Black Pepper Chicken is the ultimate combination of bold flavors and quick cooking. This stir fry balances tender, marinated chicken with crunchy bell peppers, all tossed in a rich, peppery sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a flavorful homemade meal.
What makes this dish special is the aromatic black pepper sauce, which adds warmth and depth to each bite. Serve it with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just wanting to elevate your home-cooked Chinese food, this Black Pepper Chicken is a guaranteed winner!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors for best presentation)
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with the marinade ingredients. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it out evenly. Let it sear for about 30 seconds before flipping. Stir occasionally and cook until lightly browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers, stirring for about 20 seconds.
- Give the sauce a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch is dissolved, then pour it into the skillet. Stir immediately to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 269 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Black Pepper Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry
Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that delivers bold, peppery goodness in every bite. This dish, inspired by classic Chinese takeout, combines tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, savory black pepper sauce. While it may look like a complex restaurant dish, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a home cook looking to spice up your meal routine or someone craving a healthier alternative to takeout, this dish is a must-try.
The Origins of Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken is commonly found in Chinese restaurants and American-Chinese takeout menus. While the dish itself doesn’t have deep roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, it draws inspiration from the bold, umami-packed flavors often found in wok-fried dishes. The heavy use of black pepper gives it a distinct, spicy warmth that sets it apart from other stir-fry dishes.
Chinese cuisine has a long history of incorporating black pepper into dishes, particularly in regions where the spice trade influenced local flavors. Unlike Sichuan peppercorns, which create a numbing sensation, black pepper offers a milder but more pronounced heat, making it a perfect seasoning for meats, especially chicken.
This dish is often compared to its beef counterpart, Black Pepper Beef, another stir-fry that features a similar sauce. However, using chicken instead of beef makes the dish lighter while still retaining the deep, savory flavor that pepper enthusiasts love.
What Makes Black Pepper Chicken Special?
One of the biggest appeals of Black Pepper Chicken is its balance of flavors and textures. The dish is neither overly spicy nor too mild, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat without overpowering their taste buds.
Here’s why Black Pepper Chicken stands out:
- Savory and Peppery Sauce – The sauce is the heart of the dish. A combination of soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and plenty of coarsely ground black pepper creates a deep, umami-packed flavor with a hint of sweetness. The black pepper not only adds heat but also enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Juicy and Tender Chicken – Marinating the chicken in a simple blend of soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize it, ensuring that it remains juicy and flavorful during the stir-frying process. This method, often referred to as “velveting,” is a key technique in Chinese cooking that prevents the meat from drying out.
- Vibrant, Crisp Vegetables – The addition of bell peppers and onions provides a crunchy contrast to the soft chicken, making every bite satisfying. The vegetables also absorb the sauce, adding layers of flavor.
- Quick and Easy Cooking – Unlike slow-cooked meals that take hours, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Stir-frying in a hot skillet or wok allows the ingredients to cook quickly while retaining their natural textures and flavors.
The Key Role of Black Pepper
Black pepper is more than just a spice in this dish it’s the defining ingredient. While many recipes call for just a small amount of black pepper, this dish takes it to another level by using a generous amount of freshly ground pepper. The difference between pre ground pepper and freshly cracked pepper is noticeable; freshly ground pepper releases aromatic oils that enhance the dish’s overall depth and complexity.
Using coarsely ground black pepper rather than fine powder gives the dish small bursts of heat with every bite. It’s not as fiery as chili peppers, but it offers a pleasant warmth that lingers on the palate. If you love black pepper, you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less pepper during cooking.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken
One of the great things about this dish is its versatility. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Over Steamed Rice – The classic pairing is with a bowl of white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, balancing the bold flavors of the dish.
- With Noodles – If you prefer noodles, serve the chicken over lo mein, rice noodles, or even stir-fried udon for a satisfying alternative.
- As a Lettuce Wrap – For a low carb option, wrap the chicken in fresh lettuce leaves for a light, crunchy meal.
- Alongside Other Chinese Dishes – Pair this dish with other homemade Chinese favorites like egg fried rice, spring rolls, or stir-fried greens for a full meal.
Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken
To get the best results when making Black Pepper Chicken at home, follow these key tips:
- Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper – For maximum flavor, grind the black pepper just before cooking rather than using pre-ground pepper. This enhances the aromatic quality of the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade – Marinating the chicken is crucial for achieving a tender texture. Letting it sit in a soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for at least 10 minutes ensures juicy, flavorful bites.
- Cook Over High Heat – Stir-frying works best when the pan is hot. A high heat sears the chicken quickly, keeping it tender while giving it a nice char. If the heat is too low, the chicken may release moisture and become soggy.
- Add the Sauce at the Right Time – The cornstarch in the sauce thickens quickly, so stir the sauce just before adding it to prevent it from settling at the bottom of the bowl.
- Remove the Chicken Temporarily – Taking the chicken out of the pan before adding the vegetables prevents it from overcooking. This also ensures that the veggies retain their crisp texture.
Healthier and Customizable Variations
Black Pepper Chicken is already a relatively healthy dish, as it’s made with lean protein and fresh vegetables. However, you can make a few modifications to suit dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free Version – Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and substitute dry sherry for Shaoxing wine to make it gluten-free.
- Lower-Sodium Option – Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and use less salt to reduce sodium intake.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version while keeping the same delicious sauce.
- Extra Veggies – Add more vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to make the dish even more nutritious.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavor. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and rich, peppery sauce, it’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a satisfying homemade alternative to takeout, this recipe has you covered.
The best part? It’s easy to customize based on your preferences, making it a dish that can suit a variety of diets and spice levels. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something savory, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor, try making Black Pepper Chicken you won’t be disappointed!