• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bake It With Love

  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Main Dish

Last Updated: Mar 12, 2025 by Angela Latimer · 6 Comments

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

Jump to Recipe
Panda Express copycat black pepper chicken Pinterest Pin with red and black text showing a white bowl of tender wok-fried chicken, celery, and onions in zesty pepper sauce.

Panda Express black pepper chicken is a flavorful entree made with tender wok-fried marinated chicken, crisp celery, and onions tossed in a bold black pepper sauce. My easy copycat recipe lets you recreate the takeout favorite at home using simple ingredients for a quick, delicious meal. Pair this savory chicken dinner with rice or noodles for the full Panda Express experience.

See all my copycat versions of your favorite Panda Express recipes or try my favorite Chinese takeout food recipes.

Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
  • 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
  • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Recreate the bold flavors of Panda Express at home with this easy copycat Panda Express black pepper chicken recipe. Strips of tender chicken, crisp celery, and onions are coated in a rich, peppery sauce that’s just like the popular takeout version.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy stir-fry comes together in minutes with simple ingredients. Serve it over Panda Express chow mein or Panda Express fried rice for a tasty homemade version of your favorite Panda Express order.

🥘 Ingredients

Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe ingredients measured, labeled, and ready to use.
  • Chicken Breast - The classic choice for chicken that tastes most like the Panda Express version. However, this would be delicious with chicken thighs, too.
  • Soy Sauce - I always recommend low-sodium soy sauce so you can better control the saltiness.
  • Chili Vinegar - Whip up a quick chili vinegar with jalapenos (see notes) or use rice vinegar.
  • Garlic Powder - A little garlic powder for a hint of garlic flavor.
  • Ground Ginger - Ginger combined with ground black pepper makes up the signature flavor of this dish.
  • Liquid Smoke (optional) - I use hickory flavored, but Mesquite or Applewood would work too.
  • Cornstarch - Used in the marinade/sauce to thicken it as it cooks.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional) - If not using the chili vinegar, I recommend adding a pinch or two of red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • Cooking Oil - Peanut oil or canola oil will give you the most authentic taste but you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point (I use coconut oil).
  • Celery - Slice the celery thinly at an angle.
  • White Onion - Diced into even squares. Onions and celery are the signature veggies used at Panda Express, but you could even add some red bell pepper, chopped broccoli, or thinly sliced carrots if you want more vegetables.
  • Black Pepper - Be sure to use coarse ground black pepper (do not use ground black pepper because the flavor will be overpowering).

Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!

🔪 How To Make Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

This quick and easy stir-fry cooks up in about 10 minutes after prepping and marinating the chicken. To get started grab a large wok or skillet, your measuring utensils, a sharp knife and cutting board, and a mixing bowl or zip-top storage bag.

This recipe makes 4 servings of black pepper chicken and stretches even further with noodles or rice.

Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 1 making the homemade chilli vinegar.
Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 2 cubing the chicken breast meat.

Step 1: Optional chili oil. Make the optional chili vinegar if using (photo 1 - *see note).

Step 2: Chop the chicken. Chop 1 pound (453.59 grams) chicken breast into 1-inch cubes (photo 2). Place the cubes of chicken into a bowl or large zip-top plastic storage bag to marinate.

Make The Marinade

Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 3 adding marinade ingredients to chicken meat.
Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 4 marinade mixed into the cubed chicken breast.

Step 4: Make marinade. Add half of the ¼ cup (59.15 milliliters) of low sodium soy sauce, half of the 1 tablespoon of chili vinegar, half of the ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, the optional ¼ teaspoon of liquid smoke, 1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes(if using), and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (photo 3).

Step 5: Marinate the chicken. Mix in the bowl (photo 4) or bag to coat and set aside to marinate while you start cooking.

Wok Fry The Chicken

Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 5 frying the cubed, marinated chicken.
Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 6 cooked chicken on a rack as its cooked in batches.

Step 6: Heat oil. Heat half the 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken (photo 5).

Step 7: Cook the chicken. Cook until completely cooked through. Note: The chicken will only be added back into the wok briefly to toss and coat with the sauce. 

Work in batches as needed so you don't crowd the chicken.

Step 8: Wipe out the wok. Transfer the chicken to a tray or rack (photo 6) and wipe out your wok if needed.

Stir Fry The Vegetables

Step 9: Heat oil and add veggies. Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet or wok and add ½ medium white onion and 2-3 stalks of celery. Stir fry for 1 minute (photo 7).

Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 7 stir fried celery and onion.
Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 8 adding seasoning to the veggies.
Panda Express black pepper chicken copycat recipe process photo 9 tossing the cooked chicken with seasoned veggies before serving.

