The Perfect Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this black pepper chicken recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

Fragrant aromas will soon fill your kitchen as tender chicken pieces dance with robust seasoning.

Crispy edges and a bold pepper kick make this dish irresistibly delicious.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than thirty minutes.

Pantry staples combine to create a memorable culinary experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Succulent meat meets intense pepper notes, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and adventurous taste buds.

One bite will convince you this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.

The Appeal Of Black Pepper Chicken On Your Plate

• Spice Up Weeknight Dinners: This black pepper chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal that breaks the monotony of routine cooking.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish in minimal time.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from bell peppers and onions, this recipe offers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs.
• Customize to Your Taste: Easily adaptable with different protein options or additional vegetables, making it perfect for personalizing according to family preferences or dietary requirements.

Ingredients Checklist For Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the star of this dish.

• Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that adds depth and umami flavor to the chicken.
• Oyster Sauce: A rich, slightly sweet sauce that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Cornflour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and glossy coating on the chicken.
• Black Pepper: A spicy and aromatic spice that provides a bold kick to the recipe.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant ingredients that form a classic flavor base and add warmth to the dish.
• Onions, Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch, sweetness, and nutritional value.

• Water: A simple liquid used to create and thicken the sauce for the chicken.

Step-By-Step Method For Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornflour
• Freshly ground black pepper

Let the flavors mingle and dance for a quick 15-minute flavor infusion.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Warm a skillet with a generous splash of oil over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until they release their magical fragrance and turn golden around the edges.

Step 3: Sear the Protein

Introduce the marinated chicken to the hot pan.

Let each piece develop a beautiful caramel-brown crust, creating a mouthwatering exterior that locks in all the delicious juices.

Step 4: Bring in the Veggie Squad

Slide in crisp onions and colorful bell peppers.

Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables until they soften slightly but maintain a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in water and let the mixture simmer.

Watch as the sauce transforms, thickening and coating the chicken with a glossy, flavor-packed glaze. Ensure the chicken cooks completely through.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Taste and adjust the seasonings. If needed, sprinkle a bit more black pepper or a dash of salt to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Transfer the sizzling black pepper chicken to a serving plate. Pair with steaming hot rice for a complete meal that will make taste buds sing with joy.

Helpful Hints For Juicy Black Pepper Chicken

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust, aromatic taste compared to pre-ground pepper.
• Choose high-quality dark soy sauce to enhance the dish's richness and color depth.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot powder.

Flavorful Variations For Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Sriracha Variation: Replace black pepper with sriracha sauce for a fiery kick, adding extra heat and tangy flavor to the chicken.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Companion: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, making the dish keto-friendly and reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Tofu Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, using the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free, allowing individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the meal.

Serving Black Pepper Chicken With Flair

• Zesty Family Feast: Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a classic comfort meal that brings everyone together.
• Spicy Wrap Adventure: Roll the black pepper chicken into warm tortillas with fresh lettuce and a drizzle of creamy sauce for a quick lunch option.
• Asian-Inspired Noodle Bowl: Toss the chicken over hot egg noodles and garnish with chopped green onions for a vibrant, satisfying dinner that packs bold flavors.
• Meal Prep Protein Power: Pack the chicken in meal prep containers with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a protein-rich lunch that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Best Practices For Storing Black Pepper Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Cool the chicken completely before storing to avoid condensation that can make the dish soggy.
• Use shallow containers to help the food cool faster and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Is black pepper chicken spicy?

Black pepper adds a mild heat and sharp, pungent flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy. The dish has a warm, aromatic kick that most people find pleasant and tolerable.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you cut it into even-sized pieces and don’t overcook to maintain tenderness.

• Do I need fresh black pepper or ground pepper?

Fresh cracked black pepper is best for maximum flavor and aroma. However, good quality ground black pepper from a jar will also work well in this recipe.

• How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, increase the cornflour slightly during marination or add a small cornflour slurry while cooking to help the sauce become more robust and clingy.

Quick Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken brings bold flavors from Chinese cuisine to home kitchens. Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a peppery sauce offer a quick and satisfying meal you can enjoy with steamed rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Blend chicken with aromatic sauces and ground pepper, allowing flavors to infuse for quarter-hour in a sealed container.
2. Warm a skillet with oil at medium temperature, gently sautéing minced aromatics until releasing their enticing fragrance.
3. Introduce marinated protein to the pan, searing each piece until golden and caramelized edges develop.
4. Incorporate sliced vegetables, rapidly stirring to maintain crispness and vibrant colors.
5. Introduce liquid base, allowing mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a glossy, rich coating that envelops the chicken.
6. Taste and calibrate seasoning profile with additional spices or condiments as desired.
7. Transfer to serving platter, garnishing with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, and pair alongside steamed grain for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by letting chicken marinate longer, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper taste penetration.
• Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken pieces uniform in size, preventing some chunks from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
• Boost protein options by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same delicious black pepper sauce profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting black pepper quantity; freshly ground pepper provides more intense flavor compared to pre-ground versions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg