Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Name: Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe – Easy and Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1–2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup chicken broth

by Jannet Lisa

10 de May de 2025

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This best Black Pepper Chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with savory goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Chinese-inspired favorite features tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, aromatic black pepper sauce that strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this homemade black pepper chicken delivers bold taste without complicated techniques.

Looking for a quick Black Pepper Chicken idea that delivers incredible flavor without hours in the kitchen? Our classic Black Pepper Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken chunks with bell peppers, onions, and a irresistible sauce featuring freshly cracked black pepper. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken

This recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle while delivering restaurant-quality results. Here’s why this will become your new go-to dinner:

• Quick preparation – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
• Budget-friendly – Uses accessible ingredients without sacrificing flavor
• Family-approved – Just the right amount of spice that even kids can enjoy
• Healthier than takeout – Control the ingredients and oil for a better-for-you option
• Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully for lunches all week
• Versatile – Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein
• Foolproof method – Even beginner cooks can master this Black Pepper Chicken

If you’re wondering how to make Black Pepper Chicken at home easily, you’ll love that this best beginner-friendly Black Pepper Chicken recipe uses simple techniques with maximum flavor payoff. The secret lies in the perfect balance of aromatics and that distinctive peppery kick that makes this dish so addictive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this homemade Black Pepper Chicken, gather these simple ingredients that combine to create complex flavors:

For the chicken and vegetables: boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic cloves, fresh ginger, green onions, vegetable oil.

For the black pepper sauce: freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth.

Smart Swaps:
• For gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your oyster sauce label
• For a lighter version: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs
• No Shaoxing wine? Substitute with dry sherry or mirin
• Vegetable options: Add broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition

The essential pantry ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken are mostly staples you likely already have, making this an excellent last-minute dinner option. The best spice blends for Black Pepper Chicken include freshly cracked black pepper (crucial for authentic flavor) combined with ginger and garlic for that perfect balance of warmth and aromatics.

Easy and delicious homemade Black Pepper Chicken recipe ready to enjoy

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables. Slice 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into 1-inch squares. Dice 1 medium yellow onion. Mince 4 garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger. Slice 4 green onions, separating white and green parts.

Step 3: Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ cup chicken broth until smooth.

Cooking the Dish

Step 4: Cook the chicken. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When oil is shimmering, add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 5: Stir-fry aromatics. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil if needed. Add white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Cook vegetables. Add bell peppers and onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some crunch.

Step 7: Combine and finish. Return chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and stir continuously as it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure all ingredients are well-coated in the glossy sauce.

Step 8: Serve. Sprinkle with green parts of green onions and additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Final Touches

For the most authentic Black Pepper Chicken, use freshly ground black pepper rather than pre-ground. The difference in flavor is remarkable! For extra texture, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

Take your Black Pepper Chicken from good to outstanding with these expert suggestions:

• Velveting the chicken: The cornstarch marinade creates tender, juicy chicken pieces that won’t dry out during high-heat cooking.

• Use a very hot pan: For authentic stir-fry texture with slightly charred edges, make sure your wok or skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients.

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and allow proper browning.

• Prep everything first: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients measured, cut, and ready before heating your pan.

• Season your wok: A well-seasoned wok develops “wok hei” (breath of the wok), that distinctive smoky flavor found in restaurant stir-fries.

Can I prepare Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients and make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then stir-fry just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, use hoisin sauce mixed with a splash of soy sauce, or mushroom oyster sauce for a vegetarian option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Nutritional Information

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe offers a great balance of protein and vegetables while keeping calories in check. Each serving provides:

Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

This recipe is naturally low-carb friendly when served without rice or with cauliflower rice instead. For a high-protein option available, use chicken breast and increase the portion size. The dish is also relatively low in sodium compared to restaurant versions, especially if you use low-sodium soy sauce.

Storage and Leftovers

This best Black Pepper Chicken recipe makes excellent leftovers that maintain their flavor and texture when stored properly.

Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing: While you can freeze Black Pepper Chicken for up to 2 months, the vegetables may soften when thawed. For best results, slightly undercook the vegetables before freezing.

Reheating methods:
• Stovetop (best method): Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add leftovers and stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Oven: Spread in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

For how to store leftover Black Pepper Chicken properly, always cool it completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation. If you’re wondering if Black Pepper Chicken can be frozen, the answer is yes – just be aware the texture of peppers and onions will change slightly upon thawing.

Top 4 FAQs About Black Pepper Chicken

Is Black Pepper Chicken kid-friendly?

Black Pepper Chicken can be adjusted for kids by reducing the amount of black pepper. Start with half the recommended amount and let adults add more to their portions. The sweet-savory balance is typically appealing to children, especially when served with their favorite rice or noodles.

Can I make a vegan version of Black Pepper Chicken?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or tempeh. For the sauce, substitute vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cooking process remains the same, though tofu may need less cooking time than chicken.

What’s the difference between Black Pepper Chicken and other Chinese chicken dishes?

The distinctive feature of Black Pepper Chicken is its bold use of freshly cracked black pepper as the main seasoning. Unlike General Tso’s or Orange Chicken that use sweet sauces, or Kung Pao Chicken that features peanuts and dried chilies, Black Pepper Chicken showcases the aromatic heat of black pepper in a savory, lightly thickened sauce.

What side dishes go well with Black Pepper Chicken?

Traditional accompaniments include steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice. Other excellent sides include steamed broccoli, cucumber salad with rice vinegar, garlic green beans, or simple vegetable spring rolls. For a complete Chinese-inspired meal, serve with hot and sour soup or egg drop soup as a starter.

These dishes share the same quick-cooking methods and bold flavors that make Asian-inspired cooking perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Now you’ve mastered the best Black Pepper Chicken recipe that rivals any restaurant version. With its perfect balance of bold pepper flavor, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, this dish proves that incredible meals don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative variations you tried. If you enjoyed this dish, please consider giving it a star rating and sharing it on Pinterest to help others discover this delicious recipe.

Remember, the secret to truly amazing Black Pepper Chicken lies in using freshly ground black pepper and not rushing the cooking process. With these tips in mind, you can confidently create the best Black Pepper Chicken easily at home any night of the week.

Happy cooking!