Step 10: Season. Add the remaining soy sauce, chili vinegar, and 1 ½ tablespoons of coarse ground black pepper (photo 8) and Cook for 30 seconds to a minute (the vegetables should be tender-crisp).

Step 11: Toss with chicken and serve. Return the cooked chicken breast to the pan with the veggies and sauce (photo 9). Toss to coat and serve immediately.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • What is chili vinegar? The chili vinegar is an easy mix of 1 large jalapeno pepper (thinly sliced, with the seeds) and placed into a small jar. Cover with approximately ½ cup of distilled vinegar and set aside for at least 30 minutes while you prep your meal. Pour through a fine mesh sieve to measure out and use in recipes.
  • Marinating times. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, 8 hours or overnight is best in my opinion, but no longer than 24 hours. Keep it in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • Finding the best cooking oil. Canola and peanut oil are the most commonly used cooking oils in Asian cooking, especially for the takeout recipe that I'm comparing the desired flavor profile with for this chicken entree. I use coconut oil as my preferred high-heat cooking oil.
  • Liquid smoke flavors. Hickory-flavored liquid smoke is the most commonly sold flavor. Wright’s brand sells a 3-pack with applewood and mesquite (via Amazon) and their mesquite flavor can be found at Hy-Vee, Colgin’s has a 4-pack available to order via Wal-Mart.
  • It can be keto-friendly. Omit the cornstarch (and probably the liquid smoke, too, depending on how strict you are with condiments) to make a keto-friendly version.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Once cooled, transfer your leftover black pepper chicken to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Perfectly tasty homemade Panda Express black pepper chicken with tender chunks of marinated chicken wok fried with celery and onion.

Freezing

Leftovers can be transferred to a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag with the air squeezed out and frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Add a small amount of cooking oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add leftover chicken and reheat stirring frequently until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken
  • Square image showing cookies & cream cake pops with one having a bite taken out of it.
    Starbucks Cookies & Cream Cake Pops
  • Tasty Starbucks chocolate cake pops are easy to make at home like these 4 cake pops in a jar.
    Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops
  • Four copycat Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops standing up in a glass jar filled with sprinkles.
    Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops
See more Copycat Recipes →

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 2 reviews

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken Copycat

Panda Express black pepper chicken is a flavorful entree made with tender wok-fried marinated chicken, crisp celery, and onions tossed in a bold black pepper sauce. My easy copycat recipe lets you recreate the takeout favorite at home using simple ingredients for a quick, delicious meal. Pair this savory chicken dinner with rice or noodles for the full Panda Express experience.
1x recipe yields 4 servings of black pepper chicken that is easily doubled for a larger crowd. See all my copycat versions of your favorite Panda Express recipes or try my favorite Chinese takeout food recipes.
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 293kcal
Prep 30 minutes minutes
Cooking 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce (divided into 2 equal portions)
  • 1 tablespoon chili vinegar (see notes, or use rice vinegar - divided into 2 equal portions)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, I use hickory flavored)
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional, best to use if you skip making the chili vinegar)
  • 4 tablespoon cooking oil (see notes, divided into 2 equal portions)
  • 2-3 stalks celery (sliced thinly, at an angle)
  • ½ medium white onion (cut into ¾ - 1 inch squares)
  • 1 ½ tablespoon coarse ground black pepper (freshly ground coarse black pepper is essential for the right flavor, do not use ground black pepper as the flavor is overpowering)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

Prep

  • Make the optional chili vinegar if using (*see note).
  • Chop 1 lb chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes of chicken into a bowl or large zip-top plastic storage bag to marinate.

Make The Marinade

  • Add half of the ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, half of the 1 tablespoon chili vinegar, half of the ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, the optional ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes(if using), and 2 tablespoon cornstarch.
  • Mix in the bowl or bag to coat and set aside to marinate while you start cooking,

Cook The Chicken & Veggies

  • Heat half the 4 tablespoon cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken.
  • Cook until completely cooked through (the chicken will only be added back to the wok briefly to coat in the sauce). Work in batches as needed to not overcrowd your cooking chicken in the pan.
  • Transfer the chicken to a tray or rack and wipe out your wok if needed.
  • Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet or wok and add ½ medium white onion and 2-3 stalks celery.
  • Cook for 30 seconds to a minute (the veggies should be tender-crisp) and add the remaining soy sauce, chili vinegar, and 1 ½ tablespoon coarse ground black pepper.
  • Return the cooked chicken breast to the pan with the veggies and sauce. Toss to coat and serve immediately.

