Try This Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Tonight

Spicing up your weeknight dinner with a bold black pepper chicken recipe brings excitement to the kitchen.

Aromas of freshly ground spices will instantly awaken your senses.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, peppery glaze promise a flavor explosion.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact for this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory depth.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Is a Bold Favorite

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Marinate chicken quickly with basic pantry ingredients, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry: Combines bold black pepper, aromatic ginger, and garlic for a restaurant-quality dish that bursts with Asian-inspired taste.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable to serve with rice, noodles, or as a protein-rich addition to salads and grain bowls.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking process mean less cleanup and more enjoyment of a delicious home-cooked meal.

Key Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

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

• Ginger, Garlic: Provide a strong, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Onion, Bell Peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the chicken marinade and sauce.
• Shaoxing Wine: Brings a subtle, rich complexity to the dish's overall taste profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a sharp, spicy kick that complements the savory chicken.
• Oil: Used for stir-frying and ensuring the ingredients cook evenly and develop a nice sear.

Step-by-Step Black Pepper Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Marinade

Combine chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.

Let the chicken absorb the rich flavors for 15 minutes, allowing the marinade to tenderize and enhance the meat’s taste.

Step 2: Whisk Signature Sauce

In a separate bowl, blend together the sauce ingredients, creating a harmonious mixture that will bring depth and excitement to the dish.

Set the sauce aside, ready to transform the chicken.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatics

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

Introduce minced ginger and crushed garlic, sautéing until their fragrant essence fills the kitchen and creates a mouthwatering foundation for the dish.

Step 4: Sear Marinated Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan, stirring and turning to ensure each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

The searing process locks in juices and creates delightful caramelized edges.

Step 5: Incorporate Colorful Vegetables

Toss in sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying until the vegetables become tender-crisp.

Their vibrant colors and textures will complement the chicken perfectly.

Step 6: Bring Sauce to Life

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, coating every morsel with a glossy, pepper-infused glaze that promises incredible flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling black pepper chicken to a serving plate.

Accompany with steamed rice or tender noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

• Let chicken sit in soy sauce mixture for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion.
• Adjust black pepper quantity to match your heat preference, from mild to bold.
• Use high heat and quick stir-frying to keep chicken tender and juicy.
• Choose a carbon steel or cast-iron wok for authentic wok hei and better heat distribution.
• Add bell peppers and onions last to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color.

Flavorful Variations of Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Sichuan Style: Replace black pepper with Sichuan peppercorns and add chili oil for an intense, numbing heat that transforms the classic chicken dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a keto-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Tofu Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before marinating and cooking to create a protein-packed plant-based meal with the same aromatic spices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free rice or quinoa for celiac-friendly preparation.

Serving Suggestions for Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Side Kick: Pair this zesty black pepper chicken with a cooling cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar to balance the bold flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Family-Style Feast: Spread the chicken over steamed jasmine rice, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an eye-catching and delicious family meal that brings everyone together.
• Lunch Box Winner: Pack leftovers in a bento-style container with compartments for chicken, rice, and extra veggies, creating a satisfying and portable lunch that stays exciting and delicious when reheated.
• Quick Weeknight Twist: Transform the dish into a wrap by using large lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative, adding extra crunch and making dinner preparation even faster and more versatile.

Best Storage Tips for Black Pepper Chicken

• Transfer leftover black pepper chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze the chicken in sealed freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor quality.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness, cover with microwave-safe lid, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture.

FAQs

• Is black pepper chicken spicy?

While it contains black pepper, the dish isn’t typically very spicy. The black pepper provides a mild, warming heat and robust flavor without overwhelming spiciness.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even boneless chicken pieces. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy compared to breast meat.

• What makes Shaoxing wine special in this recipe?

Shaoxing wine adds depth and authentic Chinese flavor to the dish. If unavailable, you can substitute with dry sherry or rice wine to maintain similar taste complexity.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Marinate the chicken with cornstarch and avoid overcooking. Stir-fry quickly on high heat to keep the meat tender and prevent it from becoming dry or chewy.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Black pepper chicken brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to dinner tables with remarkable ease. Spicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce and Seasonings:

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

Stir Fry Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 white onion
• 2 bell peppers

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken pieces with a blend of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch, allowing flavors to meld for 15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Whisk together sauce components in a separate container, creating a harmonious mixture ready for cooking.
3. Warm a wok or expansive skillet over medium-high heat, introducing oil to create a sizzling surface.
4. Introduce minced ginger and crushed garlic, releasing their aromatic essence until fragrant and golden.
5. Carefully add marinated chicken pieces, ensuring each morsel develops a rich, caramelized exterior through vigorous stirring.
6. Incorporate sliced onions and colorful bell peppers, tossing continuously until vegetables reach a tender yet crisp consistency.
7. Stream the prepared sauce over the sizzling ingredients, allowing it to simmer and thicken into a glossy, clingy coating.
8. Once sauce reaches desired consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove from heat.
9. Transfer the vibrant, pepper-studded chicken to a serving platter, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cracked black pepper.
10. Accompany the dish with steamed rice or delicate noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 30 minutes for maximum taste absorption.
• Adjust cornstarch amount to control sauce thickness, using less for a lighter coating or more for a thicker glaze.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, ensuring similar marinating and cooking techniques.
• Choose low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without compromising the rich umami flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 217 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg