Panda Express Black Chicken is one of the most loved and unbeaten meals at Panda Express. Made with the best ginger and soy marinated chicken, soaked in black pepper sauce with onions and celery. This meal remains one of Panda Express’s most beloved dishes.
No wonder there are so many copycat tutorials for those who want to make this goodness at home. But if you’re tired of not getting it right and just want a fail-proof recipe, then you’re in the right place.
Look no further as we explain the ingredients, styles, and techniques you need to make your next Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken copycat experience a delightful success.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Copycat
This Panda Express Black Pepper copycat recipe is called a copycat for a reason. And what better way to replicate this meal’s style and technique than using precise ingredient measurements? As follows:
CHICKEN
- Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs into 1” cubes.
- 3 tbsp cornstarch.
- 1/4 tsp salt.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- 1/4 cup tallow or cooking oil.
- 1 large diced onion.
- 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 2 stalks of sliced celery.
SAUCE
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar.
- 2 tsp sugar.
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
- 1 tsp minced garlic.
- 1 tsp minced ginger.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth.
- 2 tsp cornstarch.
VEGETABLES
- Onions
- Bell pepper
- Celery
- Garlic
- Ginger
Step by Step: How to Cook It Like a Pro
Now that your ingredients are in place, you need the perfect cooking style, which will be revealed to you soon.
Chicken
- Mix three teaspoonfuls of pepper, a quarter teaspoonful of salt, and half a teaspoonful of fresh ground pepper, and coat the cubed Chicken until fully immersed.
- Fry the fully coated diced chicken pieces in a low-heat frying pan with cooking oil until golden brown, turning when needed.
- Set fried Chicken aside and move on to the next in a sieve bowl with paper towels to drain excess soaked oil.
Sauce
- Whisk all sauce ingredients in no particular order, in a bowl until they are in uniform consistency.
- These ingredients include 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper,1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, two teaspoons of sesame oil, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 2 tsp cornstarch, all whisked together in a bowl and set aside.
Vegetables
- Heat a tablespoon of oil and all the chopped vegetables together in a pan.
- These vegetables include chopped onions, celery, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper, all stir-fried over high heat until tender for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sauce, followed by the fried Chicken, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning adjustments like extra salt, pepper, or spices and take down when ready.
- Your Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken copycat recipe is ready. Serve with a side and enjoy.
Tips to Get that Authentic Panda Express Taste
Don’t Skimp on Black Pepper
What’s a Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe without black pepper spice? Absolutely not. This ingredient is a must-have and a must-use for this recipe if you really want that authentic Panda Express taste.
So next time or whenever you’re trying Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken and you want to get the best out of that copycat recipe, ensure you use your black pepper spice generously!
Use a Wok or Large Skillet
In order to get that Authentic Panda Express taste, use a wok or large skillet in your meal preparation, as this makes all the difference.
Keep the Veggies Slightly Crunchy
Make sure the veggies fry at a low heat for 3 – 4 minutes max. Do not allow the veggies to overheat or overcook if you really want that authentic Panda taste. Keep it light, simmer it, and keep it crunchy for the best copycat experience.
Panda Express Items You Can Pair with Your Black Pepper Chicken
- Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken paired with Chow Mein and a glass of water.
- Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken is served with Steamed rice (white or brown) and a glass of water.
- Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken paired with Broccoli Beef and a glass of water.
- Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken paired with Honey Walnut Shrimp and a glass of water.
- Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken paired with Super Greens and a glass of water.
FAQs
What kind of Chicken is best for Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken?
The best Chicken for an authentic Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken taste and feel is the breast, and to make it even better, use skinless and boneless chicken breasts.
Can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the original Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken contains gluten, but this recipe can be made gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can add more vegetables to your at-home recipe to make it more your style. Add as many other vegetables as you want; you might create your own special recipe.
How do I store and reheat leftovers without losing flavor?
Store your leftover Black Pepper Chicken in the refrigerator and reheat when ready using a preheated 400°F oven.
Conclusion
Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken is one of the most copied meals in Panda Express. It tastes so delicious, and that’s no wonder why. Its affordability, freshness, quality, and bold flavour are some of the reasons why it’s so good and irresistible.
However, using the exact ingredients and following the Panda Express technique and style, such as using black pepper and keeping veggies crunchy, can give you the most authentic meal for a copycat version.
Try your copycat recipe at home and have the experience of a lifetime.
