black pepper chicken

Imagine a dish that perfectly balances savory, spicy, and umami-rich flavors—Black Pepper Chicken does just that. This quick and easy stir-fry is a staple in many Asian cuisines, known for its bold black pepper sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers every time.

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Did you know that black pepper was once considered the “king of spices” and was used as currency in ancient trade? That’s how valuable its sharp, aromatic heat was! Today, we use it to elevate dishes like this Black Pepper Chicken, infusing every bite with deep, peppery goodness. If you love Chinese takeout but prefer a healthier homemade version, you’ll adore this recipe.

Key Benefits of Black Pepper Chicken

Why should you try this Black Pepper Chicken recipe? Here are a few reasons:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, delicious meal.
• Bold Flavors: The black pepper sauce creates a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
• Healthy Alternative: You control the ingredients, making it fresher and healthier than takeout.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own as a protein-packed dish.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to fit your preference.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

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To make the best Black Pepper Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or a vegetarian alternative)
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
• 1 teaspoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

For Stir-Frying:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and onion until fragrant.
5. Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared black pepper sauce and stir well. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor—it makes a difference!
• Want extra heat? Add sliced chili peppers or increase the amount of white pepper.
• For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pan.
• Substitutions: Swap oyster sauce for hoisin sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
• The Science Behind Black Pepper’s Health Benefits: Did you know black pepper has antioxidants that aid digestion?

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Black Pepper Chicken with these side dishes:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• Garlic Noodles: A delicious alternative for a full meal experience.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas add a refreshing crunch.
• Fried Rice: Upgrade your meal with homemade egg fried rice.

Want to perfect your stir-fry technique? Check out The Best Stir-Fry Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Chicken.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is the perfect blend of spice, savoriness, and restaurant-quality goodness—all made in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of quick meals or want to impress guests with bold flavors, this dish is sure to be a favorite.

For tips on storing leftovers, check out How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I make Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for the best texture.

2. How do I make it spicier?

Increase the amount of black pepper or add red chili flakes for an extra kick.

3. What’s the best substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce, tamari, or a mix of soy sauce with a little sugar.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. How do I prevent my chicken from being dry?

Marinate it properly and avoid overcooking. Using boneless chicken thighs can also make it juicier.

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Black Pepper Chicken

Ava

A bold and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory black pepper sauce, paired with crisp vegetables. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Chinese-Inspired

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken:

• 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup of bell peppers red, yellow, or green sliced into strips for added color and crunch.
• 1 cup of broccoli florets for a nutritious touch.
• 1 medium onion sliced for sweetness.
• 2 cloves of garlic minced for an aromatic base.

Seasoning:

• 2 –3 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper adjust to your spice level.
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce optional, for added depth.
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to coat the chicken giving it a nice texture.

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or sesame oil for stir-frying.

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, a generous amount of black pepper, and a splash of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Heat the Pan:

• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.

Cook the Chicken:

• Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Add Vegetables:

• Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the pan and add the sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine and Season:

• Mix the chicken and vegetables together and pour in the remaining soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.

Serve:

• Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Customizable: Adjust the level of black pepper for more or less heat.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.

  Nutrition Information

  Per serving (1 cup of Black Pepper Chicken with vegetables):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 800mg

   
   

Keyword Black Pepper Chicken, Quick Dinner Recipe, Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry,