepper Chicken in a slightly shallow bowl, over a bed of fluffy rice.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some thinly sliced spring onions? Oh my gosh! Chef's kiss .
For sides, maybe some simple steamed broccoli or even some crispy spring rolls. As for drinks? A nice cup of jasmine tea or even a cold beer goes down a treat.
Think Panda Express Chicken And Rice , but fancier!
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh, Mate
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey), pop them in an airtight container and bung them in the fridge. They'll be good for 3-4 days .
To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works a treat. Or, better yet, back in the wok for a couple of minutes.
I wouldn't recommend freezing this one, honestly. The sauce can get a bit weird.
Variations: Your Black Pepper Chicken – Your Way
Fancy a bit of a twist? Swap out the chicken for tofu for a veggie version. That works great if you do not want wok recipes chicken .
Want a bit of heat? Chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a seasonal swap, use different colored bell peppers.
Autumn squash would also work a treat!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so let's keep it real. This Black Pepper Chicken Chinese Recipe isn't exactly a salad. But it's packed with protein from the chicken, vitamins from the veggies, and that black pepper? Allegedly great for digestion.
The homemade version lets you control the sodium. Enjoy it! It's all about balance, innit?
Right then, there you have it! My tips to make this Homemade Black Pepper Chicken the best it can be.
Go on, give it a whirl! I reckon you'll absolutely nail this easy stir fry recipe chicken. It's way better than any Copycat Panda Express Recipes you'll find, promise!
I hope this Black Pepper Chicken Panda Express makes your day a bit brighter. Remember to let me know what you think and if you made any changes in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some components ahead of time! Chop your veggies and mix the sauce in advance. However, for the best results, especially that wok-hei smoky flavor, stir fry the chicken and vegetables right before serving. Storing the whole dish can make the chicken a bit soggy.
If you do need to store it, keep the rice separate until you're ready to eat, and reheat everything gently.
What if I don't have a wok? Can I still make this Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! While a wok is ideal for stir frying due to its shape and ability to distribute heat evenly, a large, heavy bottomed skillet will work just fine. Make sure it's wide enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
Just crank up the heat and follow the instructions, and you'll still get a tasty result bish bash bosh!
How long does Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken last in the fridge, and how should I reheat it?
Leftover Black Pepper Chicken will generally keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave it, but the chicken might get a bit tougher.
For better results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help steam it and keep it moist, stirring occasionally. You could also try an air fryer for the crispy edges.
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I make this Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken healthier?
Great question! The biggest culprit for sodium is often the soy sauce and chicken broth. Opt for low-sodium versions of both. You can also reduce the amount of oyster sauce slightly, as it's relatively high in sodium.
Consider adding a little extra black pepper or a dash of rice vinegar to boost the flavor without adding salt, and maybe add some more veggies to bulk it out.
Can I adjust the level of pepper in this recipe? Is it very spicy?
The recipe is designed to have a prominent black pepper flavor, which is a signature of Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken, but it's not necessarily "spicy" in terms of chili heat. If you're sensitive to pepper, start with less (maybe half the amount) and taste as you go, adding more to your liking.
You can always add more, but you can't take it away. If you want more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Can I use different vegetables for this Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, water chestnuts, and baby corn would all be great additions or substitutions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables take longer to cook than others.
The important thing is to pick veggies that you enjoy and that complement the other flavors in the dish.
Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 30g |
