If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with a satisfying, homecooked comfort, this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant stir-fry bursting with tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a signature peppery sauce that delivers just the right kick. Easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping plate that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for a mouthwatering Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in balancing the savory, sweet, and spicy notes while adding texture and color to your dish.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth essential for that authentic stir-fry flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity that complements the soy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly tangy sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish that clings to the chicken and veggies.
- 1 tablespoon water: Balances the sauce consistency and ensures it is not too thick.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a gentle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with its natural sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: The star spice boosting the classic peppery kick—feel free to adjust to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing, allowing everything to cook evenly with a nice sear.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Delivers fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Balances the green with a hint of sweetness and brilliant hue.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant aroma and depth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a subtle zing to lift the flavors.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for garnishing and adding a finishing touch of freshness and crunch.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture is your sauce base that elegantly coats the chicken and vegetables, marrying all flavors into one harmonious bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Browning the chicken seals in the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatic veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just slightly but still keep a delightful crispness. This step adds vital texture and freshness to the dish, balancing the tender chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook it all together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully and cling to the chicken and peppers, creating that irresistible glaze.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Black Pepper Chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a fresh, crunchy burst and an eye-catching finish. These subtle garnishes lift the dish from great to memorable, adding texture contrast and enhancing presentation without competing with the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served over steamed jasmine rice or alongside fluffy cooked noodles, which soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with stir-fried greens or a crisp Asian-inspired salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Black Pepper Chicken wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a hand-held meal, or spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Incorporate vibrant garnishes like thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of chili oil to amp up the heat and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen, making it a delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Black Pepper Chicken for up to 1 month. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to squeeze out excess air. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the vegetables crisp, bringing back that freshly made flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine and result in a leaner dish, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after cooking. Either option makes for a tasty meal.
How can I make this Black Pepper Chicken spicier?
To add more heat, increase the freshly ground black pepper or mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil when making the sauce. These will bring exciting spice without overpowering the other flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that the oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free versions. This substitution keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. Whisk the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This speeds up your cooking process and helps with meal prep.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn’t available, try using a combination of soy sauce and a little honey or molasses to emulate its sweet and tangy profile. It won’t be exact, but it still enhances the dish nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homecooked Black Pepper Chicken Recipe that brings comfort and excitement together on your plate. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish bursting with bold flavor and pleasing textures — perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends. Dive into this recipe soon, and enjoy the savory, peppery goodness that makes this dish a forever favorite in my kitchen!
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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with a savory, slightly sweet sauce packed with soy, oyster, and hoisin flavors, complemented by crunchy bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables and aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the sliced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender yet still crisp, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the black pepper chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice preference; add more for extra heat.
- For a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil when sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container and can be reheated for easy meal prep throughout the week.
- Using chicken thighs provides more tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
