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How to Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Copycat Recipe

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Copycat Recipe

Ah, the joy of creating restaurant favorites at home! If you've ever bitten into that flavorful Black Pepper Chicken from Panda Express and thought, “I wish I could make this,” then you're in for a treat
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 289 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons canola oil divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 celery stalks thinly sliced diagonally
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium tamari sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 medium white onion diced into ¾ to 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon chili-infused vinegar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preparation

  • Start by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onions and slice the celery. Mince the garlic. This step is crucial. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, add the chicken pieces, half of your canola oil, tamari sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch.
  • Toss everything to coat the chicken well. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes in the fridge. This ensures the chicken is infused with all those tasty flavors.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add your marinated chicken.
  • Let it sear! You want that beautiful golden color to form. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pan, toss in the diced onions and sliced celery. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. The goal is to keep a bit of crunch in the celery while softening the onions.

Step 5: Combine and Season

  • Return the chicken to the pan. Sprinkle the cracked black peppercorns over the mixture. If you want more heat, throw in some extra chili-infused vinegar at this point! Toss everything to coat evenly and let it cook together for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

  • Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to dig in! Plate your Black Pepper Chicken over a bed of rice, and watch as your friends and family circle the table like moths to a flame.

Notes

  1. Canola Oil: This oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for searing. It won’t overpower the dish.
  2. Chicken Breast: Lean and packed with protein, chicken breast is a favorite for a reason. You can also use thighs for juiciness.
  3. Garlic: It’s not just flavor; garlic has health benefits, too! Rich in antioxidants, it’s a must for any dish.
  4. Celery: Crunchy and hydrating, celery adds a fresh note. You can even use bok choy for a twist!
  5. Black Peppercorns: Cracked freshly at home, they provide a complex flavor profile. A grinder works wonders!
  6. Tamari Sauce: Gluten-free and flavorful, this sauce enhances the savory depth without overpowering it.
  7. Ginger: A classic in Asian cuisine, ginger aids digestion and adds a brightness that balances flavors.
  8. Sesame Oil: This gives food that lovely nutty aroma and a hint of richness.
  9. Onions: Beyond flavor, they provide a natural sweetness that complements savory dishes.
  10. Cornstarch: Essential for thickening sauces, providing that glossy finish we all love.
  11. Chili-Infused Vinegar: Adds a punch! But if you like it milder, a regular vinegar works too.

Nutrition

Serving: 160gCalories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 18.4gSaturated Fat: 1.9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Copycat Recipe
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