Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Spice Up Your Dinner

Spice lovers rejoice as this black pepper chicken recipe promises a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces dance with bold, aromatic black pepper, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s both simple and sophisticated.

The robust spice blend infuses each bite with warmth and depth, making this dish a weeknight dinner champion.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-worthy meal with just a few pantry staples.

Fresh ingredients and strategic seasoning unlock incredible taste in under 30 minutes.

Fragrant, peppery, and utterly delicious, this chicken dish stands ready to become your new go-to comfort food that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Craving the Depth of Black Pepper Chicken?

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this zesty chicken dish in just minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick and delicious meal.
• Boost Flavor Profile: Packed with bold black pepper and savory oyster sauce, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy feast that tantalizes taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers or add extra vegetables to match your preferences, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your pantry and nutritional needs.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Beginner cooks can confidently tackle this straightforward stir-fry, with simple steps that guarantee a mouthwatering result every single time.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken Dinner

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a sharp, spicy kick to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.

• Garlic, Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and add colorful texture to the chicken.
• Oyster Sauce: Brings a sweet and savory element to the final sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a silky, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken.
• Cooking Oil: Used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

Cooking Instructions for Flavorful Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Chicken Marinade

Mix chicken pieces with soy sauce, ground black pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated with the marinade for maximum flavor absorption.

Let the chicken rest and soak up the delicious seasonings while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

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

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions
• Sliced bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become fragrant and slightly softened, releasing their vibrant flavors into the pan.

Step 3: Cook Marinated Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

• Oyster sauce
• Chicken broth

Stir the liquids to combine with the chicken and vegetables.

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken with a glossy, rich glaze.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the black pepper chicken to a serving plate.

Pair with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

• Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays moist during cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust black pepper quantity to match your personal heat preference, from mild to extra peppery.
• Stir cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.

Variations for Spicing Up This Chicken Dish

• Spicy Sichuan Style: Replace black pepper with Sichuan peppercorns and add chili oil for an intense, numbing heat that transforms the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari, use gluten-free cornstarch, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and increase protein portions for a ketogenic-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same marinade and cooking techniques for a plant-based protein option.

Presenting Black Pepper Chicken Beautifully

• Party Plate Perfection: Pair with fluffy white rice and sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top for added color and zesty flavor.
• Veggie Companion: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or stir-fried bok choy to create a balanced, nutritious meal with extra vegetable goodness.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Add a small dish of chili oil or sriracha on the side for guests who love extra heat and want to customize their meal's spiciness.
• Leftovers Transformation: Use remaining chicken in lettuce wraps the next day for a quick lunch, adding fresh herbs like cilantro for a bright twist.

Black Pepper Chicken Storage Solutions

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of black pepper works best?

Freshly ground black pepper provides the most robust flavor. Use whole peppercorns and grind them just before cooking for maximum taste and aroma.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly as breasts can dry out faster.

• Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. Black pepper adds warmth and mild heat, but it’s not a hot or spicy dish. You can increase black pepper quantity for more intense flavor if desired.

• What if I don't have oyster sauce?

Use hoisin sauce or mix soy sauce with a touch of sugar as a substitute. The goal is to add depth and slight sweetness to the sauce.

Blazing Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sizzling black pepper chicken brings bold flavors from Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. Spicy, aromatic seasonings create a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped or grated
• 1 medium onion, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 2 spring onions, chopped

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken with soy sauce, ground black pepper, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering and fragrant.
3. Sauté minced garlic, sliced onions, and colorful bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become slightly translucent and aromatic.
4. Introduce marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet, spreading them evenly to promote uniform browning and prevent overcrowding.
5. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until exterior turns golden and develops a crispy exterior.
6. Pour oyster sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a rich, glossy coating over the meat and vegetables.
7. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 4-5 minutes, letting the sauce naturally thicken and coat each ingredient.
8. Remove from heat once sauce reaches desired consistency and chicken is fully cooked through.
9. Transfer the vibrant black pepper chicken to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh chopped green onions if desired.
10. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic punch.
• Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Marinate chicken for at least 15-20 minutes to allow deeper seasoning penetration and tenderize the meat.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 234 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg