Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Spice Up Dinner Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering black pepper chicken recipe promises an adventure in bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Aromatic spices blend seamlessly with tender meat, creating a dish that speaks directly to comfort and excitement.

Peppercorns crushed moments before cooking release their intense, warming essence into every succulent bite.

Unexpected layers of complexity emerge as each ingredient contributes its unique character to the culinary narrative.

Subtle heat builds gradually, teasing your taste buds with a gentle warmth that never overwhelms.

Marinating techniques unlock deeper dimensions of flavor, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s embark on this delicious journey that will revolutionize your dinner routine and impress everyone at the table.

Black Pepper Chicken That Packs a Punch

• Boost Flavor Fast: Black pepper chicken delivers a powerful punch of bold, spicy taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Simplify Cooking Process: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a delicious meal without complex cooking techniques or advanced skills.
• Customize Your Dish: Easily swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire dish in a single pan, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

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

• Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, savory depth to the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a warm, spicy kick to the overall flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the chicken and create a crispy exterior.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide a fragrant and robust base for the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Add a sweet and colorful crunch to the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a light and flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: Introduces a complex, umami-rich flavor to the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Cooking Oil: Used for stir-frying and creating a non-stick surface.

• Rice, Noodles: Serve as a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Cook Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and cornstarch. Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated by gently massaging the marinade into the meat.

Let the chicken sit and absorb the flavors for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Marinated Chicken

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

Add cooking oil and allow it to get hot. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the pan, spreading them out to ensure even cooking.

Stir-fry the chicken until it develops a golden-brown color and becomes crispy on the outside. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Sliced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.

Step 4: Create the Signature Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Oyster sauce
• Sugar
• Additional black pepper

Mix the ingredients until well combined, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the seared chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the black pepper chicken to a serving plate.

Pair with steamed white rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for Black Pepper Chicken

• Toss chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch for a crispier exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful texture.
• Select fresh bell peppers with vibrant colors to enhance visual appeal and add a sweet, crunchy element to the dish.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and gradually increasing for balanced heat.
• Use high heat when stir-frying chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without overcooking the meat.
• Allow sauce to simmer and reduce slightly for a richer, more concentrated flavor that coats the chicken beautifully.

Flavor Variations for Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace black pepper with red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra heat boost.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos or reduced-sodium tamari to cut down on salt content.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol to maintain the sauce's balance.

Serving Ideas for Black Pepper Chicken

• Zesty Dinner Plate: Serve the black pepper chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, garnishing with fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves as natural wrappers, letting guests build their own delicious chicken parcels with the tender, peppery meat.
• Noodle Bowl Delight: Toss the black pepper chicken over steamed egg noodles, drizzling extra sauce for a saucy, satisfying meal that combines texture and spice.
• Quick Lunch Combo: Pack the chicken with a small side of steamed broccoli and brown rice for a protein-packed, balanced midday meal that's easy to transport.

How to Store Black Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Separate sauce and chicken if possible to keep the meat from becoming soggy.
• Avoid freezing this dish as the peppers and sauce may separate and lose quality.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch in the marinade?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior and locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy during cooking.

• Can I use different types of peppers?

Yes, you can substitute bell peppers with jalapeños or poblano peppers for a spicier or more complex flavor profile.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

The recipe has a mild pepper kick from black pepper, but it’s not intensely hot. You can adjust the black pepper amount to control the spice level.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Marinate the chicken for no more than 30 minutes and avoid overcooking. Stir-frying at high heat for a short time keeps the meat tender and prevents it from getting chewy.

Tender Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent black pepper chicken elevates home cooking with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Zesty spices and tender meat create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and cornstarch, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Warm cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully introducing marinated chicken and searing until each piece develops a golden-brown exterior, creating a crispy texture.
3. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its temperature and crispness.
4. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic, sliced onions, and colorful bell peppers, releasing their aromatic essence and developing a rich base for the dish.
5. Craft a dynamic sauce by whisking together chicken broth, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, and an additional sprinkle of black pepper, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.
6. Reintroduce the seared chicken to the skillet, gently pouring the prepared sauce over the ingredients and allowing everything to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Plate the black pepper chicken immediately, presenting it alongside steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Toast whole black peppercorns briefly before grinding to enhance their aromatic intensity and release deeper, more complex flavor notes.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, allowing the black pepper’s nuanced taste to shine.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot or potato starch to maintain the sauce’s silky texture.
• Slice chicken against the grain into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tender, juicy meat that absorbs marinade and seasonings more effectively.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg