If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comes together in a snap, this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken coated in a perfectly balanced sauce with generous amounts of freshly ground black pepper create a delightful combination that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for a speedy weeknight dinner that’s packed with punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste but also for texture and color, making every bite a treat.
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs: Sliced into thin pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Light soy sauce: Adds a subtle salty depth while keeping the flavor light and balanced.
- White grape juice or apple cider vinegar: Brings a mild tanginess that beautifully complements the peppery punch.
- Cornstarch: A key ingredient to give the sauce that perfect silky thickness.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the sauce with savory goodness and layers of flavor.
- Dark soy sauce: Offers a rich, slightly sweet undertone and deep color to the dish.
- Sugar: Balances the salt and acidity for a well-rounded taste.
- Coarsely ground black pepper: The star of the show, providing the signature kick and aroma.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Peanut or vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking to get a nice sear on the chicken and bring the veggies to life.
- Minced ginger: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that brightens the dish.
- Minced garlic: Brings that essential savory note that pairs beautifully with pepper.
- White onion: Adds gentle sweetness and crunch.
- Bell peppers: A colorful mix to brighten the plate and add crisp texture.
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first, marinate the chicken in a simple mix of soy sauce, white grape juice or apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. This step is crucial because it not only seasons the chicken but also tenderizes it while giving it a smooth coating that will help create that irresistibly silky sauce later. Letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes allows the flavors to soak in deeply.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is getting cozy, mix together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. This medley of chicken broth, soy sauces, vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt is where the magic happens. Stirring to dissolve the cornstarch completely ensures your sauce will thicken beautifully without clumping, creating a luscious consistency to coat the chicken and veggies.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and quickly sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat. Cooking it just until the edges brown and the insides are still slightly pink keeps the meat tender and juicy. This quick cook locks in flavor and ensures your chicken won’t dry out. Once done, set it aside to make room for the vibrant vegetables.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the remaining oil, then toss in the minced ginger and garlic. Their fragrant aroma will start filling your kitchen right away. Follow this with the onions and bell peppers, which soften just enough to stay crisp and add a colorful, textured contrast to the dish. This step brings brightness and freshness that balances the rich sauce and tender chicken.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Give the sauce a final stir and pour it into the skillet with the veggies, stirring quickly to prevent lumping. As it simmers, the sauce thickens and starts to cling to every ingredient, making each bite pop with flavor. Cooking for 3 to 5 minutes here gives it time to reduce slightly and intensify the taste, tying everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and gently toss it in the thickened sauce, coating each piece with that irresistible peppery goodness. Turning off the heat and removing from the stove ensures the chicken stays tender without overcooking. This is your moment to savor the aroma and get ready for a delicious meal!
How to Serve Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped green onions or cilantro on top. A few sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the bold pepper flavor. These simple touches bring freshness and visual appeal, making your meal feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brightest when paired with fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up every last drop of the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli to add texture and balance the seasoning. Either way, the sides harmonize beautifully with the pungent black pepper notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add some flair, serve your black pepper chicken in a warm bowl with a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of crispy noodles or inside lettuce wraps for a fun hand-held option. Little creativity in presentation makes enjoying this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe a joyful experience beyond just taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping both the chicken and sauce delicious without losing texture.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well. To freeze, place portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, your black pepper chicken will retain its flavor and quality for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy it later with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the thick sauce. Alternatively, microwaving covered with a damp paper towel works well for a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice because they tend to stay juicy and tender. Just slice them thinly to match the cooking time and texture of breasts.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
You can easily swap the chicken for firm tofu or even mushrooms. Just marinate and cook them similarly to get that delicious peppery flavor carried through.
How spicy is this dish with black pepper?
The coarsely ground black pepper provides a warm, aromatic heat that is more fragrant than fiery. If you love more spice, feel free to add extra pepper or a pinch of chili flakes.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding to the pan, as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.
What oil do you recommend for stir-frying?
Peanut oil is ideal because of its high smoke point and mild flavor, but vegetable oil or canola oil work equally well for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is one of those rare finds that combines quick cooking, simple ingredients, and incredible flavor, making it perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a comforting meal with a little kick. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again because it truly hits all the right notes.
Print
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated and stir-fried with a flavorful black pepper sauce and colorful bell peppers. Quick to prepare and packed with a balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into 1/4” pieces
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon white grape juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons white grape juice or apple cider vinegar
- 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
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 recommended)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon white grape juice or apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together chicken broth, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons white grape juice or apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until the pieces are lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until golden but still slightly pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate temporarily.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced ginger and garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the chopped onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until the vegetables begin to soften but remain crisp.
- Add the Sauce: Give the prepared sauce mixture a quick stir to dissolve the cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir immediately and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated in the thickened sauce. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust black pepper quantity depending on your preference for spice level.
- Mixed colored bell peppers add visual appeal and a slight sweetness to complement the peppery sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
