Name: Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 small onion (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a quick yet utterly satisfying meal, this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is your ticket to deliciousness. Imagine tender bites of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a glossy, peppery sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat—loaded with irresistible flavor and ready in only 30 minutes! It’s a colorful, nutritious take on your favorite takeout, absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends in. Whether you ladle it over fluffy steamed rice or nestle it atop chewy noodles, this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe will quickly become a household staple.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its balanced simplicity. Each ingredient—no matter how humble—lends a necessary piece to the flavor puzzle, bringing out everything from savory depth to pops of crisp freshness and that essential peppery zing. Let’s see how these stars come together!

Chicken: Use thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner protein—cut these into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay tender.
Soy Sauce: A must for umami richness; it ties the savory notes together beautifully.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a sweet-salty-briny depth, making the sauce next-level luscious.
Hoisin Sauce: Contributes subtle sweetness and complexity you don’t want to miss.
Cornstarch: Ensures your sauce reaches that lovely, glossy thickness.
Water: Helps bring everything together without overpowering the other flavors.
Rice Vinegar: Lifts the entire dish with a gentle hit of acidity (don’t skip it!).
Brown Sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy with a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The star! Use plenty for signature warmth—crack it fresh for the best aroma.
Vegetable Oil: Makes everything sizzle in the pan, giving perfectly browned edges.
Onion: Sliced onion adds natural sweetness and slight crunch.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds earthiness and vibrant color.
Red Bell Pepper: For extra color and sweetness—such a gorgeous touch!
Garlic: Mince it fresh for zingy aroma throughout every bite.
Fresh Ginger: Grate it for that peppery, floral kick essential to stir-fries.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Totally optional, but they’re my favorite way to finish the dish with freshness and a little crunch.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Signature Sauce

Start things off by mixing the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and heaps of freshly ground black pepper—right in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, making sure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This powerhouse blend is truly the backbone of the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe and guarantees every bite is perfectly seasoned and satisfying.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is gorgeously browned and cooked through. This step is vital for locking in all those tasty juices. Remove the chicken from the heat and keep it handy on a plate for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet (add a bit more oil if things look dry), toss in your sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the vegetables to turn a little tender while holding onto their pretty color and that signature crisp crunch—it’s what makes this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe so irresistible.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your veggies, then pour the prepared sauce over the top. Stir everything well to coat every piece and vegetable in that peppery, dreamy sauce. Let it all cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, and you’ll see the sauce start to thicken, enveloping everything in glossy deliciousness. Give it a final stir and get ready for the best part: serving!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for a burst of color and a little crunch. These final touches not only make your Black Pepper Chicken Recipe look stunning, but the freshness brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving your Black Pepper Chicken Recipe with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice. If noodles are more your style, try it over stir-fried lo mein or rice noodles—each option soaks up that rich sauce and makes for an extra comforting meal. Add a crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed broccoli to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner or meal prep twist, spoon the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe into lettuce cups, or stuff it into warm bao buns for a fun and hand-held experience. Little jars or bowls make great lunch meal-prep portions—add a sprinkle of chili flakes for spice-lovers or drizzle a splash of chili oil for extra heat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Black Pepper Chicken Recipe into an airtight container and pop it in your fridge. It keeps fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors even intensify as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch equally exciting!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. The chicken stays tender and the veggies remain deliciously crisp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Either chicken thighs or breasts work beautifully for this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe—thighs offer extra juiciness, while breasts keep things slightly lighter. Just make sure to not overcook the chicken so it stays tender.

How spicy is this dish?

The main kick comes from freshly ground black pepper, so it’s totally adjustable! If you prefer more heat, add extra pepper or toss in red chili flakes. For a milder version, simply stick to the base recipe amounts.

Is there a vegetarian substitute for chicken?

Definitely! Try swapping the chicken for firm tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. Just pat it dry, cut into cubes, and follow the same steps for a flavorful, vegetarian twist on the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe.

What can I do if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No oyster sauce on hand? Use extra hoisin sauce with a dash of soy sauce for added depth. While it’ll change the flavor slightly, your dish will still be rich and delicious!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients and keep it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a stir before using—saves a step for those weeknight dinner rushes!

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a comforting, quick-to-make favorite that never fails to impress, give this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe a go. It’s bursting with flavor, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a repeat request at your dinner table. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why I adore this dish—happy cooking!

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a delicious stir-fry dish with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful black pepper sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger until slightly tender.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stir to coat, and cook until the sauce thickens. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.