Black Pepper Chicken

An easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and a savory black pepper sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful taste that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. With its quick preparation time and gluten-free adaptability, this recipe shines in both flavor and convenience.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Marinade
• For the Sauce
• For Stir-Frying
• How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 3: Cook the Chicken
• Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables
• Step 5: Combine Everything
• Step 6: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken
• With Steamed Rice
• In Lettuce Wraps
• Over Noodles
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables
• As a Filling for Tacos
• On a Bed of Quinoa
• How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Black Pepper Chicken
• Reheating Black Pepper Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What sides pair well with Black Pepper Chicken?
• Can I use other proteins?
• Is Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?
• How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Sauce: The rich black pepper sauce elevates the dish, providing a bold flavor that you won’t forget.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out chicken for your favorite protein or adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season.
• Gluten-Free Option: By using tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe becomes gluten-free while still being delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week—great for lunches or quick dinners!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and quickly stir-frying vegetables without overcrowding.
• Medium-sized bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly with sauce ingredients.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping the chicken and ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Black Pepper Chicken:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce

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

For Stir-Frying

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used mixed colors)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the mixture. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Spread it into a single layer using a spatula to minimize overlap. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until both sides are browned but slightly pink inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add ginger and garlic; stir until fragrant. Then add white onion and bell peppers, stirring continuously for about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Stir the prepared sauce mixture until any cornstarch lumps dissolve completely. Pour it into the skillet with vegetables. Stir immediately and cook until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this takes just a few seconds. Return cooked chicken to pan; stir quickly to coat everything with sauce. Turn off heat and transfer all contents to a plate immediately.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Enjoy your homemade Black Pepper Chicken as a main dish!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the savory black pepper sauce and absorbs the rich flavors, making each bite satisfying.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun, interactive meal.

Over Noodles

• Toss the black pepper chicken over cooked noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, for a hearty dish that combines textures and flavors beautifully.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pairing with stir-fried vegetables enhances the dish’s health benefits while adding vibrant colors and additional nutrients to your plate.

As a Filling for Tacos

• Use black pepper chicken as a filling for soft tortillas. Top with fresh salsa or guacamole for a fusion twist on traditional tacos.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• Serving it over quinoa adds a nutty flavor and boosts the protein content of your meal, making it both filling and nutritious.

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How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Black Pepper Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will elevate the taste of your dish compared to dried alternatives.

• Control Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures that the chicken sears quickly and retains moisture without becoming tough.

• Thicken Sauce Correctly: Ensure that you allow the sauce to thicken properly before adding back the chicken to achieve a glossy finish.

• Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve black pepper chicken right after cooking to enjoy its freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Black Pepper Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that adds flavor with vegetables and eggs mixed into rice; perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Garlic Green Beans: Quick to prepare, sautéed green beans with garlic provide crunch and balance out the richness of the chicken.

3. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that complements spicy dishes well; easy to make and comforting on chilly nights.

4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a cool contrast to the warm dish.

5. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer an enjoyable crispy texture alongside your savory chicken.

6. Chow Mein: This noodle dish is flavorful and filling, making it an excellent base for your black pepper chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Pepper Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using too much soy sauce: Adding too much soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Stick to the recommended amounts for balanced flavor.
• Not marinating the chicken: Skipping the marination step can result in bland chicken. Allowing the chicken to soak up flavors for at least 10 minutes enhances taste.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much chicken at once leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches for a better texture.
• Ignoring the heat level: Cooking on low heat prevents proper browning. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients for optimal results.
• Rushing the sauce preparation: Not allowing the sauce to thicken properly can lead to a watery dish. Stir until the sauce coats the back of a spoon for best consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sides pair well with Black Pepper Chicken?

Black Pepper Chicken goes great with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. These sides complement its rich flavors beautifully.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist on this recipe while maintaining great taste.

Is Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without worries.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

The spiciness primarily comes from coarsely ground black pepper. Adjust this ingredient based on your spice preference for milder or hotter flavors.

Final Thoughts

This easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is not only quick but also incredibly delicious. With its juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables coated in a savory sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste!