The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Try

The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Try

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• Author: Jannet Lisa
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is packed with bold flavors and tender chicken, making it a quick and effortless dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season lightly with salt.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, and chicken broth to make the sauce.
3. Dice the onion, slice the bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add remaining oil, then sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
6. Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
7. Serve hot, optionally garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep it fully gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: black pepper chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meals, stir fry, asian cuisine

Is your dinner rotation feeling bland and uninspired? This Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is about to change everything. Packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, and that signature peppery kick, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing weekend guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and incredible flavor.

3 Best Reasons to Try This Black Pepper Chicken

This isn’t just any chicken recipe – it’s a game-changer for your meal planning arsenal:

• Quick and effortless – Ready in just 25 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy Black Pepper Chicken solution
• Budget-friendly – Uses common pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank, proving the best Black Pepper Chicken method doesn’t require exotic ingredients
• Versatile and customizable – Easily adjust spice levels or add vegetables to make it your own version of how to make Black Pepper Chicken easily at home

What You Need to Make Black Pepper Chicken

To create this delicious dish, gather these key components of Black Pepper Chicken: boneless chicken thighs (1 pound), soy sauce (3 tablespoons), oyster sauce (2 tablespoons), freshly ground black pepper (1-2 tablespoons, depending on your spice preference), vegetable oil (2 tablespoons), minced garlic (3 cloves), diced onion (1 medium), sliced bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), cornstarch (1 tablespoon), and chicken broth (1/4 cup).

Don’t have all the must-have basics for perfect Black Pepper Chicken? No problem! Chicken breasts work well instead of thighs (just reduce cooking time slightly), honey can substitute for oyster sauce (though the flavor profile will change), and any colorful bell peppers will do.

Step-by-Step How-To Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Tip: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and the perfect texture in your final dish.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1-2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust according to your spice preference), and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Whisk in 1/4 cup chicken broth until smooth. Tip: Freshly ground black pepper provides significantly more flavor than pre-ground, making a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

Dice 1 medium onion and slice 2 bell peppers into thin strips. Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Having everything ready before cooking makes the stir-frying process much smoother.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary for proper browning.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Tip: Keep vegetables moving in the pan for even cooking.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Give your sauce mixture another quick stir (the cornstarch tends to settle) and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Tip: Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Tip: Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Nutritional Info Snapshot

This Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is not just delicious but also fits into many dietary plans:

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 28g per serving – excellent for muscle maintenance
• Carbs: 12g per serving (without rice) – making it relatively keto-friendly
• Fat: 18g per serving – primarily from the chicken thighs

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and it’s rich in protein while being moderate in calories. The bell peppers add a good dose of vitamins A and C, making this a relatively balanced meal option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Made too much of this delicious Black Pepper Chicken? No problem! Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

Refrigerator storage: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making next-day leftovers even more delicious!

Freezer storage: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the peppers might lose some of their crispness after freezing.

Quick reheating methods: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through (about 2 minutes total).

Top FAQs About Black Pepper Chicken

Can I make Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all ingredients 1-2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. The sauce can be mixed (minus the cornstarch) and stored for up to 3 days. Add cornstarch just before cooking. Alternatively, cook the entire dish, refrigerate, and reheat when needed – the flavors often deepen overnight.

How can I adjust the spice level of my Black Pepper Chicken?

The heat in this dish comes primarily from black pepper, so simply adjust the amount to your preference. For milder flavor, use 1 tablespoon of black pepper. For a spicier kick, increase to 2 tablespoons or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a mixture of coarsely and finely ground pepper for layered heat.

What vegetables work well in Black Pepper Chicken?

While bell peppers and onions are traditional, this recipe is incredibly versatile! Try adding broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. Vegetables with higher water content should be added later in the cooking process to prevent becoming soggy.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from drying out – about 2-3 minutes per side should be sufficient. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of oil to the sauce to compensate for the lower fat content.

Creative Variations for Your Black Pepper Chicken

Want to mix things up? Here are some exciting twists on the classic recipe:

Pineapple Black Pepper Chicken

Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks along with the bell peppers for a sweet-savory combination that balances the peppery heat beautifully. The acidity from the pineapple also helps tenderize the chicken.

Spicy Honey Black Pepper Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce for a sweet-heat variation that’s absolutely addictive. The honey caramelizes slightly during cooking, adding wonderful depth of flavor.

Black Pepper Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serve your finished dish in crisp lettuce leaves instead of over rice for a lower-carb option that’s fun to eat. Boston or Bibb lettuce works perfectly as natural “cups” for the filling.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

Turn your Black Pepper Chicken into a complete feast with these perfect pairings:

• Simple steamed jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce and lets the chicken’s flavor shine
• Coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the peppery chicken
• Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or Chinese broccoli make for a nutritionally balanced meal
• Hot and sour soup as a starter complements the main dish perfectly

For a complete Asian-inspired feast, add some spring rolls or dumplings as appetizers.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken Every Time

Take your Black Pepper Chicken from good to great with these professional insights:

1. Toast your black pepper in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the sauce – this simple step intensifies the pepper’s essential oils and aroma
2. Velvet your chicken by marinating it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of oil for 15 minutes before cooking for incredibly tender results
3. Get your wok or pan extremely hot before adding ingredients for that authentic restaurant-style sear and caramelization
4. Use chicken thigh meat rather than breast for juicier, more flavorful results that can stand up to the bold sauce

Wrapping It Up: Final Tips

This Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort – exactly what a great weeknight dinner should be. The combination of aromatic black pepper, savory sauces, and tender chicken creates a dish that feels like takeout but is healthier, fresher, and customized exactly to your taste.

Whether you’re a cooking novice or kitchen pro, this recipe’s straightforward approach and impressive results make it a must-add to your regular rotation. The bold flavors, quick preparation, and versatility mean you can enjoy making your own homemade Black Pepper Chicken anytime!

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience or variations in the comments below! And don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for the next time you need a quick, delicious dinner solution.