The Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Succulent chicken meets bold spices in this irresistible black pepper chicken recipe that promises to awaken your taste buds.

Tender pieces of meat dance with robust seasonings, creating a symphony of flavors.

The kitchen fills with an enticing aroma that draws everyone closer to the stove.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly simple, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a satisfying punch of peppery warmth that lingers delightfully.

Serve this crowd-pleasing chicken alongside steamed rice or crisp vegetables for a complete and memorable dining experience.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your weeknight dinner rotation.

FAQs

• Is black pepper chicken spicy?

Black pepper adds a mild heat and sharp flavor, but it’s not intensely spicy. The dish has a warm, peppery kick that most people find enjoyable without being overwhelming.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even chicken tenders. Just ensure the chicken is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

No, a standard wok or large skillet works perfectly. You’ll just need basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, and measuring cups.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Marinate the chicken and avoid overcooking. The cornstarch in the marinade helps keep the meat tender, and quick high-heat cooking prevents the chicken from becoming dry and chewy.

Easy Quick Black Pepper Chicken Flavor Profile

• Whip Up in Minutes: This black pepper chicken recipe delivers a gourmet meal faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap peppers or add different vegetables to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish that adapts to what's in your fridge.
• Burst of Bold Flavors: The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and wine creates a rich, savory profile that will excite your taste buds without complicated cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious chicken dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its appealing taste and simple preparation.

Ingredients for Easy Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of this flavorful stir-fry dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Cooking Wine: Provides depth and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth coating and keeps the chicken moist.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a light and savory liquid base for the sauce.
• Light Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Adds layers of salty and complex flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Provides a warm, spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances and rounds out the overall seasoning.

• Ginger, Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic base notes to the stir-fry.
• Onion, Peppers: Provide crunch, color, and additional flavor to the dish.

Cooking Oil: Helps in searing and stir-frying ingredients with ease.

Steps to Make Quick Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Cooking wine
• Cornstarch

Toss chicken pieces thoroughly to coat, ensuring each piece is well covered.

Let the chicken absorb flavors by sitting at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Light soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Cooking wine
• Cornstarch
• Granulated sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt

Stir until all components are smoothly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Pieces

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook each side for approximately 30 seconds until they develop a light golden-brown exterior.

Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Aromatic Vegetable Sauté

• Minced ginger
• Crushed garlic
• Sliced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Cook for about 20 seconds until vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Dish

Pour prepared sauce into the pan with sautéed vegetables.

Allow sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring continuously.

Return seared chicken to the pan, gently tossing to ensure each piece is generously coated with the glossy, peppery sauce.

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce reaches desired consistency.

Serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.

Smart Tips for Easy Black Pepper Chicken

• Let chicken sit longer (up to 30 minutes) for deeper seasoning and more tender meat.
• Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to ensure chicken doesn't break apart during cooking.
• Reduce or increase black pepper amount based on personal heat preference, adding more or less ground pepper.
• If sauce is too thick, add small amounts of chicken broth to thin; if too thin, mix extra cornstarch with cold water before adding.
• Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consider adding extra colorful bell peppers or vegetables like snap peas for more nutrition.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace black pepper with diced jalapeños for a fiery version of the dish, adding extra heat and fresh pepper flavor.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium versions and use unsalted broth to reduce salt content while maintaining rich taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, marinating and cooking using the same technique for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to make the recipe completely gluten-free.

Serving Easy Quick Black Pepper Chicken

• Dinner Plate Magic: Serve this zesty black pepper chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up all those amazing sauces and flavors.
• Garnish Glow: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of color and extra freshness that makes the dish pop.
• Sidekick Solutions: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to create a balanced meal that adds nutritious green vegetables to your plate.
• Spice Adventure: Add extra black pepper or red chili flakes for those who love a bolder, spicier kick to their chicken dish.

Storing Easy Black Pepper Chicken Well

• Store any remaining black pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing and storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Keep the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays at a consistent temperature below 40°F.
• Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and aromatic black pepper chicken elevates weeknight dinners with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Crispy, tender chicken pieces glazed in a rich pepper sauce promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced 1/4-inch thick

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by blending soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow chicken to rest and absorb flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Create sauce by whisking together chicken broth, dark and light soy sauces, rice wine, cornstarch, sugar, freshly ground black pepper, and salt until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Quickly sear marinated chicken pieces for approximately 30 seconds on each side, developing a light golden-brown exterior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, add minced ginger, crushed garlic, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Rapidly stir-fry for 20 seconds, maintaining vibrant colors and crisp texture.
5. Pour prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously until mixture thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
6. Return seared chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat chicken and meld flavors.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken longer, up to 2 hours, for deeper seasoning penetration.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and gradually increasing.
• Use high-heat cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed for better searing and crispy chicken texture.
• Substitute protein options like tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, maintaining identical cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 915 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg