Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, savory goodness, and a touch of sweetness. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce, this quick and easy stir-fry is a guaranteed dinner winner. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s a dish that’s better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor: Bold black pepper and a savory sauce bring this dish to life.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

For the Chicken

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce

For the Sauce

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
1 tbsp honey or sugar
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ cup chicken broth

For the Stir-Fry

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl.
Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2️⃣ Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce (if using), honey, black pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside.

3️⃣ Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4️⃣ Cook the Vegetables

Heat the remaining oil in the same pan.
Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

5️⃣ Combine and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken

Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives this dish its bold flavor.
Cook Over High Heat: A hot skillet ensures the chicken and vegetables stay crisp.
Add Variety: Include broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Black Pepper Chicken combines the bold, spicy kick of black pepper with a savory sauce and tender chicken, making it a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners.