Black Pepper Chicken

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a savory, spicy, and perfectly balanced dish, Black Pepper Chicken is the perfect choice. This quick and easy recipe features tender, juicy chicken coated in a bold and aromatic black pepper sauce, offering just the right amount of heat and flavor depth.

Whether paired with steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, or fresh vegetables, this dish is versatile and satisfying, bringing restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in no time and spice up your weeknight dinner routine with ease!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Quick meals
  • Asian-inspired dishes
  • Spicy food lovers
  • Family meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Black Pepper Chicken will become your new favorite dish:

  • Bold and Savory Flavor: The perfect balance of peppery spice and savory sauce makes it irresistible for any meal.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the black pepper and spices to suit your taste, whether you love it mild or fiery.
  • Healthier Than Takeout: Made with fresh ingredients and less oil, it’s a wholesome alternative to restaurant versions.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to a simple one-pan cooking process.
  • Tender and Juicy Chicken: Perfectly cooked bite-sized pieces are tender and flavorful in every bite.
  • Rich Sauce Coating: A silky sauce binds all the flavors together for a deliciously cohesive dish.
  • Pairs With Everything: Whether it’s steamed rice, noodles, or veggies, it complements any side.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests with its bold taste.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easily accessible fresh ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Fiber, Healthy Fats

Ingredients

To make this Black Pepper Chicken, you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
  • Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • Black Pepper: 2 tablespoons (freshly ground for the best flavor)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sweetness)
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for thickening the sauce)
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
  • Green Onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (optional, for flavor)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: A lean protein that takes on the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making it tender and juicy.
  • Black Pepper: The star of the dish, giving it a bold, spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
  • Green Onions: For a fresh, slightly oniony crunch as a garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Black Pepper Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips for faster cooking.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, black pepper, honey (if using), grated ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  5. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  6. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Finish the Dish: Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and give it one final stir.
  8. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your Black Pepper Chicken:

  • With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice for a classic pairing.
  • With Noodles: This dish pairs wonderfully with stir-fried noodles or lo mein for an extra carb boost.
  • With Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a more balanced meal.
  • On Its Own: If you’re looking for a lighter option, enjoy it on its own with a simple side salad or as part of a low-carb meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Black Pepper Chicken:

  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground pepper for a more robust and aromatic flavor.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of cornstarch for at least 15–30 minutes to infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
  • High Heat Cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying to ensure the chicken sears nicely and retains its juices.
  • Use Dark Soy Sauce: Add a little dark soy sauce for deeper color and a richer umami flavor.
  • Balance the Sauce: Adjust the balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to suit your taste for a savory-sweet profile.
  • Veggie Additions: Include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, celery, or broccoli to add texture, color, and nutrition to the dish.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water) for a glossy and smooth texture.
  • Aromatic Boost: Add ginger, garlic, or scallions to the pan before stir-frying the chicken for extra fragrance and flavor.
  • Use Sesame Oil: Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma that enhances the dish.
  • Serve Fresh: Black Pepper Chicken tastes best when served immediately with freshly steamed rice or noodles, so prepare everything in advance to serve it hot.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations of Black Pepper Chicken:

  • Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: Add chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Black Pepper Tofu: For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for tofu and follow the same recipe.
  • Crispy Black Pepper Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces in a light layer of cornstarch or flour before frying for a crispy texture.
  • Black Pepper Beef: Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef for a delicious twist on this recipe.
  • Lemon Black Pepper Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty, tangy flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked black pepper chicken for up to 1 month. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or skillet.
  • Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Here’s what you might need to make Black Pepper Chicken:

  • Wok – Ideal for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, as it distributes heat evenly and allows quick cooking at high temperatures.
  • Spice Grinder – Useful for grinding fresh black peppercorns for maximum flavor.
  • Meat Tenderizer – Handy for pounding chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Mandoline Slicer – Perfect for thinly slicing vegetables (e.g., onions, bell peppers) for the dish.
  • Instant-Read Thermometer – Ensures chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
  • Marinade Injector – Helps infuse the chicken with flavor if you’re using a marinade.
  • Microplane/Zester – Useful for grating fresh ginger or garlic, common ingredients in black pepper chicken.
  • Spider Strainer – Helps remove cooked chicken or vegetables from hot oil if you’re frying or blanching.
  • Silicone Spatula – Excellent for stirring and scraping sauces to ensure no ingredients stick to the pan.
  • Cast-Iron Skillet – A heavy-duty alternative to a wok, ideal for searing chicken and locking in flavors.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add extra juiciness to the dish.
  2. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
    Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works just as well in this recipe and helps reduce the salt content.
  3. Can I make this dish without cornstarch?
    If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can omit the cornstarch, but the sauce won’t be as thick and glossy.
  4. What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
    This dish pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables. You can also add a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together the spicy kick of black pepper, tender chicken, and a simple yet irresistible sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Whether served with rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables, Black Pepper Chicken is a versatile meal packed with rich, savory flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, spicy, and satisfying dish.

I’d love to see your take on Black Pepper Chicken! Snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me so I can check out your creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share how you customized the recipe to make it your own. Enjoy every bite!

Leave a Comment