Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Weeknight Win

Seasoned home cooks love discovering new black pepper chicken recipes that pack a flavor punch.

Aromatic spices dance across tender meat, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Chicken transforms into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients.

Crushed peppercorns bring warmth and depth to every delectable bite.

Regional cooking traditions inspire this bold and zesty dish.

Fragrant and quick, this recipe promises to become a weeknight favorite.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this spicy, satisfying meal.

FAQs About Black Pepper Chicken

• Why is marinating important for this chicken recipe?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb deep flavors, tenderize the meat, and ensure each bite is seasoned thoroughly from the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and spices.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best, you can also use chicken tenders or cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking.

• How spicy will this black pepper chicken be?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from black pepper and red pepper flakes. If you prefer less spice, reduce the red pepper flakes; for more heat, increase the amount or add additional ground black pepper.

What Makes Black Pepper Chicken a Weeknight Favorite

• Burst with Bold Flavors: Packed with robust spices like black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger, this chicken recipe delivers an explosion of tantalizing tastes in every bite.
• Master Culinary Skills Easily: Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their cooking game, this recipe requires simple techniques and minimal professional kitchen experience.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this dish comes together rapidly, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking delicious meals without extensive preparation.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Achieve professional-level results with restaurant-worthy flavors using basic kitchen equipment and accessible ingredients, transforming an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience.

What Goes in Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the bold marinade and creates the foundation of the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ground Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Add spicy and robust heat to the dish.
• Minced Garlic, Grated Ginger: Contribute sharp, aromatic flavor layers.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances the spice.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a hot surface for browning and searing chicken.
• Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar: Add final touch of complex flavor and brightness.

• Green Onions: Provide fresh, crisp finishing note to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Ground black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Stir these ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined, creating a bold and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Marinade

Plunge chicken pieces into the marinade, massaging the sauce into every nook and cranny. Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing the seasonings to work their magic.

Step 3: Prepare Sizzling Skillet

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Watch for the oil to shimmer and become hot, which takes about 2-3 minutes. The pan should be ready to create that perfect golden crust.

Step 4: Sear Chicken to Perfection

Gently place marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Arrange them with space between each piece to ensure maximum browning and caramelization. No overcrowding allowed!

Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown

Sizzle the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side. Flip occasionally to create an even, gorgeous golden-brown exterior. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Final Flavor Boost

• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar

over the chicken to elevate its flavor profile and add a tantalizing finish.

Step 7: Rest and Relax

Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly juicy and tender.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the chicken, adding a bright and crisp final touch. Slice the chicken and serve immediately, making sure each portion is generously coated with the aromatic black pepper sauce.

Tips for Bold, Flavorful Black Pepper Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Impact: Let chicken sit in the marinade at room temperature to help spices deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for maximum flavor absorption.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Use a hot, dry skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve golden-brown caramelization and develop a crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Oil Selection Matters: Choose high smoke-point vegetable oil for even cooking and prevent burning, ensuring a smooth sautéing process.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest after cooking, letting internal juices redistribute for a more tender and succulent final dish.

Spice-Level Variations for Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Korean Pepper Chicken: Replace black pepper with gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes, add gochujang paste for extra heat and authentic Korean flavor.
• Coconut Curry Black Pepper Chicken: Incorporate coconut milk and mild curry powder into the marinade, creating a creamy and aromatic Southeast Asian-inspired version.
• Honey Garlic Black Pepper Chicken: Blend honey and extra garlic into the marinade, offering a sweet and savory combination that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
• Mediterranean Herb Black Pepper Chicken: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the marinade, infusing the chicken with Mediterranean herb profiles and zesty notes.

What Sides Go Best with Black Pepper Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Rice Pilaf: Create a light, fluffy rice pilaf with subtle herbs that complements the bold black pepper chicken flavors, providing a delicate balance to the spicy meat.
• Complement with Chilled Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with bright acidity that cuts through the chicken's rich, peppery profile and refreshes the palate between bites.
• Match with Asian Cucumber Salad: Prepare a cool, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chicken, adding textural variety to the meal.
• Enhance with Steamed Bok Choy: Serve lightly steamed bok choy drizzled with sesame oil, creating a tender green vegetable side that absorbs the chicken's robust black pepper sauce while offering a nutritious accompaniment.

How to Store and Reheat Black Pepper Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to prevent texture loss.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and maintain tenderness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Prepare chicken in advance and portion into containers for quick weekday lunches.

Tongue-Tingling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 48-54 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor sizzling Black Pepper Chicken, a spicy sensation that dances with robust flavors from Asian cuisine. Juicy chicken pieces bathed in a zesty pepper sauce promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs or breast
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger, grated
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, ground black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl to create a robust marinade.
2. Place chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, letting the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer marinated chicken to the hot skillet, arranging pieces without overcrowding to ensure proper browning and caramelization.
5. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
6. During the last minute of cooking, drizzle sesame oil and rice vinegar over the chicken to enhance its flavor profile.
7. Remove skillet from heat and let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a bright, crisp finish to the dish.
9. Slice chicken and serve immediately, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the aromatic black pepper sauce.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken absorb marinade at room temperature to enhance flavor penetration and ensure tender, juicy meat.
• Perfect Browning Technique: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve golden-brown caramelization without steaming the chicken.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust black pepper and red pepper flakes to suit personal spice preferences, making the dish mild or fiery.
• Alternative Protein Options: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or turkey for dietary variations while maintaining the robust black pepper flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-24 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 406
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg