Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

Name: Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup celery, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt to taste

Posted on May 9, 2026

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This delicious Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and is all cooked in one pot for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Trust me, this recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish:

2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup celery, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt to taste

Let’s Get Cooking!

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with soy sauce and black pepper, letting it marinate for about 15 minutes. You’ll want those flavors to really soak in!
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers, like almost dancing in the pan!
Sauté Aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Seriously, take a moment to breathe in those amazing smells!
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Make sure to stir occasionally to get that golden crust.
Add Veggies: Stir in the celery and onion, cooking until tender, about 4-5 minutes. You want those onions to turn a lovely translucent color
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with chicken broth until smooth. Then pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring frequently, that’s the key to a lump-free sauce!
Thicken the Sauce: Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. A good rule of thumb? If it starts to deep amber, it’s just about done!
Season to Taste: Add a couple pinches of salt to taste and stir gently. Give the flavors a chance to meld together.
Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles, with extra black pepper if desired. And honestly, this dish is even better the next day if you manage to have any leftovers!

If you loved this Black Pepper Chicken, be sure to check out my Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, my Classic Hawaiian Chicken Tacos, or my Air Fryer Hawaiian Chicken! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just about the time it takes to pick something up from takeout, you can whip this up in your own kitchen!

One-Pot Convenience

One-pot meals are a lifesaver! Minimal cleanup means more time with your family and less stress.

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable, everyday ingredients makes it so accessible. Especially when pantry staples like soy sauce and ginger can elevate a simple chicken dinner!

Crowd-Pleaser

This is the kind of dish that the whole family will enjoy. My kids sometimes argue over who gets the last bite!

Customizable

Don’t have celery? Just use bell peppers! This dish is so forgiving. Toss in whatever veggies you have; it’ll still be amazing.

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Serve this fabulous Black Pepper Chicken over fluffy white rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for some freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, this dish makes for even better lunches the next day!

Reheating Instructions

Reheat in a skillet on medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, but keep it covered and give it a little stir halfway through.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This dish freezes quite well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Now it’s your turn to enjoy this delicious Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken! It’s my hope that each bite brings warmth and joy to your kitchen just like it does to mine. Enjoy!