Quick, bold, and better-than-takeout stir fry ready in under 30 minutes!

Inspired by the popular Panda Express dish, this homemade Black Pepper Chicken is the perfect mix of spice and savoriness. It’s a high-protein, low-fuss meal ideal for weeknights when you want flavor fast.

---

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken & Marinade

• Chicken breast or thighs – 500g, cut into thin strips
• Soy sauce (low sodium) – 1 tbsp
• Cornstarch – 1 tbsp
• Sesame oil – 1 tsp

Stir-Fry Sauce

• Soy sauce (low sodium) – 3 tbsp
• Oyster sauce – 2 tbsp
• Water or chicken broth – 3 tbsp
• Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
• Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
• Cracked black pepper – 2 tsp, freshly ground
• Cornstarch – 1 tsp, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Veggies & Extras

• Celery stalks – 150g, sliced on the bias
• Green bell pepper – 100g, chopped
• Onion – 1 medium (150g), sliced
• Garlic – 3 cloves (9g), minced
• Ginger – 1 teaspoon (5g), minced
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp, for stir-frying
• Spring onions – chopped, for garnish

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Toss the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while prepping the other ingredients.

2. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all the stir-fry sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry). Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the chicken for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Veggies

Add the remaining oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, onions, celery, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp.

5. Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and mix well. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything.

6. Finish & Serve

Top with chopped spring onions and serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with jasmine rice, quinoa, or chow mein noodles
• Add a fried egg on top for extra richness
• Pair with a side of steamed bok choy or Asian cucumber salad

---

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Cracked black pepper is key—use freshly ground for that signature bite.
• Prefer it spicy? Add 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Try sugar snap peas or zucchini in place of bell peppers.

---

🧬 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~300 kcal
Protein	~30g
Carbs	~10g
Fat	~15g
Fiber	~2g
Sugar	~5g

---

📝 Final Thoughts

If you're craving a bold, peppery chicken stir-fry that tastes just like your favorite takeout, this Black Pepper Chicken delivers. It’s flavorful, fast, and customizable. Plus, it’s great for meal prep too!