Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe That Packs a Punch

Sizzling spices dance through this black pepper chicken recipe that promises to ignite your taste buds.

The aroma will transport you straight to vibrant street markets in Asia.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a rich, boldly seasoned blend that awakens every sense.

Robust flavors merge seamlessly with each carefully selected ingredient.

Quick and straightforward preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Impressing dinner companions with restaurant-quality cooking right from your own kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible culinary adventure.

Steps To Make Black Pepper Chicken At Home

Step 1: Marinate the Protein

Grab your chicken and toss it into a mixing bowl. Splash in soy sauce and sprinkle cornstarch over the meat. Massage everything together until the chicken is completely coated. Let it sit and soak up those amazing flavors for about 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Booster

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Sugar
• Chicken broth

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet with vegetable oil until it’s dancing hot. Toss in the marinated chicken and cook it until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep the chicken moving to ensure even cooking. Once it’s fully cooked, scoop it out and set it aside.

Step 4: Dance the Vegetables

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Stir-fry these colorful veggies until they’re slightly softened but still have a delightful crunch. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment to release its aromatic magic.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, creating a mouthwatering coating. Generously sprinkle black pepper across the mixture and give it a good stir. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and create that perfect glossy finish. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some sesame oil and give it a final toss.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Serve your Black Pepper Chicken Delight piping hot alongside steamed rice or noodles. Feel free to add an extra sprinkle of black pepper on top for those who love a spicy kick. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips To Get The Most Flavor In Black Pepper Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in soy sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Perfect Pepper Punch: Freshly ground black pepper delivers a more robust and aromatic taste compared to pre-ground versions.
• Vegetable Crunch Control: Stir-fry bell peppers and onions briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
• Sauce Thickness Trick: Use cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, restaurant-style sauce that clings perfectly to chicken and vegetables.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How To Store Black Pepper Chicken For Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain maximum flavor and food safety.
• Cooling: Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before sealing and storing in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and maintains the chicken's crispy texture.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
• Quick Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough and dry. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Well With Black Pepper Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Complement the bold black pepper flavors with a chilled Riesling that balances the dish's spiciness and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Jasmine Rice Companion: Serve the black pepper chicken over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a subtle, fragrant backdrop to the peppery protein.
• Enhance with Asian Slaw Side: Create a refreshing counterpoint by serving a tangy Asian-style coleslaw with crisp cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to cool down the pepper's heat.
• Add Fresh Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of sugar to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy chicken dish.

New Flavors For Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Kick Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the dish. Increase black pepper quantity for more bold flavor.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chopped cilantro during the final stir-fry to create a fragrant and aromatic variation. Add green onions for additional freshness.
• Coconut Cream Chicken: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk in the sauce for a creamy, slightly sweet profile. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before serving for additional texture and tropical notes.
• Ginger Zest Chicken: Grate fresh ginger into the marinade and sauce for a warm, spicy undertone. Include julienned ginger strips during vegetable stir-frying to enhance the overall flavor complexity.

Black Pepper Chicken Questions Answered

• Why is cornstarch important in this Black Pepper Chicken recipe?

Cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken by creating a protective coating that keeps it juicy. It also thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality texture and helping the sauce cling perfectly to the chicken and vegetables.

• Can I use a different type of pepper if I don't have black pepper?

While black pepper is key to this dish’s signature flavor, you can use white pepper for a milder taste. However, freshly ground black pepper provides the most authentic and robust flavor profile for this chicken recipe.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When you cut into a piece, the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear.

• Is this dish very spicy?

Black Pepper Chicken is more about robust, bold pepper flavor rather than intense heat. The black pepper provides a warm, slightly sharp taste without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it enjoyable for most palates.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Is A Weeknight Winner

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Black pepper chicken delivers a mouthwatering punch of spicy and savory notes in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Master Effortless Stir-Fry Technique: This recipe teaches a simple one-pan cooking method that keeps vegetables crisp and chicken tender, ideal for home cooks wanting to improve their skills.
• Enjoy Customizable Comfort Food: With flexible vegetable choices and adjustable spice levels, this dish welcomes personal tweaks while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile.
• Experience Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Professional-style sauce coating and golden-brown chicken create a restaurant-worthy meal without expensive takeout prices or complicated techniques.

Everything In Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, main protein source.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor of the sauce.

• Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Provides rich, savory umami flavor and dark color.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds complex, slightly sweet and salty taste.
• Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.

• Black Pepper: Primary spice that gives the dish its signature heat and sharp flavor.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic base note to the stir-fry.
• Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and natural sweetness.

• Cornstarch: Used for marinating chicken and thickening sauce, creates smooth texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for stir-frying.
• Sesame Oil: Optional finishing oil that adds nutty, fragrant accent.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent black pepper chicken delivers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with bold Asian-inspired zest. Crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in robust pepper sauce promise a quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)

Vegetables and Cooking Oils:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a savory marinade by combining soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing the meat to absorb flavors for a quarter-hour.
2. Craft a harmonious sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a separate vessel.
3. Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat, then introduce the marinated chicken. Sear the pieces until they develop a golden exterior and reach complete doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a holding plate.
4. Utilize the same skillet, adding additional oil if necessary. Toss in onions and bell peppers, sautéing them until they reach a delicate, crisp-tender state. Incorporate minced garlic and quickly stir to release its aromatic essence.
5. Reunite the chicken with the vegetables in the skillet. Cascade the prepared sauce over the ensemble, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Generously sprinkle black pepper and thoroughly integrate all components.
6. Introduce a cornstarch slurry to the mixture, allowing the sauce to transform and thicken. For an optional flourish, drizzle sesame oil and perform a final, gentle toss.
7. Present the dish piping hot alongside steamed rice or noodles. For pepper enthusiasts, an additional sprinkle of black pepper provides a final flavor boost.

Notes

• Enhance the marinade by adding a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine for deeper flavor complexity.
• Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, using freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari and using certified gluten-free cornstarch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg