This Black Pepper Chicken is a perfect blend of bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken. With a rich, peppery sauce, it’s an easy weeknight dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout-style Chinese food. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is packed with the goodness of bell peppers and onions, making it both delicious and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and garlic makes for a rich, savory dish.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
- Healthier than Takeout: Fresh ingredients, with less oil and salt!
Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat them evenly. This gives the chicken a light, crispy texture when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 3. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables 4. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce 5. Stir in freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and water (or chicken broth). Add the sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce. 6. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce 7. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Garnish 8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. 9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken
- Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives the dish a more intense, aromatic flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: You can add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the black pepper to suit your heat preference.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and work perfectly in this recipe.
Q2: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and you’re good to go!
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: You can substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Favorite!
This Black Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that will bring restaurant-quality taste to your dinner table. The bold black pepper sauce combined with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos with us—we’d love to see how it turned out!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 280
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Black Pepper Chicken and share it with your loved ones!
