Black Pepper Chicken
Table of Contents
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’ll have your family racing to the table? Our Black Pepper Chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite! This restaurant-style dish combines tender chicken pieces with a bold, peppery sauce that’s perfectly balanced between spicy and savory.
As someone who’s tested countless chicken recipes on our blog, I can confidently say this Black Pepper Chicken stands out for its incredible depth of flavor and surprisingly simple preparation. Just like our popular Honey Garlic Chicken, this dish proves that amazing Asian-inspired cuisine is totally achievable at home.
What is Black Pepper Chicken?
Ever wondered why something as simple as black pepper gets to be the star of the show? Well, this isn’t your ordinary dash-of-pepper kind of dish! Black Pepper Chicken is a beloved Asian stir-fry that elevates humble black peppercorns to center stage, creating a sauce that’s fragrant, warming, and incredibly addictive.
As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this pepper-packed dish certainly proves that old saying true. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken
Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly rotation! First off, the star of this dish is the irresistible sauce – it’s got that perfect balance of black pepper heat and savory goodness that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Making this at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants, and you can customize the spice level to your liking. The tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and that magnificent sauce come together in a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
What sets this Black Pepper Chicken apart is how the peppercorns are treated – they’re coarsely ground to release their essential oils, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t get from pre-ground pepper. Plus, it’s so much healthier than takeout since you control the ingredients. Speaking of which, if you enjoy this, you’ll definitely want to check out our Szechuan Chicken recipe next!
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
Quick Overview
This Black Pepper Chicken comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The dish features juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich, peppery sauce with a medley of crisp vegetables. The secret lies in the perfect balance of freshly ground black pepper and a savory sauce that’s both bold and approachable.
Key Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper, and cornstarch
- Stir until well combined and set aside
- Marinate the Chicken
- Toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of black pepper and a pinch of salt
- Let it sit for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Prepare the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Combine and Finish
- Return chicken to the pan
- Pour in the prepared sauce
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot
What to Serve Black Pepper Chicken With
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Stir-fried noodles
- Steamed broccoli or Asian greens
- A fresh Asian cucumber salad
Top Tips for Perfecting Black Pepper Chicken
- Use freshly ground black pepper – pre-ground pepper won’t give you the same bold flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; work in batches if necessary
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting – this dish comes together quickly
- Adjust pepper quantity to your spice preference
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, though breast meat works too
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. While you can microwave it, the stovetop method better preserves the texture of both chicken and vegetables.
To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the vegetables might be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Give this Black Pepper Chicken a try tonight – we’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your results in the comments below or tag us in your food photos on social media. Happy cooking!
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