If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that can be whipped up on a busy weeknight, this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. A delicious stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a generous kick of black pepper, this recipe is both savory and satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof, offering bold flavors in less than 30 minutes.
What Makes Black Pepper Chicken Special?
Black pepper chicken stands out due to its balanced blend of spices and textures. The ground black pepper, in particular, gives the dish its signature bold flavor, complementing the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables. The savory soy sauce, garlic, and oyster sauce provide an umami-rich base, making it a meal that’s both filling and flavorful without being too heavy. This dish is commonly enjoyed in Chinese cuisine and has gained popularity globally for its simplicity and versatility.
Let’s dive into the recipe, which serves around 4 people.
Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken
Before you start, make sure you have all the essential ingredients on hand. This recipe requires a few staples that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500 grams of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns (coarsely ground for a more robust flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy sauce works best)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds richness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar for a slight tang)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce and marinating the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added fragrance)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Black Pepper Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients, let’s go through the steps to make this mouthwatering dish. The entire process takes about 25–30 minutes.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated, and set it aside for about 15 minutes. This marination step will help tenderize the chicken and ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, take a small bowl and mix together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set this sauce mixture aside, as it will be added later during the cooking process to tie the dish together.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Spread the chicken pieces out in a single layer and allow them to cook for 3–4 minutes on one side before flipping. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes in total. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions, and sauté them for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for another 3–4 minutes, keeping them slightly crisp to add texture to the final dish.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors from the garlic and vegetables.
Step 6: Add the Black Pepper Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring quickly to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. If you like your sauce to have a thicker consistency, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, and pour it into the skillet at this point. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Add Freshly Ground Black PepperFor the final touch, add the coarsely ground black pepper directly into the skillet. Stir it in, ensuring that the peppery flavor infuses into every bite. Adjust the amount of black pepper to your liking, but don’t be shy—the pepper is the star of this dish!
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the top for extra aroma if you like. Serve the Black Pepper Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and color.
Tips for Cooking the Best Black Pepper Chicken
- Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly ground black peppercorns provide the boldest flavor. Pre-ground pepper can be used in a pinch, but it won’t give the same intense kick.
- Opt for Dark Meat Chicken: While you can use chicken breasts, thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful, especially in stir-fry dishes.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots to the mix for added crunch and nutrition.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure there’s enough space in the pan to get a good sear. Overcrowding can result in steaming rather than frying.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Variations on Black Pepper Chicken
1. Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: Add red chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies to increase the heat level of the dish. This variation is great for spice lovers!
2. Low-Sodium Version: Substitute low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of oyster sauce for a lighter, heart-healthier version of the recipe.
3. Vegetarian Black Pepper Tofu: For a plant-based twist, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Follow the same steps, but be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before stir-frying.
FAQs
What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
Pair this dish with steamed white rice, brown rice, or stir-fried noodles. A light side of sautéed greens or a cucumber salad works well for balance.
Can I use ground black pepper instead of peppercorns?
Yes, but coarsely ground black peppercorns provide a more robust and authentic flavor. Pre-ground pepper will work if you’re in a hurry, though!
How can I make Black Pepper Chicken spicier?
Add fresh chili peppers or red chili flakes to the dish while stir-frying the chicken and vegetables for extra heat.
Can I freeze leftover Black Pepper Chicken?
Absolutely! Store the cooked dish in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic option for this recipe because they stay moist and flavorful during cooking.
Can I skip the oyster sauce?
If you’re allergic or don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or soy sauce, although the taste will vary slightly.
Conclusion
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s versatile, easily adaptable to your dietary needs, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.