A bowl of black pepper chicken with bell peppers and onions, served with white rice in a dark bowl, with chopsticks resting beside it.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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This Black Pepper Chicken is your go-to for a quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated and stir-fried to perfection, coated in a rich and peppery sauce that’s savory, slightly tangy, and oh-so-addictive. Trust me, you’ll have dinner on the table in just 25 minutes, and every bite will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, Spicy Flavor: The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a rich, peppery sauce with a tangy twist.
  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknights, this dish comes together in just about 25 minutes.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level or toss in more of your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for this Black Pepper Chicken recipe:

  • Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy, tender protein that absorbs all the bold flavors.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce (both for marinade and sauce): Brings umami goodness.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds a sweet-savory depth to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: A touch of tanginess to balance the richness.
  • Black Pepper & White Pepper: The stars of the show, adding heat and flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying and bringing all the ingredients together.
  • Onion: Adds a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor.
  • Celery: Provides crunch and freshness.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that elevate the dish.

Note: Full ingredient measurements will be listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix chicken pieces with cornstarch and soy sauce in a bowl. Let them sit for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, white pepper (optional), water, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Using the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onions, celery, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine & Thicken

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir to coat. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Marinade: It tenderizes the chicken and locks in flavor.
  • Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For the best flavor, grind your black pepper fresh.
  • Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.

How to Serve

Here’s how you can enjoy this dish:

  • Classic Pairing: Serve with jasmine rice or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and crunch.
  • Family Style: Serve in a big bowl in the center of the table for everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in terms of cooking.
  2. How can I make this dish less spicy? Reduce the amount of black pepper and omit the white pepper for a milder version.
  3. What other vegetables can I add? Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, or carrots would all be fantastic additions.
  4. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.
A bowl of black pepper chicken with bell peppers and onions, served with white rice in a dark bowl, with chopsticks resting beside it.

Black Pepper Chicken

A delicious and spicy stir-fried chicken dish packed with bold flavors of black pepper, garlic, and soy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Wok
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce light
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for coating
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce dark
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with light soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same wok, add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the wok. Add black pepper, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes.
Keyword Black Pepper Chicken, Stir-fry

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