Juicy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe For Weeknight Wins

Crafting a mouth-watering black pepper chicken recipe sparks excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Aromas of spicy, bold seasonings dance through the air when you start cooking.

Tender chicken pieces absorb the intense pepper flavors that make this dish irresistible.

Simple ingredients come together quickly for a meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Robust spices create layers of depth that elevate ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness.

Your dinner table will come alive with this incredibly delicious culinary adventure.

What Makes Black Pepper Chicken Recipe So Flavorful

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Black pepper transforms ordinary chicken into a bold, zesty dish with its punchy, aromatic kick that elevates every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different dietary preferences, this chicken recipe can easily accommodate vegetable variations or spice level adjustments to suit family tastes.
• Nutrition-Packed Performance: Lean protein from chicken combined with colorful bell peppers delivers a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients and satisfying protein content.

Ingredients Needed for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the main protein in this flavorful stir-fry dish.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Savory condiments that add depth and umami flavor to the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a warm, spicy kick to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps create a slightly sweet undertone.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enriches the sauce with additional flavor.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and sweetness to the stir-fry.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that create a robust and fragrant base for the dish.

• Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth and glossy sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.

• Cooking Oil: Used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables to achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a generous sprinkle of black pepper. Toss chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken soak up the delicious flavors for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle and Cook Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully place marinated chicken into the hot pan, allowing each piece to cook evenly. Stir and flip chicken until it turns golden brown and is completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pan, add chopped onions, colorful bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently until they become tender and release their fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Create Luscious Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sugar
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch

Stir the ingredients continuously, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the black pepper chicken to a serving plate and accompany with steaming hot rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 30 minutes at room temperature for maximum taste absorption.
• Use high-quality fresh cracked black pepper for robust, aromatic seasoning that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender meat compared to chicken breast.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari and ensuring oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Add red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for extra heat and a spicy kick if you enjoy more intense flavors.

Variations to Enhance Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Szechuan Style: Add Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil for a fiery kick, creating a bold and numbing flavor profile.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Chicken: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk, add lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for a creamy, aromatic Southeast Asian version.
• Honey Garlic Fusion: Swap sugar with honey, increase garlic quantity, and add a splash of rice vinegar for a sweet-tangy chicken dish with deeper umami notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Include dried oregano, fresh rosemary, and swap oyster sauce with white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired interpretation.

Pairing Suggestions for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Elevate Black Pepper Chicken with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Riesling Companion: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with bright acidity that cuts through the dish's richness, balancing the bold black pepper and savory soy sauce flavors.
• Refresh with Asian Slaw: Prepare a zesty cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing, providing a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.
• Jasmine Rice Complement: Choose fragrant jasmine rice to absorb the flavorful sauce, enhancing each bite with its delicate, subtle aroma and soft texture.
• Cool Cucumber Salad: Create a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, chili flakes, and cilantro to add a refreshing, light side that harmonizes with the chicken's intense spices.

Storage Advice for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Why use black pepper in this chicken recipe?

Black pepper adds a warm, slightly spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor of the dish, creating a bold and aromatic taste profile that complements the soy and oyster sauce marinade.

• Can I use other types of peppers instead of bell peppers?

Yes, you can substitute bell peppers with other varieties like jalapeños for more heat or poblano peppers for a slightly smoky flavor, depending on your preference and spice tolerance.

• Is cornstarch important in creating the sauce?

Cornstarch is crucial as it helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, smooth texture that clings perfectly to the chicken and vegetables, creating a more professional restaurant-style finish.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20-29 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken brings sizzling flavors from Chinese cuisine to your dinner table. Juicy chicken pieces coated in rich, aromatic pepper sauce promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) ginger, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Allow the marinade to infuse flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Preheat a skillet with cooking oil over medium-high heat. Sizzle the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, colorful bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until the vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, incorporating it with the aromatic vegetables.
5. Pour additional soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch into the pan. Gently mix and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, creating a glossy coating over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Continue stirring the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a rich, smooth consistency that clings to the ingredients.
7. Plate the black pepper chicken immediately, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally up to 30 minutes for maximum taste absorption.
• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use high-heat cooking method like stir-frying to maintain chicken’s juiciness while creating delicious caramelized edges that enhance overall flavor profile.
• For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg