Black Pepper Chicken – Easy & Delicious Recipe (20 Min)

Black pepper chicken is a Chinese American favorite, known for its bold flavor and satisfying balance of heat and savory notes. The combination of a flavorful brown sauce and the floral heat from black pepper makes this dish stand out from other Chinese-inspired recipes. Whether you’re craving something quick and comforting or looking to try a new family-friendly meal, black pepper chicken checks all the boxes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, instructions, and some helpful tips for making the perfect black pepper chicken at home.

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

This black pepper chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or whenever you’re in the mood for some takeout-style comfort food. It’s loaded with flavor, thanks to the generous use of black pepper, which imparts a floral, spicy aroma that elevates the dish. The chicken is seared to perfection and coated in a savory, thickened brown sauce that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

What makes this dish even better is that it’s versatile. You can adjust the level of heat to your preference by adding more or less black pepper, and it’s quick to make with minimal prep time. Plus, it’s a dish the whole family will enjoy, making it an excellent weeknight dinner choice.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

To make black pepper chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs): The main protein, tender and juicy.
• Water: Helps to create the marinade for the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Used to marinate the chicken, giving it a silky texture when cooked.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor to the marinade.
• Black pepper: The star ingredient, delivering that signature heat and floral flavor.
• Chicken stock: Forms the base of the savory sauce.
• Light soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy elements of the dish.
• Dark soy sauce: Gives the sauce its deep color and richness.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil): Used for stir-frying and searing the chicken.
• Garlic: For aromatic flavor in the stir-fry.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Shaoxing wine: A Chinese cooking wine that enhances the flavor of the stir-fry.
• Bell pepper: For color and crunch.
• Celery: Adds freshness and crunch.
• Cornstarch slurry (water and cornstarch): Thickens the sauce to a gravy-like consistency.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing an ingredient or have dietary preferences, here are a few substitutions:

• Chicken breast: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Shaoxing wine: If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry can be a good alternative.
• Bell pepper and celery: Feel free to use any vegetables you like, such as snow peas or carrots, depending on your preferences.
• Oyster sauce: For a vegetarian option, swap the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Black Pepper Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by slicing the boneless skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the water, cornstarch, neutral oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Rub the mixture into the chicken until fully coated and allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well-mixed and set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil and then add the chicken in a single layer. Sear the chicken on all sides until opaque (about 2-3 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside; it will be only 80-90% cooked at this point.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Without washing the wok, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and onion, stir-frying for 20 seconds. Pour the Shaoxing wine around the sides of the wok. Add the bell pepper, celery, and black pepper. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
5. Make the Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring to deglaze the wok. Let the sauce come to a simmer. Stir the cornstarch slurry and add it to the wok while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken for 10-15 seconds.
6. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the wok along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully coated in the thickened sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more soy sauce for saltiness or more cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the black pepper chicken hot with steamed rice and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Black Pepper Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When searing the chicken, make sure to cook it in a single layer. If you crowd the pan, it will steam instead of sear, resulting in less crispy texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the heat of the dish by adjusting the amount of black pepper used. For a spicier version, add more pepper, or for a milder flavor, reduce the amount.
• Perfect the Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken stock or water to adjust the consistency.
• Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet, adding a little water to thin out the sauce if needed.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Black pepper chicken is great when served with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also pair it with sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach to balance the richness of the sauce.

For a variation, try adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or snap peas, for extra texture and flavor. For a spicier twist, add a few sliced fresh chilies when stir-frying the vegetables.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can be partially prepared ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the steps to make the sauce and stir-fry the dish. This makes it a great option for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

Black pepper chicken is a standout dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its savory, peppery sauce, combined with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, delivers a unique and satisfying flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing a comforting meal to enjoy with loved ones, this dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick, customizable, and delicious. The balance of black pepper heat and rich brown sauce is something every home cook should try, especially for those who love a flavorful and slightly spicy twist on traditional Chinese-American dishes.

Give this recipe a go, and you’ll have a delicious meal that can rival your favorite takeout — all made right in your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

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