Savory Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Are you craving the bold flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own kitchen? Look no further than this tantalizing recipe for Black Pepper Chicken. Capturing the essence of Panda Express, this dish features juicy chicken bites coated in a signature savory black pepper sauce that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

I stumbled upon this Black Pepper Chicken recipe during a snowstorm, and it has since become a beloved staple in my household. The freshness of the ingredients and the perfectly balanced sauce make this homemade version a standout favorite. The secret lies in the freshly ground black pepper, a key ingredient that infuses the dish with warmth and flavor, elevating it to a whole new level.

Chinese cooking is all about harmony, and this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a true testament to that philosophy. The interplay of black pepper, soy sauces, and a hint of brown sugar creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a Chinese restaurant experience right at your dinner table. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice or get creative with cauliflower rice or lettuce cups for a low-carb twist. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavors.

Quick Benefits

• Bold Flavors at Home: Capture the essence of Panda Express in your own kitchen.
• Fresh and Balanced Ingredients: Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade with fresher ingredients and a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Authentic Chinese Harmony: Experience the perfect harmony of flavors, warmth from black pepper, depth from soy sauces, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily adapt the recipe with alternative protein sources, vegetables, and storage options for a customizable and convenient meal.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

• Homemade Takeout: Enjoy the bold flavors of Panda Express in the comfort of your own kitchen, creating a dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout.
• Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh ingredients that result in a more flavorful and satisfying dish compared to takeout.
• Balanced Sauce: The signature savory black pepper sauce in this recipe is perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and depth from soy sauce.
• Versatile Options: You can customize this recipe by using different vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots, or by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months, with flavors deepening overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
• Quick Cooking: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making this recipe a convenient option for weeknight dinners.
• Authentic Side Pairings: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce cups, and pair with hot and sour soup for an authentic Chinese restaurant experience.
• Flavor Enhancements: Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for robust flavor, and marinating the chicken in the sauce and cornstarch adds moisture and a velvety texture.
• Healthy Options: For a lower carb alternative, serve with cauliflower rice, and for a vegan-friendly version, substitute chicken with tofu and use plant-based soy sauce.
• Stir-Fry Perfection: Peanut oil’s high smoke point and mild flavor make it perfect for stir-frying, but you can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil as alternatives.

Ingredients for Savory Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

• 500 grams skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
• ½ teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 fresh red or green chili, chopped
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt, as required

For the sauce

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Savory Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the black pepper sauce

In a bowl, whisk together crushed black pepper, rice vinegar, soy sauces, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth and without lumps.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and salt. Allow it to marinate while preparing remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Brown the chicken

1. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and coat the pan. Cook chicken in a single layer until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Stir-fry the vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan. Sauté ginger, garlic, and chopped chilies for 30 seconds. Add onion and bell peppers, stir-fry over high heat until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine and simmer

Lower the heat to low. Whisk the sauce, pour it into the pan, and let it simmer for 30 seconds. Return the browned chicken to the pan, toss to coat, and heat through.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Remove from heat, add freshly ground black pepper, stir well, and serve hot.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Black Pepper Chicken, refrigerate any leftovers promptly in an airtight container. The dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of the dish actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to restore moisture and warm the dish gently on the stovetop to preserve its texture, rather than using the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions of the Black Pepper Chicken for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Freezing the dish in smaller portions allows for easy reheating without having to defrost the entire batch. This way, you can enjoy this flavorful dish even on busy days with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have bell peppers on hand, feel free to substitute them with vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, sliced carrots, or any other favorite stir-fry veggies. These alternatives will still provide a nice crunch and add color to the dish.

For a vegetarian version of this black pepper chicken, swap the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press and dry the tofu or tempeh thoroughly before cooking to achieve a firmer texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the plant-based protein is cooked through.

If you’re out of peanut oil, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil for stir-frying. Both oils have high smoke points and will work well in this recipe. The mild flavor of these oils won’t overpower the dish, allowing the bold black pepper sauce to shine through.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting your homemade black pepper chicken on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice in individual Chinese takeout boxes for a fun and authentic touch. You can garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. This presentation adds a playful element to your meal and makes it perfect for a themed dinner night at home.

Another serving idea is to create a black pepper chicken stir-fry bowl with a base of cauliflower rice or mixed greens. Top it with the saucy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and any other favorite stir-fry vegetables you have on hand. Drizzle a bit of extra black pepper sauce on top and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of freshness. This customizable bowl is not only delicious but also a nutritious option for a balanced meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

FAQs for Savory Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

Can I use pre-ground black pepper instead of freshly ground?

Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for its robust flavor, but pre-ground black pepper can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

What can I serve with this black pepper chicken dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh cucumber salad or simple sautéed vegetables.

Can I substitute the chicken with something else for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. Adjust cooking times accordingly and use a plant-based soy sauce for a vegan-friendly version.

Why is peanut oil recommended for stir-frying?

Peanut oil is a great option for stir-frying due to its high smoke point and mild flavor. Other alternatives include vegetable oil or avocado oil.

Conclusion

Incorporating the flavors of black pepper chicken into your home-cooked meals brings a touch of restaurant-quality magic to your dining table. The aromatic blend of freshly ground black pepper, savory soy sauces, and a hint of sweetness creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delightful culinary journey that is sure to become a household favorite.

Experiment with different variations to make this black pepper chicken your own. From switching up the vegetables to trying alternative proteins like tofu or tempeh, there are endless ways to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences. Embrace the essence of Chinese cooking by respecting the simplicity of ingredients and allowing the flavors to harmonize beautifully. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delicious black pepper chicken and treat yourself to a delightful dining experience right at home. Happy cooking and savor every flavorful bite of this delectable black pepper chicken!

Savory Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

“Juicy chicken bites coated in a bold black pepper sauce, this homemade Panda Express-inspired dish rivals takeout with fresh ingredients and authentic Chinese flavors.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineChinese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

• 500 grams skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
• ½ teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 fresh red or green chili, chopped
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt, as required

For the sauce

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the black pepper sauce: In a bowl, whisk together crushed black pepper, rice vinegar, soy sauces, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth and without lumps.
2. Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and salt. Allow it to marinate while preparing remaining ingredients.
3. Brown the chicken: 1. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and coat the pan. Cook chicken in a single layer until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan. Sauté ginger, garlic, and chopped chilies for 30 seconds. Add onion and bell peppers, stir-fry over high heat until crisp-tender.
5. Combine and simmer: Lower the heat to low. Whisk the sauce, pour it into the pan, and let it simmer for 30 seconds. Return the browned chicken to the pan, toss to coat, and heat through.
6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, add freshly ground black pepper, stir well, and serve hot.