Black Pepper Chicken (Panda Express Copycat Version)

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One of my favorite types of food to recreate is imitating restaurant recipes (looking at you, imitating Chipotle barbecue and copycat starbucks egg bites). Today I would like to introduce to you a copycat Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe!

This delicious Asian treat is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or to impress your dinner guests. I love the spiciness of the black pepper, and while it may seem complex, it’s surprisingly easy to put together.

What is Black Pepper Chicken?

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful dish made with marinated chicken, bell peppers and onions, all cooked in a balanced black pepper and garlic sauce.

This homemade version captures all of the same flavors, but unlike the restaurant version and many black pepper chicken recipes, this one is made with clean, natural ingredients.

Ingredients and Substitutes

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe, what each ingredient does in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.

• coconut aminos – it’s low sodium soy sauce substitute Added sweetness and saltiness. Low sodium soy sauce works too.
• rice wine vinegar – You can also use Shaoxing winewhite wine vinegar, cooking wineor dry sherry.
• blackstrap molasses – Although optional, I recommend it for the best flavor.
• arrowroot powder – This is my favorite cleansing ingredient cornstarch substitute to thicken the sauce. You can also substitute an equal amount of cornstarch, or use about 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum as a low-carb substitute.
• olive oil – for frying. Feel free to substitute any neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil.
• chicken – I cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
• vegetable – For this recipe you will need a bell pepper (any color), onion, minced garlic (fresh or shock), and celery. You can also add other vegetables like baby corn, broccoli or carrots.
• fresh ginger – For a burst of spiciness and sweetness, I recommend 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger (add more if you like the taste), but you can also use a pinch ginger powder instead.
• Black pepper – clearly a must for Chinese Black Pepper Chicken recipes!
• sesame seeds – Optional, for decoration. You can use white or black sesame seeds.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

This section shows how to make chicken with black pepper sauce, with detailed step-by-step photos and technical details to help you visualize it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.

1. Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine coconut aminos, water, vinegar, molasses, and arrowroot flour. on hold.
2. Cook the chicken. heat the olive oil large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer and fry until cooked through. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.

3. Fried vegetables. Add bell peppers, onions and celery. Saute until tender.
4. Add the aromatics and pepper. Stir in the garlic, ginger and black pepper. Cook until the garlic is fragrant.
5. bold. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir until thickened. Adjust salt to taste, if needed.
6. decorate. Remove black pepper chicken from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

storage instructions

• shop: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Meal Prep: Cut the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also prepare the entire dish ahead of time and serve in meal prep containers.
• Reheat: Slowly heat the chicken over medium-low heat, adding a little liquid, such as broth or water, to keep the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, you can warm it up in the microwave.
• freeze: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken

This delicious and easy-to-make main dish can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

More Asian Chicken Recipes

When you’re pressed for time, these Asian-inspired chicken recipes are the perfect solution to a busy schedule.

Black Pepper Chicken (Panda Express Copycat Version)

This easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe tastes like Panda Express with tender chicken, veggies, and a zippy pepper sauce—all in 15 minutes!

Prepare: 5 minute

chef: 10 minute

all: 15 minute

Serving Size: 6 (adjust according to recipe)

raw material

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instruct

Click a time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while you cook.

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos, water, vinegar, molasses, and arrowroot flour. on hold.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat large frying pan or wok Heat over medium-high heat until it’s warm enough to sizzle when a drop of water hits it.

3. Add chicken in a single layer.Fried for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.

4. Add the second tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add bell peppers, onions and celery.Fried for 3-4 minutesuntil tender.

5. Stir in the garlic, ginger and black pepper.cook about 1 minuteuntil the garlic is fragrant.

6. Return the chicken to the pot and pour the sauce over the top. Stir until thickened. Adjust salt to taste, if needed.

7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

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recipe notes

serving size: ~1 cup, or 1/6 of the entire recipe

• Nutrition information does not include optional sesame seeds.

nutrient content

Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.

calories 255

fat 8.6 grams

protein 32.6 grams

total carbohydrates 9.2 grams

net carbs 8.2 grams

fiber 1 g

sugar 6.3 grams

Nutrition facts are provided politely. Questions about calculations or why are you getting different results?Please see our nutrition policy.

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