The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Zesty Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering black pepper chicken recipe sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Spices dance with tender meat, creating a symphony of bold flavors.

Aromas waft through the air, promising a delightful meal that surprises and satisfies.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive dish.

Crispy edges and juicy interior make every bite a celebration of taste.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building complex, rich notes.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible chicken creation.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Brings Big Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this black pepper chicken that transforms ordinary poultry into a restaurant-worthy dish packed with bold, zesty seasonings.
• Master Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level skills like creating perfect spice blends, achieving golden-brown crusts, and developing rich sauces that elevate your culinary expertise.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes that brings excitement to your dinner table and impresses family with complex flavors and simple preparation.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Enjoy this chicken as a standalone protein, over rice, or with mixed vegetables, making it adaptable for lunch, dinner, or meal prep scenarios.

All You Need For Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: A lean protein that forms the main component of this flavorful dish.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, White Pepper: A robust combination of spices that creates a complex and aromatic seasoning for the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral cooking medium for achieving a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Contributes a subtle tangy note to balance the flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, glossy texture.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich finish to the chicken.

• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, sharp flavor and vibrant color to the final dish.

How To Cook Black Pepper Chicken In No Time

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Gently pat chicken pieces dry using paper towels, removing any excess moisture to help seasonings stick perfectly.

Step 2: Create Spice Blend

• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• White pepper

Blend these spices in a shallow bowl to create an aromatic seasoning mix.

Step 3: Coat Chicken With Spices

Massage the spice blend onto each chicken piece, pressing firmly to ensure every inch is covered with the flavorful mixture.

Step 4: Heat The Skillet

Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and looks hot, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Sear Chicken

Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, giving each piece space to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, flipping only once to maintain a crispy exterior and ensure even cooking throughout.

Step 7: Prepare Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Cornstarch

Blend until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps.

Step 8: Add Sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet, reducing heat to medium and stirring to coat everything evenly.

Step 9: Simmer And Thicken

Let the chicken simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 10: Final Touches

Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and intensify the overall taste before serving.

Tips To Boost Black Pepper Chicken Flavor

• Dry for Success: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, guaranteeing maximum spice adherence and crispy texture.
• Spice Layer Technique: Press seasonings gently into chicken pieces, ensuring every nook gets an even, flavorful coating for maximum taste impact.
• Heat Control Mastery: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
• Sauce Smoothness Secret: Whisk cornstarch mixture completely to prevent lumps, creating a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow chicken to rest after cooking, letting internal juices settle for a more tender and succulent final dish.

Bold Twists On Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Sriracha Kick: Add 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce to the spice blend for a fiery, bold chicken experience that tingles taste buds.
• Honey Pepper Glaze: Mix honey with black pepper coating to create a sweet and peppery caramelized exterior that adds rich depth to the chicken.
• Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the spice mixture for an aromatic and earthy flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Replace some spices with mild curry powder and add coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical-inspired chicken preparation.

Great Pairings With Black Pepper Chicken

• Elevate Black Pepper Chicken with Perfect Pairings
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the spicy black pepper sauce, creating a delicious flavor foundation that balances the chicken's bold seasoning.
• Match with Crisp Asian Slaw: Refreshing cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the chicken's richness, providing a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy meat.
• Pour Alongside Riesling Wine: Slightly sweet Riesling's fruity notes neutralize the pepper's heat while complementing the dish's complex flavor profile, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Add Pickled Cucumber Salad: Tangy, cool cucumber pickles with dill and rice vinegar offer a bright, acidic accompaniment that cleanses the palate between spicy chicken bites.

Store Black Pepper Chicken Like A Pro

• Transfer leftover black pepper chicken to an airtight container, sealing tightly to preserve moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum freshness.
• Gently warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel to cover, preventing dryness and maintaining the original flavor profile.

FAQs For Black Pepper Chicken Lovers

• Why is patting chicken dry important before seasoning?

Removing excess moisture helps spices stick better and promotes a crispier exterior by preventing steam during cooking.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and thoroughly cooked.

• Can I use different types of pepper in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various pepper types like cracked black pepper, Sichuan pepper, or a blend of peppers to create unique flavor profiles.

• What if I don't have all the specific spices?

Substitute with similar ground spices you have on hand, but try to maintain the core pepper and garlic/onion powder components for the best flavor balance.

Seared Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the bold flavors of black pepper chicken, a spicy sensation that dances with aromatic seasonings and tender meat. Zesty pepper notes and savory spices create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs
• 2 tbsp chicken stock

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp white pepper

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Mix ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper in a shallow bowl, creating a robust spice blend.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece with the spice mixture, pressing gently to help seasonings adhere completely.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding.
6. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, turning only once to maintain a crispy exterior and ensure even cooking.
7. Whisk chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
8. Pour sauce mixture over chicken in the skillet, reducing heat to medium and stirring to coat evenly.
9. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
11. Let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor.

Notes

• Achieve maximum flavor by patting chicken completely dry, which helps spices stick better and creates a crispier exterior.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for an intense, more aromatic spice profile that elevates the entire dish’s taste.
• Prevent burning by maintaining medium-high heat and avoiding overcrowding in the skillet, ensuring each chicken piece browns evenly.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg