Black Pepper Chicken Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

Black pepper chicken tantalizes taste buds with its bold, zesty profile and aromatic spice blend.

Culinary enthusiasts appreciate this dish for its vibrant flavor complexity and robust seasoning techniques.

Tender meat absorbs rich marinades that convert ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Warm, peppery notes dance across the palate, creating a sensational dining experience that awakens your senses.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients can produce such remarkable results with minimal effort.

Professional chefs recognize this recipe as a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

Regional cooking traditions elevate black pepper chicken through unique preparation methods and nuanced seasoning approaches.

You’ll want to master this delectable dish that promises restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Zesty Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Lean and tender meat, best when sliced against the grain for even cooking and maximum tenderness.

• Light Soy Sauce or Tamari, Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry, Cornstarch: Tenderizing and flavoring mixture that helps chicken absorb seasonings and creates a silky texture.

• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall savory depth.
• Light Soy Sauce or Tamari, Dark Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds rich umami flavor and deep color.
• Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry: Introduces complex, slightly sweet wine undertones.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates glossy appearance.
• Sugar: Balances saltiness and adds subtle sweetness.
• Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Provides sharp, spicy kick.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.

• Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat with high smoke point.
• Ginger, Garlic: Classic Asian aromatics that provide warm, pungent base flavor.
• White Onion: Adds mild sweetness and texture.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that contribute crunch and freshness.

Searing Guide for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

• Chicken
• Soy sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Cornstarch

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Gently mix until chicken is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Set sauce aside for later use.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear for 30 seconds until lightly golden. Flip and cook another 15-20 seconds. Remove chicken and place on a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Add onions and bell peppers. Cook quickly for 20 seconds to maintain crispness.

Step 5: Combine And Thicken Sauce

Dissolve additional cornstarch into sauce mixture. Pour sauce into skillet and stir immediately. Watch sauce thicken and become glossy. Return chicken to skillet, stirring to coat completely.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Turn off heat. Transfer chicken and vegetables to serving plate. Garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy hot with steamed rice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 269 kcal | Servings: 4 persons

Pro Tips for Juicy, Pepper‑Crusted Chicken

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken sit in the marinade for exactly 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and ensure tenderness.
• Sear Strategically: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken edges without steaming.
• Sauce Secret: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a silky, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Veggie Timing: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Spice it Up: Freshly ground black pepper makes a significant difference- crush whole peppercorns just before adding for maximum aromatic impact.

Storing and Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, typically 3-5 minutes.
• Freeze Option: Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Side Dishes to Balance Black Pepper Chicken’s Heat

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the bold black pepper flavors and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Rice Companion Strategy: Serve with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the savory sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the dish's spicy notes.
• Fresh Vegetable Balance: Add a light cucumber salad with a tangy rice vinegar dressing to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, peppery chicken.
• Side Crunch Addition: Prepare quick-pickled green beans or kimchi as a zesty side that adds crunch and acidic brightness to balance the main dish's deep flavors.

Black Pepper Chicken with Fiery Spice Crunch

• Blast Quick Flavor: This black pepper chicken delivers bold, punchy taste in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cooking effort.
• Texture Party: Enjoy tender, seared chicken pieces with crisp bell peppers and onions, creating a delightful contrast of soft and crunchy elements in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows simple ingredient swaps and adjustments, letting home cooks personalize the dish according to their taste preferences or dietary needs while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile.
• Balanced Nutrition Boost: Packed with lean protein from chicken and colorful vegetables, this dish provides a nutritious meal that's both satisfying and health-conscious, delivering approximately 269 calories per serving.

Creative Twists on Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Pepper Lovers' Version: Add extra black pepper and red chili flakes for an intense, fiery kick that will make your taste buds dance.
• Creamy Coconut Fusion: Replace Shaoxing wine with coconut milk and garnish with fresh cilantro for a tropical, smooth flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Pack: Swap bell peppers for zucchini noodles and use cauliflower rice as a base to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal option.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice to transform the chicken with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the bold flavors of black pepper chicken, a spicy Chinese-inspired dish that tantalizes taste buds with its robust and aromatic profile. Tender chicken pieces coated in a peppery sauce promise a delightful culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced against the grain into ¼” (5-mm) thick pieces

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Stir-fry Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly embraced by the marinade. Allow the flavors to meld and penetrate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Craft a robust sauce by whisking together all designated ingredients until they form a seamless, glossy mixture. Reserve this flavor-packed liquid.
3. Unleash high heat beneath a spacious skillet, introducing a tablespoon of oil. Carefully arrange marinated chicken in a pristine single layer, searing each side until a golden-brown caramelization emerges – approximately 30 seconds per side.
4. Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a waiting plate, preserving its succulent texture.
5. Reignite the skillet with remaining oil, introducing aromatic ginger and garlic. Allow their fragrance to dance and intensify within moments.
6. Introduce vibrant onions and bell peppers, rapidly stirring to maintain their crisp structure and brilliant color.
7. Activate the sauce by dispersing cornstarch thoroughly, then cascade the liquid into the sizzling skillet. Swiftly agitate to trigger thickening and create a luxurious coating.
8. Reunite the chicken with the effervescent sauce, gently tumbling to ensure each piece receives a glistening embrace.
9. Extinguish the heat and elegantly transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a serving plate, ready to tantalize eager palates.

Notes

• Marinate chicken briefly to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Cornstarch helps create a silky coating and prevents meat from becoming tough during cooking.
• Quick stir-frying technique ensures vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked chicken with caramelized edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• 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: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg