If you love dishes that bring a perfect punch of spice and warmth in every bite, then this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish with tender chicken pieces tossed in a luscious, peppery sauce that beautifully harmonizes soy and oyster sauces, fresh peppers, and just the right amount of heat from freshly ground black pepper. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe delivers bold flavors and easy, satisfying cooking all in one pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe are straightforward yet essential, each contributing to a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the bite-sized chicken to the crisp bell peppers, every component plays an important role in crafting this memorable dish.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds, cut into bite-size pieces): The star protein that soaks up all the rich flavors in the sauce perfectly.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami depth and a savory foundation to the marinade.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity that elevates the dish.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Delivers a gentle tang to balance the savory and sweet tones.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, plus 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Helps tenderize the chicken and thickens the sauce to a velvety consistency.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for stir-frying and giving the chicken a lovely sear.
- Onion, sliced (1 large): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce while softening as it cooks.
- Green bell pepper, sliced (1): Offers a fresh crunch and bright color contrast.
- Red bell pepper, sliced (1): Provides a slightly sweet, juicy bite that complements the black pepper kick.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the dish with its classic aromatic warmth.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1 tablespoon): The signature spice that delivers the unmistakable sharp and peppery punch.
- Ginger, minced (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zest and freshness that awakens the palate.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Creates a savory base for the sauce and keeps everything moist.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the spice with gentle sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by tossing the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This simple marinade not only infuses the meat with rich, umami notes but also helps tenderize it for that perfect, juicy bite. Let it sit undecorated for 10 minutes to soak up all the flavor magic.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until it turns golden brown and is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. This step seals in the juices and starts building the flavors from the surface. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and then toss in the sliced onion, green, and red bell peppers. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften but still retain a slight crunch, which gives a wonderful textural contrast. Their warmth and natural sweetness build a lively base for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Black Pepper
Next, stir in the garlic, ginger, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until those aromas really come alive. The black pepper is the star here, infusing the dish with its spicy, bold character that gives this recipe its name and memorable flavor.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Simmer
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth along with the brown sugar. Bring it all to a gentle simmer to marry the flavors. This simmering step softens the chicken just right while allowing the rich sauce to start thickening beautifully around the pieces.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, stir the cornstarch slurry into the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables. This luscious sauce ensures every bite delivers that classic balance of savory, sweet, and spicy that makes the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe so addictive. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed before plating.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the bold flavors and enhances the presentation. Toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch also work wonders here.
Side Dishes
This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati, which soak up the peppery sauce, making each spoonful pure delight. For a lighter option, serve over stir-fried noodles or rice noodles tossed with a drizzle of sesame oil and a few chopped scallions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in crispy lettuce cups for a refreshing crunch that balances the heat and richness. You can also create a vibrant Buddha bowl by layering the chicken with quinoa, avocado slices, and fresh greens, then drizzling any extra sauce on top for a stunning, wholesome meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as good, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, the cooked chicken freezes very well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick. This method keeps the chicken tender and preserves the vibrant flavor of the freshly ground black pepper.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make the dish spicier?
If you want more heat, simply add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili along with the black pepper. This will kick up the spice without overpowering the other flavors.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re allergic or don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a touch of mushroom seasoning to replicate that sweet-savory depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free by choosing gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Just be sure to check labels carefully to keep everything safe and delicious.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to several hours in advance to develop flavor even more. You can also slice the vegetables ahead to streamline your cooking process on the day.
Final Thoughts
This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring vibrant, robust flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. It combines peppery heat, savory sweetness, and fresh veggies into a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this little taste of joy with your loved ones!
Print
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a peppery, savory sauce with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (coarsely cracked recommended)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the cornstarch to tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is lightly browned and mostly cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Then transfer the chicken onto a plate to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and both green and red bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain slight crunch.
- Add Aromatics and Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release their aroma and flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and add the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use coarsely cracked black pepper for enhanced texture and flavor.
- Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles for a balanced meal.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier and richer flavor.
- Prepare marinade in advance for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
