If you love dishes that pack a punch of flavor while staying straightforward and quick to prepare, this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a savory, slightly spicy black pepper sauce with crisp-tender bell peppers and onions dancing alongside fragrant garlic and ginger. Every bite offers a delightful balance of heat, umami, and subtle tang, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser any day of the week. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or impressing friends with minimal fuss, this recipe shines with its bold yet comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is easy to find but plays a crucial role in building layers of authentic taste and satisfying texture. From the juicy chicken to the fresh aromatics and that unmistakable kick from black pepper, every element counts.
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Provides a rich, slightly sweet undertone that complements the peppery heat.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a silky sauce texture.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: The star of the show, delivering a bold, aromatic heat.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying to give that crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and crunch to balance the spice.
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced: Brightens the dish with color and a mild peppery flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and vibrancy to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Lends a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a faint tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Balances the sauce so it’s not too thick or heavy.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to mellow the heat and acidity.
- Salt to taste: To fine-tune the overall seasoning.
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken cubes with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. This marinade ensures each piece is not just flavorful but also tender and ready to absorb the delicious sauce. Allow the chicken to rest in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This simple step pumps up the taste and preps the chicken evenly for cooking.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in your skillet or wok. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it until golden brown on the outside and nicely cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This high-heat cooking seals in the juices, giving the chicken that perfect bite. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside—don’t worry, the flavors will come back in the sauce step.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for about 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften but still retain a bit of crunch. This helps maintain contrast in texture and keeps the dish lively.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until their fragrant aroma perfumes the air. These ingredients are essential for giving the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe its signature warmth and depth.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the rice vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir everything together well, allowing the chicken to soak in the tangy and slightly sweet notes while the sauce thickens slightly. This step truly melds all your ingredients into a harmonious dish.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Give everything a taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and more freshly ground black pepper if you want a stronger kick. This final seasoning touch ensures the dish matches your personal flavor preferences.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your Black Pepper Chicken with fresh cilantro leaves. This green burst adds an inviting color and fresh contrast, rounding out the dish beautifully. Serve it hot straight from the stove for the best experience.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice, lending brightness and a mild herbal note that complements the peppery sauce. You could also sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or even a few toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe shines alongside simple steamed white or jasmine rice, which helps soak up all that delicious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with stir-fried noodles, fried rice, or even a light Asian slaw to keep things fresh and colorful on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern touch, try serving the Black Pepper Chicken over a bed of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. Another fun idea is to stuff it inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb, hands-on meal. The possibilities are endless and always exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Black Pepper Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, freeze the cooked chicken with its sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much to refresh it. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe because they stay juicy and add a slightly richer flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and adjust cooking time if needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of freshly ground black pepper or add some chopped fresh chili peppers during the stir-fry stages. A dash of chili oil or sauce can also elevate the spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, following the same marinade and cooking steps. Just be sure to press the tofu well before marinating so it absorbs the flavors better.
What type of rice vinegar should I use?
Standard white rice vinegar is perfect for this recipe because of its mild acidity. Avoid seasoned rice vinegar as it may alter the balance of flavors.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead in the fridge, but avoid marinating too long as the cornstarch can break down the chicken texture if left overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a delicious, vibrant dish that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests, giving you that perfect balance of bold flavors and satisfying texture each time. Go ahead, try it out, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and quick Black Pepper Chicken stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast coated in a savory black pepper sauce with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for about 4-5 minutes or until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds or until you can smell their fragrant aroma.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the rice vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir everything together thoroughly so the chicken gets evenly coated with the sauce and heats through for a couple more minutes.
- Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and more freshly ground black pepper as desired to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve the Black Pepper Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add additional freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Ensure the skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to get a proper sear on the chicken and vegetables.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
