Panda Express Copycat Black Pepper Chicken
DifficultyEasy
Servings4
Sizzling Copycat Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken at Home
The Allure of Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
There’s something undeniably magnetic about Panda Express's Black Pepper Chicken that makes it a standout favorite for many of us. Whenever I'm in the mood for Chinese takeout, this dish—with its juicy chicken pieces enrobed in a savory sauce spiked with the bold warmth of freshly ground black pepper—always springs to mind. Unlike the usual orange chicken or sour chicken options, Black Pepper Chicken brings a delectable heat and depth. It's the symphony of simple yet impactful ingredients like sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, and tender chicken, all coming together in a large skillet over medium-high heat, that sings a song of culinary delight. The allure lies not just in its taste but in the challenge and joy of recreating this beloved dish at home. Achieving that perfect blend of flavors, reminiscent of an evening spent at Panda Express, promises an authentic taste experience right from your own kitchen.
Key Takeaways:
- Panda Express's Black Pepper Chicken is a beloved takeout favorite known for its unique flavor profile and bold warmth.
- Simple yet impactful ingredients play a crucial role in creating the savory sauce that characterizes this dish.
- Recreating this dish at home offers an authentic taste experience, bringing a slice of Panda Express into your kitchen.
What You'll Need: Ingredients Breakdown
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating our sensational Panda Express copycat black pepper chicken. Let's dive into what you'll need: chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs for that tender bite; a mix of soy sauces - use low sodium soy sauce and dark soy sauce for depth, but if you're in a pinch, coconut aminos are a fantastic substitute. Don't forget the essence - sesame oil and freshly ground black pepper for that signature flavor. For the veggies - red bell pepper, green onions, and maybe throw in some snow peas or bok choy for extra crunch and color. Lastly, to bring it all together, cornstarch and chicken broth to thicken and enrich our savory sauce. Every ingredient plays a pivotal role in mimicking that delightful Panda Express allure we all crave.
Preparation Steps: Marinating Chicken and Mixing Sauce
Let's dive into the heart of this delight - marinating the chicken and whipping up that irresistible sauce. I always start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mix that's all about locking in moisture and infusing deep, rich flavors. This step is crucial, as it sets the foundation for our dish's signature taste and tenderness. Then, in a small bowl, I combine the essential sauce ingredients, stirring up a concoction that promises to envelop your chicken in a velvety, savory sauce you won't be able to resist. Trust me, these preparation steps may seem simple, but they're game-changers in elevating your chicken from good to 'Can I have seconds?'
Bringing It All Together: Cooking on the Stove
After marinating, it's showtime! I grab my large skillet, pouring a bit of vegetable oil, and turn the heat up to a medium-high. When the oil shimmers, in goes the marinated chicken, spread in a single layer. Brown these babies to a golden brown - that's where the magic starts.
Now, for the veggies - the red bell pepper and crunchy celery find their space in the skillet. Stir-frying them feels like conducting an orchestra, each vegetable a crucial note in this culinary symphony. The trick is not to overcrowd the pan; give them room to dance in the heat. I’m vigilant, ensuring the veggies are stir-fried just right, keeping them vibrant and crunchy. Combining everything without making it feel like a crowded party is key.
Seeing the savory sauce coat every piece is rewarding, and those sizzles? Music to my ears. Each ingredient perfectly plays its part, coming together in harmony for that bite of bliss. It's this balance, this care in each step, that transforms simple ingredients into a family-favorite feast.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Creativity knows no bounds. You might be inclined to lean towards the simplicity of white rice or brown rice, but let's not stop there. Imagine the vibrant colors and added nutrition from tossing in extra veggies like crunchy snow peas or bok choy. It's all about making this dish perfect for you and your family. Now, let's talk leftovers – because let's be honest, this black pepper chicken might just taste even better the next day. Storing it in an airtight container will keep it just as delightful. You've got a good three days of peak flavor in the fridge or freeze it for a longer storage solution. Enjoy the ease and let the flavors make that Chinese takeout experience come alive right from your kitchen.
A Flavorful Journey Awaits
So, here we are, at the end of a culinary journey that's been both exciting and flavorful, culminating in the magic of Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken, right in the comfort of our homes. I can't help but encourage you, wholeheartedly, to roll up your sleeves and dive into creating this masterpiece. It's more than just a recipe; it's an experience, a chance to sprinkle a bit of your unique flair into a dish that has brought joy to so many.
Whether it's dialing up the heat with that extra pinch of black pepper or swapping in coconut aminos for that soy sauce to cater to dietary preferences—make it uniquely yours. Let's not forget, the beauty of cooking at home is the freedom to tailor every bite to match the diverse tastes of your loved ones. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing their faces light up with every flavorful bite, a testament to your culinary prowess.
So, embrace this opportunity to infuse a bit of Panda Express charm into your dining table, creating moments that'll last a lifetime. Here's to making mealtime an adventurous joyride, full of vibrant flavors and cherished memories. Let's embark on this flavorful journey together, shall we?
Looking for other great Chinese recipes? Check out my Bang Bang Chicken!
Panda Express Copycat Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 1 lbs skinless chicken breast cut into bite size cubes
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- salt to taste
- 2 medium size onion cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 large size green bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 fresh red/green chili chopped optional
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- Sauce
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 3 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water/chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce Create the black pepper sauce by blending together crushed black pepper, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Marinate the chicken Cover the chicken with a tablespoon of the prepared sauce, two tablespoons of cornstarch, and salt. Allow it to rest while you prepare the onion, ginger, garlic, and pepper.
- Brown the chicken Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and spread it evenly across the pan. Place the chicken in a single layer and cook over medium heat until golden on one side. Flip the chicken cubes and continue cooking until they are nearly cooked through and browned. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, making sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Stir-fry the vegetables Using the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add ginger, garlic, and chopped chilies, and sauté for 30 seconds. Quickly add the onion and bell peppers, stirring frequently over high heat until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine Reduce the heat to low. Whisk the sauce mixture again and pour it into the pan. Let it simmer for 30 seconds. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is heated through.
- Serve Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the dish. Stir to combine and serve immediately while hot.
Claudy says
Thanks for the recipe my lady