Introduction
Craving a quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meal at home? Meet Black Pepper Chicken—a bold, spicy, and utterly delicious dish that’s both easy to make and packed with mouthwatering flavors. This Chinese-inspired stir-fry is a perfect balance of heat from freshly ground black pepper and the savory goodness of tender chicken coated in a rich, glossy sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a go-to weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow your family, this peppery chicken stir-fry recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the best way to make this irresistible dish!
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Recipe Card
Black Pepper Chicken
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich black pepper sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color)
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Final Touch: Drizzle with sesame oil and toss in green onions.
- Serve & Enjoy: Plate over hot rice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the black pepper level to suit your spice tolerance.
- For a deeper umami flavor, add a dash of fish sauce.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 670mg
Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – A bold, peppery kick with a savory-sweet balance.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like your favorite takeout, but homemade!
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples.
✔️ Customizable – Easily adjust spice levels or swap ingredients.
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe ingredients and Substitutions
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is key! Pre-ground black pepper won’t deliver the same robust heat.
- Chicken – Thighs are juicier, but chicken breast works too.
- Soy Sauce Trio – Light soy sauce for seasoning, dark soy sauce for color, and oyster sauce for richness.
- Vegetables – Bell peppers and onions add crunch, but you can use carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a silky sauce and tender chicken texture.
How to Make This Dish (Step-by-Step)
- Marinate & Coat: Toss the chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it absorb the flavors.
- Sear to Perfection: Cook the chicken in hot oil until golden.
- Sauté Aromatics: Onions, garlic, ginger, and peppers bring a deep, fragrant base.
- Simmer in Sauce: The peppery sauce thickens as it coats the chicken.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish with sesame oil and green onions for the final touch.
Expert Tips for Success
✅ Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper – It makes all the difference in flavor intensity.
✅ High Heat for Stir-Frying – This ensures a quick sear and retains the crispness of veggies.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Remove it once cooked through to avoid dryness.
✅ Make Extra Sauce – Perfect for drizzling over rice or noodles.
Variations and Customizations for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Make It Spicier – Add chili flakes or fresh red chilies.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Classic and fluffy.
- Garlic Noodles – Adds extra umami.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – A healthy, crunchy side.
- Spring Rolls – For a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Q: How to make this dish taste like takeout?
A: Use freshly ground black pepper, high heat, and oyster sauce for that signature Chinese takeout flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead for a quick stir-fry when ready to eat.
Q: Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?
A: White pepper has a milder heat, but you can use it for a different twist on the flavor profile.
Conclusion
There you have it—the best black pepper chicken recipe that’s simple, bold, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Try it today, and let us know how you like it in the comments below! Happy cooking! 🍽️🔥