Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering black pepper chicken recipe brings comfort and excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Spicy aromas will dance through your home as you prepare this delectable dish.

Intense flavors burst from each tender bite, promising a culinary experience that delights the senses.

Succulent chicken pieces coated in robust pepper create a symphony of taste and texture.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive meal with minimal ingredients.

Restaurant-quality results await you with just a few expert techniques.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

All the Ingredients for Pepper Chicken Recipe

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish and absorbs the rich marinade.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Oyster Sauce: Provides a savory and slightly sweet umami taste.
  • Dark Soy Sauce: Contributes rich color and intense flavor to the dish.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth coating and ensures the chicken remains tender.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Garlic: Brings a sharp and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the stir-fry.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a warm, spicy kick and signature flavor to the chicken.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall flavor profile.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty and aromatic finish to the dish.
  • Salt: Helps balance and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Chicken Marinade

Grab your chicken and toss it with a flavor-packed combo:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Cornstarch

Let the chicken soak up these delicious flavors for a quick 15-minute power marinate.

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Crank your pan or wok to medium-high heat and pour in some vegetable oil.

Get that pan sizzling hot.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and dance it around until those aromatic notes fill your kitchen.

The fragrance will make your mouth water.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Slide in the marinated chicken pieces and cook them until they transform from pink to a gorgeous golden brown.

Make sure each piece gets perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Welcome the Veggie Squad

Introduce sliced onions and colorful bell peppers to the party.

Stir them around until they’re tender but still have a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Pepper Power and Broth Boost

Unleash a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper across the pan.

Pour in chicken broth and give everything a good stir to blend those incredible flavors.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Drizzle some sesame oil for that extra punch of taste.

Do a quick taste test and add a pinch of salt if your taste buds demand it.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Pile this spicy masterpiece over steaming rice or twirly noodles.

Your taste adventure is ready!

Useful Tips for Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

  • Give chicken extra flavor by letting it sit in the marinade for up to 30 minutes instead of just 15 minutes for deeper taste absorption.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper from a jar.
  • Cut bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain a consistent crisp texture.
  • Replace rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for different protein variations that work well with the same bold black pepper sauce.

Pepper Chicken Flavor Styles to Explore

  • Low-Sodium Chicken Delight: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari sauce to reduce salt content while maintaining umami flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, maintaining the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based protein experience.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to elevate the heat level and create a more intense flavor profile.

What Works With Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

  • Family Feast Companion: Pair this savory black pepper chicken with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Veggie Boost Plate: Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted bok choy to increase nutritional value and provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor and beautiful visual appeal that elevates the dish's presentation.
  • Quick Meal Hack: Wrap leftover chicken in warm tortillas with a drizzle of sriracha for an instant fusion-style lunch that transforms the original recipe into a new culinary experience.

Keep Pepper Chicken Fresh for Later Meals

  • Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Pack chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Reheat chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated completely, approximately 4-5 minutes.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful result. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and quick marination.

  • How spicy is black pepper chicken?

The dish has a mild to moderate pepper kick. Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preference – use less for a subtle flavor or more for a stronger, spicier taste.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a thickener which is naturally gluten-free.

  • Why should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavors deep into the chicken, and ensures a more juicy and flavorful final dish.

Why Black Pepper Chicken Packs So Much Flavor

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold black pepper and rich sauces, this chicken dish delivers intense taste in minimal preparation time.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple one-pan cooking method makes this recipe perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal without complicated steps.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow swapping vegetables or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and what's available in your kitchen.
  • Nutritious Protein Solution: Lean chicken combined with colorful bell peppers provides a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepper-packed black pepper chicken elevates home cooking with bold Korean-inspired flavors. Succulent chicken pieces deliver a spicy, savory experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

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

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 12 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine chicken with soy, oyster, and dark soy sauces along with cornstarch. Allow flavors to meld for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Warm vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its intense fragrance.
  4. Add marinated chicken pieces, spreading evenly across the pan. Cook until exterior turns golden and meat loses its raw pink appearance, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  5. Incorporate sliced onions and bell peppers, tossing quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
  6. Generously crack fresh black pepper over the mixture, creating a robust spice profile.
  7. Pour chicken broth into the pan, stirring to integrate all ingredients and create a light, savory sauce.
  8. Finish with a delicate drizzle of sesame oil, enhancing the dish’s depth and complexity.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary, ensuring a balanced flavor.
  10. Transfer the aromatic black pepper chicken to a serving platter, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Use high-quality fresh cracked black pepper for robust, intense peppery notes that elevate the dish.
  • Choose dark meat chicken like thighs for juicier, more tender results compared to lean chicken breasts.
  • Ensure vegetables remain crisp by cooking at high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan, which steams instead of stir-frying.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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