Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, spicy flavors and tender, juicy chicken, this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a spectacular mix of aromatic black pepper, savory sauces, and crisp, fresh veggies all cooked to perfection. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner enthusiast or a weekend culinary adventurer, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites — it’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up. Plus, its harmonious balance of textures and flavors means every bite is a delight that keeps you reaching for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a great Black Pepper Chicken Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create that unforgettable taste and mouthfeel. Each element plays a role — from the tender chicken that soaks up the sauce to the crunchy vegetables adding color and texture, right down to the spices that give the dish its signature kick.

• 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs): Tender and versatile protein base that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons water: Helps tenderize chicken and create the marinade’s perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Essential for a silky marinade that locks in moisture within the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola or avocado): Prevents sticking and adds a smooth texture.
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce: Offers that deep, umami-packed flavor crucial to Chinese-style cooking.
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper: The star spice that adds a fragrant, peppery heat.
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock: Creates the savory base for the sauce so it’s rich but not salty.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts savory depth in the sauce mix.
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Adds mild saltiness and a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy notes perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce: Provides a rich color and slightly caramelized sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers that unmistakable nutty aroma that ties everything together.
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (divided): Used for cooking chicken and stir-frying vegetables.
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that uplifts the dish.
• 1 medium onion (cut into wedges): Offers sweetness and texture contrast.
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine: Adds a subtle complexity and depth typical of authentic Chinese cooking.
• 1/2 bell pepper (any color, cut into 1-inch pieces): Brings vibrant color and a sweet crunch to the mix.
• 1 stalk celery (thinly sliced on an angle): Adds freshness and a lovely crisp bite.
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper: Extra black pepper for that bold final punch.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form slurry): Thickens the sauce to a luscious, gravy-like texture.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The journey to a delicious Black Pepper Chicken Recipe begins by marinating the chicken. Combine the sliced chicken with water, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper in a bowl. Don’t just stir — rub that marinade into each piece so the chicken really absorbs the flavors. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with umami and spice, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, mix together the chicken stock, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This well-balanced sauce is the heart of your dish, combining savory, sweet, and nutty flavors that perfectly complement the peppery chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your wok on high until it starts to smoke, then add 2 tablespoons of oil. Spread the marinated chicken out in a single layer and sear it quickly until it turns opaque on all sides. This quick sear locks in juices and keeps the chicken tender. Don’t overcook at this stage — the chicken will finish cooking later. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables

Without cleaning the wok, reduce heat to medium, add one more tablespoon of oil, and toss in the garlic and onions. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds until aromatic, then pour in the Shaoxing wine around the edges. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind rich flavor. Next, add bell pepper, celery, and a teaspoon of black pepper for more heat and texture. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to keep those vegetables crisp and vibrant.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce and Finish the Chicken

Pour in the sauce you prepared earlier and use your spatula to deglaze the wok by scraping up any caramelized bits on the sides. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Slowly drizzle in your cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, gravy-like consistency. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the wok and stir-fry everything together until every piece is coated in that luscious, peppery sauce.

Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Give your sauce a taste — add a dash more dark soy sauce if you want a deeper color or a more intense flavor. If the sauce feels too thin, toss in a little more cornstarch slurry; if it’s too thick, splash in some chicken stock or water until it reaches your perfect consistency. Serve immediately with steamed rice to soak up all those fantastic flavors.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can enhance your Black Pepper Chicken Recipe visually and flavor-wise. Freshly chopped green onions add a pop of color and a mild oniony bite, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings a subtle nutty crunch. For a bit of freshness, scatter some cilantro on top — it offers a lovely herbal contrast to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which acts like a perfect sponge to soak up every last bit of that incredible black pepper sauce. If you want some greens, lightly stir-fried bok choy or garlic sautéed spinach provide a crisp, vibrant complement. For a more extravagant meal, serve it alongside fried rice or noodles to make it a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish serving, plate the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and drizzle some extra sauce around the plate edges for a restaurant-worthy touch. You could also serve the chicken in individual lettuce cups for a fun finger-food approach at your next gathering. Adding thinly sliced red chilies on top not only brightens the look but amps up the heat for spice lovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Black Pepper Chicken keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just remember to store it separately from rice so you can reheat them evenly.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Black Pepper Chicken, allow it to cool completely, then pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results to maintain that juicy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken chewy. Stir continuously until hot throughout and the sauce is beautifully glossy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they stay juicier and more tender under high heat cooking. Just slice them thinly as you would the breast for even cooking.

How spicy is this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?

The heat mainly comes from coarsely ground black pepper, which offers a warm, sharp spice rather than overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice tolerance.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, a dry sherry or even a splash of sake works well. For a non-alcoholic option, try a small amount of rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the soy sauces for gluten-free tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The Black Pepper Chicken Recipe reheats superbly and pairs nicely with rice or veggies for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a vibrant, lively dish that’s bound to become a treasured part of your home-cooked meals. Its harmony of bold spices, tender chicken, and fresh crunch is simply irresistible. So go ahead, give it a try — I promise it will brighten your dinner table and your weeknight routine alike!

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