Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
Quick and Easy Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. Make your own panda express copycat dinner meal at home! This is a low carb keto friendly recipe.
Quick and Easy Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. Make your own panda express copycat dinner meal at home! This is a low carb keto friendly recipe.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (i used brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayene pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (about 12 pepper corn)
- 2 tablespoon corn flour
- 10.6 ounces chicken (cut into bite sized pieces)
- 2 large green onion (aka spring onion sliced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon ginger + garlic (*see notes)
- 5.3 ounces celery stalks (fresh cut into bite sized pieces)
- Carbohydrate 25.8787850152611 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 54.5887151105741 g
- Fiber 4.02840000765787 g
- Protein 6.39044501275093 g
- Saturated Fat 7.07337001431736 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (553g)
- Sodium 16.8900000303718 mg
- Sugar 21.8503850076032 g
- Trans Fat 2.83882500573314 g
- Calories 599 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl prepare the marination by mixing together the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper first.
- Pour the marination over the cut cleaned chicken pieces and add the corn flour as well. Mix it through.
- Leave to marinate, a minimum of 5 minutes.
- Heat up a pan with the oil and add the sliced green onion bulbs to the pan.
- Stir cook for a minute before adding in the ginger and garlic as well.
- Stir cook quickly and mix.
- Now add the celery stalk pieces to the pan and stir cook for another 1-2 minutes on high heat.
- Reduce the heat and make some space in the center and add the marinated chicken with the marination to the pan.
- Mix it all through and stir cook until chicken is done.
- Garnish with the sliced green onion stalks and serve hot with a bowl of rice or bread.
My Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and endless to-do lists. But even amidst the chaos, I crave a home-cooked meal that feels special, something that nourishes both my body and my soul. That's why I've become obsessed with recreating restaurant favorites at home – and my latest obsession? Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken.
I’ve always loved Panda Express’s Black Pepper Chicken. That savory, slightly spicy kick, the tender chicken, the crisp-tender vegetables... it's a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes. But let's be honest, eating out frequently is expensive and not always the healthiest option. So, armed with my trusty internet and a healthy dose of culinary curiosity, I embarked on a mission to replicate this restaurant staple in my own kitchen. The result? A surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that's become a regular on my family’s dinner rotation.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the cooking process is straightforward enough for even the most novice home cook to master. I love that I can whip up this dish on a busy weeknight, leaving me with plenty of time to focus on other important things, like spending quality time with my family. And the best part? The entire family agrees – it’s even better than takeout!
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the marinade. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (yes, I used brown sugar!), cayenne pepper, and black pepper creates a complex and incredibly flavorful base for the chicken. The cornflour adds a delightful crispiness, and the generous amount of fresh ginger and garlic adds a warming depth that elevates the dish to another level. I especially love the way the subtle sweetness of the brown sugar cuts through the savory elements, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
But what really makes this meal a winner is its versatility. While I often serve it with a side of rice, I've also experimented with other sides, such as quinoa, brown rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier option. It pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a simple green salad. The possibilities are truly endless!
Beyond the culinary aspect, creating this dish has become a treasured ritual for me. The act of preparing a meal from scratch, selecting the freshest ingredients, and carefully following the recipe feels like a small act of self-care in the midst of a busy life. It’s a moment of calm and focus, a chance to disconnect from the demands of the day and reconnect with something truly nourishing.
So, if you're looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make, and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will love, I highly recommend giving this Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken recipe a try. It's more than just a dinner; it's a chance to create a little bit of magic in your own kitchen.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, use less; for a spicier kick, add more!
- Chicken: Feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs work particularly well as they tend to stay more moist during cooking.
- Vegetables: Don't be afraid to get creative with the vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas would be delicious additions.
- Make it Ahead: The marinade can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you give it a try and what you think.
