Black Pepper Chicken Recipe – Spicy, Savory & Irresistible!

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that perfectly balances savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Inspired by classic Asian stir-fry dishes, this meal is a favorite in Chinese cuisine. It features tender, juicy chicken coated in a fragrant black pepper sauce, stir-fried with crisp vegetables for an irresistible meal. Whether served with steamed rice or noodles, Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare.

In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process to make restaurant-style Black Pepper Chicken at home. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience!

Ingredients 🛒

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for extra spice)
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• 1 small bell pepper (red or green, sliced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken 🍽️ ?

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and water. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce further.

Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil & Green Onions

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and sprinkle chopped green onions. Give it a final stir and turn off the heat.

Variations 🌟

• Spicy Version: Add more black pepper and red chili flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Garlic-Lover’s Delight: Double the garlic for a more intense flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Add cashews or sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.

Cooking Notes 📝

• Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
• Adjust the salt and soy sauce based on your preference.
• For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce.
• Stir-fry the vegetables just enough to keep them crisp and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions 🍛

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with garlic noodles or fried rice for an Asian-style feast.
• Enjoy with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added nutrition.
• Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Helpful Tips 💡

• Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Cook on high heat to get that authentic stir-fry texture.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should still have a slight crunch.
• Taste the sauce before adding—adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed.
• Use a wok if possible for better heat distribution.

Related Recipes :

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
• Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
• Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen Noodles
• Coconut Chicken Rice Recipe 

FAQs ❓

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor compared to chicken breasts.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan before serving.

3. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute with extra soy sauce + a pinch of sugar or mushroom sauce for a similar taste.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and skip the hoisin sauce or replace it with a gluten-free alternative.

5. Can I freeze Black Pepper Chicken?

Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion 🎉

Black Pepper Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its bold black pepper sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, this dish is sure to impress! Try this homemade version, and you’ll never need takeout again!

Give it a go, and let us know how you liked it! 🍽️🔥

Print