Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Simple Homestyle Magic

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this bold black pepper chicken recipe that promises intense flavor in every bite.

The combination of aromatic spices creates a mouth-watering dish you can’t resist.

Tender chicken pieces dance with robust pepper notes, delivering a culinary experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fragrant ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Rich, peppery undertones will transport your taste buds to new gastronomic heights.

Craving a quick, delicious meal that impresses?

This recipe is your perfect kitchen companion.

Standout Qualities of Black Pepper Chicken

• Burst with bold black pepper and savory sauce that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish, guaranteeing a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table.
• Master a simple stir-fry method that works with various proteins and vegetables, allowing endless customization based on your pantry ingredients and personal preferences.
• Requires basic pantry staples like soy sauce, chicken, and bell peppers, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Black Pepper Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender protein base of the dish, boneless and skinless chicken works best, white meat provides a lean option.

• Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor and deep color, low-sodium options available.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides sweet and savory depth, choose authentic Asian brands for best taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth sauce consistency, homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Sugar: Balances saltiness and adds slight caramelization, can substitute with honey.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh, crisp vegetables adding texture and color, mix different pepper colors for visual appeal.
• Garlic: Aromatic base providing intense flavor, fresh cloves recommended.

• Black Pepper: Signature spice giving dish its name and sharp taste, freshly ground offers best flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and creates glossy coating, ensures sauce clings to chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for stir-frying, high smoke point oils like canola work well.
• Sesame Oil: Optional finishing touch adding nutty aroma, use sparingly for authentic taste.

How to Cook Black Pepper Chicken Easily

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken Pieces

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch

Massage ingredients together until chicken is evenly coated. Let sit for a quarter hour to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Sugar
• Chicken broth

Set sauce mixture aside.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over robust heat.

Drop marinated chicken into hot pan. Cook until edges turn crispy and golden brown, rotating pieces for even cooking. This takes approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Dance the Vegetable Sauté

Add another splash of oil to the same skillet.

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Stir vigorously for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start softening but maintain crunch.

Sprinkle minced garlic and continue cooking for half a minute until aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 5: Create Culinary Magic

Return golden chicken to the skillet.

Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables.

Generously dust with black pepper. Mix thoroughly ensuring every morsel gets coated.

Add cornstarch mixture to thicken sauce for 1-2 minutes.

Optional: Drizzle sesame oil and give a final energetic toss.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Juicy Black Pepper Chicken

• Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken soak in soy sauce mixture for exactly 15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderize the meat effectively.
• Manage Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden chicken without burning, ensuring perfect caramelization and maintaining moisture.
• Control Vegetable Crispness: Stir-fry bell peppers and onions briefly to preserve their crunch and vibrant colors, preventing soggy texture.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Add cornstarch slurry gradually and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a glossy, smooth sauce that coats chicken evenly without becoming too thick.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality, fresh chicken and crisp vegetables to elevate the overall taste and texture of the black pepper chicken dish.

How to Store and Reheat Black Pepper Chicken Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Black Pepper Chicken

• Fluffy jasmine rice provides a soft, aromatic base that perfectly absorbs the rich black pepper sauce, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• A chilled, slightly sweet Riesling cuts through the dish's spiciness, offering a refreshing contrast to the bold black pepper and savory chicken.
• A cool, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds brings a light, crisp texture that cleanses the palate between spicy bites.
• Tender bok choy adds a nutritious green element that balances the protein-rich chicken and provides a subtle, fresh counterpoint to the robust flavors.

Tasty Black Pepper Chicken Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. Use cornstarch-coated chicken and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan. Press tofu thoroughly, cut into cubes, and follow the same marinating and cooking process for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Edition: Swap out bell peppers for low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower. Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute to maintain flavor while keeping carbohydrate content minimal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase black pepper quantity and add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños during vegetable stir-frying to amplify the spice profile.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the zesty allure of black pepper chicken, a spicy sensation that dances across your palate with bold, aromatic charm. Culinary enthusiasts will find this dish an irresistible journey through layers of peppery heat and succulent chicken perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Cooking and Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. Tenderize the protein by whisking soy sauce and cornstarch into chicken, allowing flavors to meld and penetrate for quarter hour.
2. Craft a harmonious sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a separate vessel.
3. Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil over robust heat, creating a sizzling surface for protein transformation.
4. Introduce marinated chicken to the hot landscape, searing until golden edges emerge and interior reaches perfect doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes.
5. Extract cooked chicken, reserving its caramelized essence in the pan.
6. Replenish skillet with additional oil if necessary, then usher onions and bell peppers into a vibrant dance, maintaining crisp texture through brief 3-4 minute sauté.
7. Infuse aromatic garlic, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the vegetable medley with quick 30-second stirring.
8. Reunite chicken with vegetable ensemble, cascading prepared sauce across the skillet.
9. Generously pepper the mixture, ensuring even distribution of robust flavor throughout the dish.
10. Incorporate cornstarch slurry, stimulating sauce to thicken and embrace ingredients within its glossy embrace.
11. Optional: Crown the creation with a delicate drizzle of sesame oil, elevating the dish’s complexity with a final, fragrant toss.

Notes

• Carefully choose high-quality chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Marinate the chicken for no more than 15 minutes to prevent the meat from becoming too salty or tough.
• Ensure the wok or skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent sticking.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version if watching salt intake.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to increase nutritional value and texture variety.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg