Name: Black Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste); 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional); Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Black Pepper Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor. This stir-fry recipe combines juicy chicken pieces with a savory sauce that features the heat of freshly cracked black pepper, balanced by the rich umami of soy sauce and the sweetness of honey or sugar. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option for busy households.

The dish is loaded with vibrant, aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green onions, all of which enhance the flavors and make it an irresistible choice. The chicken is cooked until golden brown and tender, then tossed in the peppery sauce that coats every piece for a punch of flavor in each bite. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables, Black Pepper Chicken is a hearty meal that will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, Black Pepper Chicken comes together in no time, making it a great option for busy evenings.

2. Full of Flavor

The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, and garlic creates a savory, spicy sauce that’s bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy your taste buds.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish stores and reheats well, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

4. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less black pepper. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.

5. Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home

This dish is inspired by popular takeout recipes, but you can easily make it at home with simple ingredients for a fraction of the cost and time.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
Oyster sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, minced
Green onions, sliced
Cornstarch
Sesame oil or vegetable oil
Rice (for serving, optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete one-pan meal.
Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: Increase the amount of black pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.
Honey Garlic Black Pepper Chicken: Add more honey or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a sweeter, more garlicky twist on the classic dish.
Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry: Add in some stir-fry noodles or rice to make the dish a heartier meal, perfect for a crowd or for leftovers.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and an extra sprinkle of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the Black Pepper Chicken with freshly sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Freshly Cracked Pepper: For the best flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper rather than pre-ground pepper. It adds a stronger, more aromatic kick.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper, or try adding a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until golden brown and just cooked through to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
Use a Wok: A wok helps evenly cook the chicken and quickly toss it in the sauce, ensuring a perfect stir-fry texture.

How to Serve

Black Pepper Chicken is best served with steamed white rice or jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with noodles, such as lo mein or soba, for a more substantial meal. For extra crunch and nutrition, consider serving it with a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Freezing

Black Pepper Chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, add a small amount of water or broth to the chicken to loosen the sauce and ensure it doesn’t dry out during reheating.

FAQs

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

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They stay tender and juicy when cooked, and they also add extra flavor.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra black pepper, or include chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers for added heat.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Be sure to press and cube the tofu for the best texture.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a bit of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture.

5. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works perfectly in this recipe, especially if you’re trying to reduce the salt content.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry. They’ll add color, texture, and extra nutrients.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately. Combine and reheat before serving.

8. Can I make this dish without oyster sauce?

Yes, you can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or just use extra soy sauce and a little bit of sugar for sweetness.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure the oyster sauce is also gluten-free, or skip it entirely.

10. How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can reduce the sauce slightly by simmering it until it thickens, or use arrowroot powder as a thickening alternative.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold, flavorful stir-fry that delivers the perfect balance of heat, savory goodness, and comfort. With tender chicken coated in a rich, peppery sauce, it’s a dish that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether you enjoy it over rice, noodles, or veggies, it’s a versatile and delicious meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying heat and the mouthwatering flavor in every bite!