Notes

Notes:
  • The chili vinegar is an easy mix of 1 large jalapeno pepper (thinly sliced, with the seeds) and placed into a small jar. Cover with approximately ½ cup of distilled vinegar and set aside for at least 30 minutes while you prep your meal. Pour through a fine mesh sieve to measure out and use in recipes.
  • Marinating times. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, overnight, up to 24 hours. Keep it in the fridge until ready to cook.
  • Canola and peanut oil are the most commonly used cooking oils in Asian cooking, especially for the takeout recipe we are comparing the desired flavor profile of this chicken entree to. I use coconut oil as my preferred high-heat cooking oil.
  • Hickory flavored liquid smoke is the most commonly sold flavor. Wright’s brand sells a 3-pack with applewood and mesquite (via Amazon) and their mesquite flavor can be found at Hy-Vee, Colgin’s has a 4 pack available to order via Wal-Mart.
  • Omit the cornstarch to make a keto-friendly version.
Storing: 
  • Once cooled transfer your leftover black pepper chicken to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Leftovers can be transferred to a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag with the air squeezed out and frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Add a small amount of cooking oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add leftover chicken and reheat stirring frequently until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) | Protein: 26g (52%) | Fat: 17g (26%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 73mg (24%) | Sodium: 724mg (31%) | Potassium: 582mg (17%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 144IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) | Calcium: 32mg (3%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Copycat Recipes, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Chinese

« Recipes To Bake When You Don't Have Eggs
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken »

Share This Recipe!

  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 2 votes

    Thanks for coming! Ask anything - or let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Desirae says

    April 13, 2025 at 8:01 am

    I would love to try to cook this for my family, however is there a way to cut down the sodium without causing the taste to be different? My husband and I have family history of CHF and I try to only cook meals with the lowest possible sodium level as possible.
    Thank You

    Reply
    • Angela Latimer says

      April 13, 2025 at 1:02 pm

      It's already written with low-sodium soy sauce, so the only other thing I would adjust is using low sodium chicken broth. Thanks for asking!

      Reply
  2. Ekaterina Dvoryanka says

    April 12, 2025 at 11:42 pm

    This recipe sounds amazing, just like the taste I love at Panda Express! It seems simple and quick enough for a busy weeknight, and I’m excited to give it a try. I did wonder about the use of liquid smoke—does it really enhance the flavor dramatically?

    Great post, by the way! Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.

    Reply
    • Angela Latimer says

      April 13, 2025 at 1:03 pm

      Thanks! Yes, the liquid smoke really does add a flavor change that can be noticed, and makes it more 'taste-alike' to the restaurant version. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Carl Osborne says

    March 31, 2025 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    This worked exactly as written, thanks!

    Reply
  4. Angela Latimer says

    March 12, 2025 at 8:38 pm

    5 stars
    We can't get enough of this easy chicken dinner, so it's on repeat for our weeknight dinners. I know you'll love it too! ~ Angela

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

Grilling Recipes

  • Tasty, easy cookout food ideas to make and feed a crowd this summer.
    Easy Cookout Food Ideas: Best Dishes To Bring To A Cookout

  • Square image of sliced Arrachera steak on a cutting board.
    Arrachera (Mexican Steak for Tacos)

  • Square image of sliced Denver steak on a cutting board.
    Denver Steak

  • Square image of grilled ostrich steaks.
    Grilled Ostrich Steaks

  • Square image of grilled pineapple.
    Grilled Pineapple

  • Square image of sliced grilled skirt steak.
    Grilled Skirt Steak

See more Grilled →

Tasty Dinner Ideas

  • A square collage of four images showing easy summer crockpot meals including tender London broil pot roast, green beans and potatoes, grape jelly meatballs, and pork carnitas tacos.
    Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas

  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

  • Best leftover lobster recipes page image featuring four favorite dishes in a square collage.
    Leftover Lobster Recipes

  • Square collage image featuring 4 tasty recipes using leftover hard boiled eggs.
    Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs Recipes

  • Spider taco ring on baking sheet with taco toppings in the body and sliced olives for eyes.
    Spider Taco Crescent Ring

  • Tasty Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken plated and partially sliced.
    Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

See more Main Dish →

Footer

As Seen On

As seen on these popular sites: Mashed, Tasting Table, Parade, MSN, Yahoo, Delish, The Pioneer Woman, Today, Taste of Home, and more.

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet The Team
  • Photo Sharing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
  • Accessibility Statement

Recipes

  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • Breakfasts
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Videos
  • Articles

AI-Free

Everything on Bake It With Love is created by me, where I share my experiences, with help from my team members and family.

I promise that BIWL is 100% free of AI content.

Get Social

Visit us on your favorite social media platforms!

Copyright © 2016-2025 Bake It With Love

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.