Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and easy stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce. Inspired by Asian cuisine, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal, offering a balance of savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day.
  • Healthier than takeout – Fresh ingredients with no unnecessary additives.
  • Customizable – Adjust spice levels and vegetables to suit your taste.
  • Pairs well with rice or noodles – A complete and satisfying meal.
  • Meal-prep friendly – Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Black Pepper Chicken 9 Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and easy stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce. Inspired by Asian cuisine, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal, offering a balance of savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavors.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Onion, sliced
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Celery, sliced
  • Cornstarch
  • Chicken broth
  • Sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Green onions, for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the chicken – In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and a little soy sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken – Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics – In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant.
  4. Add the vegetables – Toss in the bell peppers and celery, stir-frying for a couple of minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Make the sauce – In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Combine everything – Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well until everything is coated and heated through.
  7. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Make it spicier – Add red pepper flakes or sliced chilies.
  • Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
  • Gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure other sauces are gluten-free.
  • Extra saucy – Double the sauce ingredients for more flavor to coat rice or noodles.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the vegetables may lose their crisp texture.
  • Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Black Pepper Chicken

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

It has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust the black pepper to your preference.

Can I use ground black pepper instead of freshly ground?

Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-ground can work in a pinch.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Both chicken breast and thighs work well, but thighs offer more juiciness and flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, stir-fry the vegetables just before serving.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles are great options.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use less oil, reduce the amount of sugar, and add more vegetables.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are great additions.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

The chicken can be air-fried, but the stir-fry should be done in a pan.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it and use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and customize it to your liking!

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Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Description

This Chinese-style Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious stir-fry featuring juicy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and onions tossed in a rich, garlicky black pepper sauce. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and comes together in just 30 minutes!

 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for deeper color)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, to thicken)
  • 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and veggies.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and chicken broth.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) to thicken the sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

  1. In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil if needed.
  2. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes, until fragrant but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

  1. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the black pepper sauce.
  2. Stir-fry everything for 2-3 minutes, coating the chicken and veggies in the sauce.
  3. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot!

Notes

Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.

Vegetable Options: Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas.

Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil!

 

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