Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that delivers both comfort and a kick, Black Pepper Chicken is about to become your new favorite. In every bite, you’ll find tender bites of chicken, fresh bell peppers, and onion, all tossed in a glossy, peppery sauce that practically demands extra rice for sopping up every drop. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or an old pro, this recipe shows you how easy it is to recreate restaurant flavors at home—without a mile-long list of ingredients or tricky steps. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the simplicity and the satisfying punch of black pepper.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on everyday ingredients that, when combined, create dynamic flavors and mouthwatering aroma. Each one plays a special part, whether it’s tenderizing the chicken, building the sauce, or giving the dish vibrant color and crunch.

• Chicken breast or thigh: Boneless, skinless pieces are quickest to cook and stay juicy in the sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: The star of the show; use coarsely ground pepper for the most robust flavor and a little texture.
• Soy sauce: Brings deep, savory, umami notes to balance the heat.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and makes the sauce silky.
• Cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken for a tender, crisp edge and thickens the sauce.
• Bell peppers: Choose a mix of colors for visual pop and subtle sweetness.
• Onion: Provides crunch and a touch of sharp sweetness when cooked.
• Garlic: Brings warmth and fragrance to the base of the dish.
• Ginger: A zingy element that brightens up the whole pan.
• Sesame oil: Just a splash for nutty aroma in the final stir.
• Vegetable or canola oil: For high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with a tablespoon of soy sauce, a sprinkle of cornstarch, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes while you chop the veggies. This quick marinade locks in moisture and infuses your chicken with flavor before it even hits the pan.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of sugar, more black pepper, and a bit of water or stock. This flavorful blend will be poured over the stir-fry at just the right moment, bringing all the components together in a glossy, peppery embrace.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Heat your oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for two to three minutes, stirring constantly, until the veggies are just starting to soften. You want them to stay crisp and colorful, not soggy.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Push the veggies aside and add your marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for a minute or two, then toss frequently until the chicken is golden and cooked through. The cornstarch coating helps the pieces brown beautifully while staying tender inside.

Step 5: Sauce and Finish

Pour in the sauce mixture and toss everything together quickly. The sauce should bubble and thicken in under a minute, glazing the chicken and vegetables. When it looks shiny and everything’s coated, turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil for a hit of aroma.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

Once plated, finish Black Pepper Chicken with a scattering of sliced green onions and a final grind of fresh black pepper. A few sesame seeds add a gentle crunch and a professional touch. For a pop of color, try red chili slices too.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice is the classic pairing here, perfect for soaking up all that craveable sauce. You can also serve it with brown rice or fluffy white quinoa. If you’re going low-carb, try cauliflower rice or sautéed bok choy on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, pile Black Pepper Chicken onto a family-style platter so everyone can help themselves. Or, serve it in lettuce cups for a fun (and mess-free) appetizer. You can even spoon it over warm noodles as a speedy weeknight stir-fry bowl—it’s endlessly versatile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Black Pepper Chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce does thicken as it sits, but the flavors only deepen and improve overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion Black Pepper Chicken into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, as freezing may slightly soften the pepper and onion slices.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts or stir-fry in a hot pan with a splash of water or broth until heated through. The sauce comes back to life and the chicken stays moist—and it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving than breast meat, and they work beautifully in Black Pepper Chicken. Just cut them into the same bite-sized chunks for even cooking.

Is this dish very spicy?

Black Pepper Chicken does have a peppery bite but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. If you want more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes; for less, use a milder hand with the black pepper.

Can I make this gluten free?

You sure can. Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your oyster sauce is certified gluten free if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.

What veggies can I add or swap?

This recipe is flexible! Try adding mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli florets for variety. Just keep the pieces small and cook until crisp-tender so everything mixes nicely.

Can I make Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, Black Pepper Chicken actually improves after a rest in the fridge. Prepare it as directed, store, and gently reheat before serving. The sauce thickens but loosens up again when warmed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new favorite that’s bold, easy, and sure to impress, give Black Pepper Chicken a place on your table. I promise, this dish has a way of turning even an ordinary night into something special. Enjoy every peppery, saucy bite—happy cooking!

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