Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your table. This easy recipe features juicy, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and enveloped in a rich black pepper sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests, it’s a quick meal that tastes even better than takeout.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Marinade
• For the Sauce
• For Cooking
• How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 3: Sear the Chicken
• Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 5: Combine Sauce with Ingredients
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken
• With Rice
• Wrapped in Lettuce
• Over Noodles
• With a Salad
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Black Pepper Chicken
• Reheating Black Pepper Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?
• What vegetables go well with Black Pepper Chicken?
• How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?
• Can I add more protein?
• How do I serve Black Pepper Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This black pepper chicken takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The savory black pepper sauce perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables, delivering a taste explosion.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have available; this dish works well with a variety of options.
• Adaptable for Diets: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild yet tasty flavor profile, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Black Pepper Chicken, gather your tools for an easier cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking and searing of the chicken without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce separately.

Ingredients

An easy black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables and a rich savory black pepper sauce. It takes no time to put together and tastes better than your usual Chinese restaurant takeout! {Gluten-Free Adaptable} To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce (both light and dark), and use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used mixed colors)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the mixture. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Immediately spread it into a single layer using a spatula with minimal overlap. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until both sides are browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add ginger and garlic; stir quickly until fragrant. Then add white onion and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Ingredients

Stir the prepared sauce mixture until cornstarch is dissolved completely, then pour it into the skillet. Stir immediately and cook until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take just a few seconds. Return cooked chicken to skillet; quickly stir several times to coat everything in the sauce. Turn off heat.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer everything to a large plate immediately so that ingredients don’t keep cooking in the hot skillet. Serve hot as a delicious main dish!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Serving black pepper chicken is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and textures.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the savory black pepper sauce.
• Fried Rice: A colorful fried rice adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it a satisfying side.

Wrapped in Lettuce

• Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh touch, serve black pepper chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and a refreshing bite.

Over Noodles

• Lo Mein or Chow Mein: Tossing the chicken over noodles creates a hearty meal. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.

With a Salad

• Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing complements the richness of the dish nicely.

As Part of a Platter

• Mixed Appetizer Platter: Include spring rolls and dumplings alongside black pepper chicken for an impressive spread.

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How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your black pepper chicken, follow these simple tips:

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic can significantly boost the dish’s aroma and taste.
• Control Heat Levels: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that the chicken sears properly without overcooking.
• Stir-Fry Quickly: Stir-frying at high heat helps retain the vegetables’ crunch while cooking them perfectly.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce longer before adding back the chicken.
• Experiment with Peppers: Different colored bell peppers not only add visual appeal but also varying sweetness levels.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with black pepper chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that brings additional flavors and textures to your plate.
2. Steamed Broccoli: This nutrient-rich vegetable balances the richness of the chicken dish.
3. Egg Fried Noodles: These noodles add a delightful twist and complement the dish well.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides refreshing crunch and acidity.
5. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make for an excellent appetizer or side that pairs well with this dish.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and pairs nicely with Asian flavors.
7. Quinoa Salad: A healthy alternative that adds protein and fiber while keeping things light.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: These can be an unexpected yet delightful pairing, adding a touch of indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Pepper Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the marinade – Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor and tenderness. Make sure to let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
• Not using enough black pepper – The signature flavor of Black Pepper Chicken comes from the pepper. Don’t skimp on it; adjust to your taste.
• Overcooking the chicken – Chicken can become tough if overcooked. Cook just until no longer pink inside for the best texture.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency – A good sauce should coat the chicken well. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves completely to achieve this.
• Using low-quality ingredients – Fresh ingredients significantly impact taste. Use high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to label it!

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Microwave in short intervals (1 minute) on medium power until heated through, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Black Pepper Chicken that might help you.

Can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute tamari for soy sauce and dry sherry for Shaoxing wine to make this dish gluten-free.

What vegetables go well with Black Pepper Chicken?

You can use bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of black pepper used. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I add more protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute or mix in shrimp or beef if you prefer something different from chicken.

How do I serve Black Pepper Chicken?

Black Pepper Chicken is best served hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken is an appealing dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. With juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables coated in a rich sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins!