The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe That Pops with Flavor

Crafting the best black pepper chicken recipe requires a delightful blend of spice and simplicity.

Aromatic seasonings dance across tender meat, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Pepper transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Fragrant kitchen aromas will make your stomach growl with anticipation.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and flavor.

Crispy edges and juicy center await you in this irresistible dish.

Let’s unlock the secret to making this spectacular chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Everyone Loves Black Pepper Chicken

• Speedy Seasoning Sensation: The quick spice blend and simple coating process make this recipe a breeze for home cooks seeking bold flavors without complicated techniques.
• Crispy Texture Triumph: Perfectly dried chicken pieces and strategic cooking method guarantee a delightfully crunchy exterior that seals in juicy, tender meat.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation transform this dish into a go-to meal for busy families craving restaurant-quality chicken at home.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Robust spice mixture and silky marinade work together to create an incredibly tasty chicken dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed For Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: High-quality meat that serves as the main star of this flavorful black pepper dish.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A robust spice blend that creates a deep, aromatic flavor profile for the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the meat and creates a silky coating that enhances crispiness.

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and helps bind seasonings to the chicken.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a pungent, fresh flavor that complements the spice blend.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the finished dish.

How To Cook Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken and use paper towels to blot away excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and creates a super crispy outside.

Step 2: Create Spice Blend

Mix together your dry spices in a bowl. You’ll want to create a flavor-packed seasoning that makes your chicken sing with deliciousness.

Step 3: Massage Spices Into Chicken

Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken pieces. Make sure every single bit gets a generous coating for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 4: Whip Up Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch

Whisk these together to create a silky sauce that will help the seasonings stick and make the chicken super tender.

Step 5: Let Flavors Mingle

Allow the chicken to sit and soak up all those amazing flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 6: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm up vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. You want the oil hot and shimmering, around 350-375°F.

Step 7: Fry Chicken

Gently place chicken pieces into the hot oil. Spread them out so they’re not crowded and can get perfectly golden.

Step 8: Cook to Perfection

Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side. Flip occasionally to get an even, beautiful brown color. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Pull the chicken off the heat and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy and delicious.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish that takes your dish to the next level.

Smart Tips For Black Pepper Chicken

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture with paper towels to help seasonings stick and create a crispy, golden exterior.
• Blend Spices Strategically: Mix dry spices in a bowl to create a powerful, aromatic seasoning that deeply flavors the chicken.
• Coat Evenly for Maximum Flavor: Massage spice mixture onto each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage for intense taste in every bite.
• Marinate for Tenderness: Let seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate and soften the meat.
• Cook with Precision: Use medium-high heat and a single layer in the pan to achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces that are juicy inside.

Creative Twists On Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Sriracha Chicken: Replace black pepper with sriracha sauce, adding a fiery kick and tangy heat to the marinade.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Substitute black pepper with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap cornstarch with almond flour and reduce marinade quantity for a keto-friendly version of the dish.

Great Pairings For Black Pepper Chicken

• Complement Crispy Rice: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up the savory black pepper chicken juices, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Refresh with Citrus Beverage: Pair with a chilled lemon-ginger sparkling water or light white wine like Riesling to cut through the dish's rich, spicy flavors and cleanse the palate.
• Balance with Cool Salad: Add a crisp cucumber and green apple slaw with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the bold, peppery chicken.
• Enhance with Pickled Sides: Include quick-pickled vegetables like radishes or carrots to introduce a bright, acidic element that amplifies the chicken's deep, robust seasoning.

Keeping Black Pepper Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and preventing freezer burn.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out the meat.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent further browning.

Questions About Black Pepper Chicken

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal. They absorb seasonings well and cook evenly, ensuring tender and flavorful results.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice blend for extra heat. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Is cornstarch necessary in the marinade?

Yes, cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken and creates a protective coating that locks in moisture and helps achieve a crispy exterior when cooking.

• How can I ensure my chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and flavorful.

Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 36-44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling black pepper chicken delivers a bold punch of flavor straight from Asian culinary traditions. Tender chicken pieces dance with spicy cracked pepper, creating an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 0.25 lb chicken wings

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Cooking and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
2. Combine all dry spices in a mixing bowl, creating a robust and aromatic seasoning blend that will infuse deep flavor into the chicken.
3. Meticulously coat each chicken piece with the spice mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum taste penetration.
4. Crush garlic cloves and whisk together with soy sauce and cornstarch, creating a silky marinade that will help tenderize and bind the seasonings to the meat.
5. Let the seasoned chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and penetrate the protein.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is visibly hot, approximately 350-375°F.
7. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
8. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally to achieve a golden-brown crust and internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture and tenderness.
10. Garnish with finely chopped green onions, adding a fresh, vibrant element to the richly seasoned black pepper chicken.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Crush garlic freshly for an intense aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Marinate chicken at room temperature to help seasonings penetrate deeply and ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking to maintain high heat and achieve perfect crispiness on each chicken piece.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-24 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg