Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you love bold, peppery flavors with a quick and satisfying meal, you are going to adore this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender chicken breast slices enveloped in a savory, slightly spicy black pepper sauce that is bursting with aroma and depth. The combination of fresh vegetables, a glossy sauce, and that distinct bite from black pepper makes it not only a fantastic weekday dinner but also a dish that feels special enough to impress any guest. Plus, it’s ready in under 15 minutes, proving you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe just right starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play an important role in the final taste and texture. From the juicy chicken breast to the punchy black pepper and vibrant vegetables, every element is essential.

• Chicken breasts (300g, sliced 1/4 inch thick): Use boneless, skinless for easy cooking and a lean protein source.
• Soy sauce (varied amounts): Provides salty umami that balances other flavors perfectly.
• Dark soy sauce (for marinade and sauce): Adds color richness and depth in every bite.
• Sugar (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough sweetness to round out the sharpness of the pepper.
• Cornstarch (4 teaspoons): Helps lock in moisture and create a smooth sauce texture.
• Cooking wine (Shaoxing or dry sherry, 1 tablespoon): Lends a subtle complexity and enhances the overall aroma.
• Black pepper (generous amount): The star of the show, giving that characteristic spicy, earthy punch.
• Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Added after marinating, it brings a nutty fragrance and silky mouthfeel.
• Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses a rich, savory depth that complements the soy sauces beautifully.
• Water (1/2 cup): Used to balance the sauce and keep it luscious without overpowering.
• Onion (1/4, cut into 1” cubes): Adds sweetness and crunch for texture contrast.
• Green bell pepper (1/2, cut into 1” cubes): Brings fresh, bright notes and vibrant color.
• Garlic (5 cloves, chopped): Delivers an aromatic punch that boosts the dish’s flavor profile.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into even 1/4-inch thick pieces to ensure quick and consistent cooking. Then, marinate with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, cornstarch, and plenty of black pepper. Once mixed, drizzle in the sesame oil and give it another good stir before setting it aside. This step is crucial because the marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Black Pepper Sauce

While the chicken marinates, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture forms the backbone of your dish’s sauce. Blending these ingredients now lets the flavors marry perfectly by the time you’re ready to stir-fry.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the onion and green bell pepper into generous 1-inch cubes. These vegetables don’t just add flavor—they bring in a vibrant crunch and freshness that balance the rich chicken and sauce wonderfully.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat your pan with some oil and quickly stir-fry the onion and bell pepper for about one minute until they start to soften but retain their snap. Then, set them aside temporarily. This slight pre-cooking ensures they won’t overcook later and keeps the dish lively.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

In the same hot pan, add the marinated chicken, spreading it out so the pieces don’t overlap. Let it cook undisturbed until the underside is beautifully golden-brown—this gives you that delicious texture you want. Then toss in chopped garlic to release its aroma and stir-fry for one minute, enhancing the flavors further.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the black pepper sauce and the pre-cooked vegetables back into the pan. Stir-fry everything together for just about a minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats each piece perfectly. At this point, your Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or some finely sliced green onions on top adds a fresh burst and visual appeal. Toasted sesame seeds are also an incredible optional touch for an added nuttiness and crunch that nicely complement the dish.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic and perfect match, offering a neutral canvas for the robust flavors of the chicken. For a more indulgent meal, try garlic fried rice or even simple buttery noodles. Light sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad provide refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this vibrant stir-fry in a rustic wok or a sleek ceramic bowl for a cozy feel. If you’re hosting, bring out small bowls of chili flakes and extra black pepper so everyone can customize their plate. For a fun twist, serve alongside steamed bao or soft tortillas for a fusion-style wrap experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Black Pepper Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator and maintains its flavor for up to 3 days. It’s a great meal prep option if you want a quick, protein-packed lunch or dinner ready to go.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover black pepper chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. When thawed, the texture of the chicken may be slightly softer, but the sauce will still be delightfully savory.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispness on the chicken and reawaken the flavors. Microwaving works in a pinch but stirring halfway through will help distribute heat evenly and keep the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be sure to slice them to the same thickness as breasts so they cook evenly.

How spicy is this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?

The spice level mainly comes from black pepper, which is moderate and more aromatic than fiery. You can adjust the amount of black pepper depending on your heat preference to make it milder or bolder.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so to keep it gluten-free, you’ll want to use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?

While this recipe is designed with chicken, you can substitute tofu or seitan for a plant-based version. Be sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep the flavors authentic.

What’s the secret to tender chicken in this recipe?

Two things: marinating with cornstarch, which seals in moisture, and slicing the chicken against the grain into thin, even pieces, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress with its bold flavors and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, it delivers satisfaction fast and effortlessly. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every single peppery, juicy bite as much as I do!