With its tender chicken, perfectly balanced sauce, and aromatic spices, this Copycat Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe will transport your taste buds to the popular restaurant without having to leave your kitchen! Using simple ingredients, learn how to make this classic homemade version with little effort and maximum taste!
Known for its quick service and bold flavors, Panda Express has become a go-to destination for satisfying cravings for Asian-inspired dishes. One of their standout menu items is the Black Pepper Chicken—a delicious combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory black pepper sauce that is savory, salty, and tasty!
This easy black pepper chicken from Panda Express doesn't have to be enjoyed in the restaurant. You can easily make this recipe right at home from scratch! With a handful of simple ingredients like boneless chicken thighs, black pepper, garlic, and ginger, you can achieve a dish that rivals the taste of the original. Just brown the chicken in a skillet along with the vegetables, add the quick sauce, and let it thicken. It’s ready quickly and easily.
Serve the Chinese black pepper chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice for a classic combination. If you're in the mood for noodles, toss it with some lo mein or chow mein. You can even enjoy it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. This versatile crock pot chicken recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy a restaurant-quality Chinese food meal without the hassle!
If you love Chinese cuisine like we do. I highly suggest our Teriyaki Chicken or our Orange Chicken recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This copycat version of Panda Express black pepper chicken allows you to enjoy the iconic flavors of the popular fast-food chain without leaving the comfort of your home.
- The tender chicken thighs absorb the rich, savory black pepper sauce as they simmer in the easy sauce, resulting in maximum flavor.
- The ingredients are simple, budget-friendly, and can be found in many grocery stores. For and easy meal that the entire family will love.
- The versatility of serving options, from rice to noodles to lettuce wraps, ensures the whole family will find a way to enjoy it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Thighs - The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender meat that absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Cornstarch - Used to coat the chicken, creating a crispy texture when browned, and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper - Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding a savory and slightly spicy element.
- Vegetable Oil - Used for cooking the chicken, providing a neutral base and ensuring that it browns evenly.
- Minced Garlic - Brings a fragrant and aromatic element to the dish, enhancing the savory flavors.
- Fresh Ginger - Adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the recipe.
- Fresh Vegetables - Green bell pepper adds a mild sweetness, while the onion contributes a savory element, and the celery brings a refreshing and crisp texture. Feel free to add extra veggies to make it your own.
The Sauce:
- Chicken Broth - Serves as the liquid base for the sauce, adding depth and richness to the overall flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce - A key ingredient that brings a savory umami taste to the dish.
- Sesame Seed Oil - Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall Asian-inspired taste of the dish.
- Honey - Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory and slightly spicy elements.
- Rice Wine Vinegar - Adds a tangy and slightly acidic note, helping to balance the flavors and brighten the dish.
- Minced Garlic - Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that adds complexity and depth.
- Seasonings - The black pepper and chili powder add a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Minced Ginger - Adds a warm and zesty flavor, providing a subtle heat and aromatic note to the dish.
How To Make Crock Pot Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
Assemble the black pepper sauce: In a medium bowl, add chicken broth, oyster sauce, sesame seed oil, honey, rice wine vinegar, garlic, black pepper, chili powder, and ginger. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Remove any excess fat from the chicken with a sharp knife and discard. Cut the chicken into similar size bite-size cubes. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel on both sides and then cut it into cubes. Add the chicken cubes, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Toss until the chicken cubes are fully coated.
Brown the chicken: Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet or large pan. Brown the chicken on both sides over medium-high heat (do not cook all the way through) and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
Saute vegetables: To the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, green bell pepper, onion, and celery stalks. Saute for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Combine the ingredients: Add the chicken back into the skillet and pour the prepared sauce in. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Serve over rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds!
Recipe Tips
- To ensure the chicken thighs cook evenly and remain tender, cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This will allow for consistent cooking throughout the dish and ensure tender juicy chicken.
- When coating the chicken with cornstarch, make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This will create a crispy exterior when the chicken is browned and will help thicken the sauce later on.
- When sautéing the vegetables, keep the heat at medium-high to maintain a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Adjust the amount of cracked black pepper and chili powder in the sauce to your personal level of spicy flavor. This will ensure the most delicious black pepper sauce.
Variations
- For a spicy twist, add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables.
- If you don't have honey, you can substitute it with a little bit of brown sugar.
- To make it gluten-free, replace the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that the oyster sauce you use is also gluten-free, or opt for a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu or crumble the tempeh, then follow the same steps in the recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the tofu or tempeh to cook through.
- Add a touch of freshness and brightness to the dish by garnishing it with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.
- Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn, which will add vibrant colors and additional textures to the dish.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.
Freezing: Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the frozen Black Pepper Chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Note that the texture of the vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing and reheating.
FAQ
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be leaner. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker. Simply brown the chicken using the "Sauté" function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release. However, note that the texture of the chicken and vegetables may be slightly different compared to the slow cooker method.
If you don't have rice wine vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
- The Best Chicken Spaghetti
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
SHARE IT & RATE IT
We would love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in our Facebook Group.
Copycat Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless (excess fat removed and cubed into smaller pieces.)
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1½ cups white onion (chopped into ¾-inch pieces)
- 3 celery stalks (sliced on an angle)
The Sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seed oil
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp fresh ginger (minced)
Instructions
The Sauce
- In a medium bowl, add chicken broth, hoisin sauce, sesame seed oil, honey, rice wine vinegar, garlic, black pepper, chili powder, and ginger. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
The Chicken
- In a medium bowl, add chicken, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to a bowl. Mix until the chicken is completely coated.
- Over medium-high heat in a large skillet, add oil and heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove and place on a plate and set aside.
- Add garlic, ginger, green bell pepper, onion, and celery stalks to the pan. Saute for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Then, add the chicken back into the skillet and pour the prepared sauce in. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Server over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Leave a Reply