EASY BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN RECIPE (Panda Express Copycat)

Get ready to spice up your taste buds with my black pepper chicken recipe! Inspired by the popular dish from Panda Express, my homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and can be on your table in just 30 minutes. 

Don't be fooled by its simplicity, as the bold flavors of black pepper and juicy chunks of chicken will leave you wanting more. Skip the takeout and try my

 delicious rendition of black pepper chicken tonight!

Serve 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

CHICKEN:

• 1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1” cubes

• 3 tbsp cornstarch 

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup tallow or cooking oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1 inch cubes

• 2 stalks celery, sliced

SAUCE:

• 1 1/2 tsp FRESHLY GROUND black pepper 

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tsp sugar

• 2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 2 tsp cornstarch

DIRECTIONS 

Sauce:

Whisk the freshly coarse ground black pepper, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth together in a bowl.  Set aside. 

Chicken:

1. Toss the cubed chicken with 3 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper until coated.  

2. In a large frying pan, heat beef tallow or cooking oil over medium heat until it is shimmering.  Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook until golden on each side.  Do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. 

3. Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set aside. 

Vegetables:

1. Add and heat another tablespoon of tallow or oil in the same pan. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, celery, ginger and garlic and stir fry over high heat until the vegetables are just beginning to become tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.

2. Reduce heat to low and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir and then add the fried chicken and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Adjust seasonings with more salt, sugar or black pepper to taste preference and stir to combine.  

4. Serve with rice or noodles.  Enjoy!