Craving a quick and delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout?
Black Pepper Chicken is the perfect dish for you. It’s packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and an irresistible peppery sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or trying to impress guests with something homemade, this recipe is a surefire hit.
Plus, you can easily adapt it to fit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for everyone at the table.
What makes this dish stand out is the bold black pepper sauce that infuses every bite with a punch of flavor, balanced by the sweetness of bell peppers and onions.
The tender chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring that each piece is juicy and flavorful.
And the best part?
It’s so simple that you can whip it up faster than ordering takeout, yet it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
Whether you’re gluten-free, love Chinese takeout, or just need a go-to stir-fry dish, this Black Pepper Chicken has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this savory dish in just a few easy steps.
1. Prepare the Chicken
The key to juicy, tender chicken in this dish is the marinade. Slice your chicken breasts or thighs against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4” thick. This helps ensure that the chicken stays tender and cooks quickly.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon, ensuring that every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
The cornstarch helps create a silky, light crust when the chicken is seared, while the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine infuse the meat with deep umami flavor.
Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Make the Black Pepper Sauce
The star of this dish is the rich, savory black pepper sauce that ties all the flavors together. To make the sauce, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Mix all these ingredients in a small bowl, making sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps. The cornstarch thickens the sauce, creating that glossy, velvety coating you expect from a stir-fry. The combination of light and dark soy sauce deepens the flavor, while the sugar adds just a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat from the black pepper. Once mixed, set the sauce aside.
3. Sear the Chicken
Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. Once the oil is ready, add the chicken to the pan, spreading it out in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan so that the chicken browns evenly. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds, allowing the bottom to brown lightly.
Flip the chicken over and cook for another 15 to 20 seconds, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to get a nice golden color on the outside while keeping the inside slightly pink, as the chicken will finish cooking later with the sauce. Once both sides are browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. When it’s hot, toss in 1 tablespoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic. These aromatics will release their flavors almost instantly, so stir them around for about 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add 1/2 of a chopped white onion and 2 chopped bell peppers (you can use any color, but a mix of colors adds vibrancy to the dish). Stir and cook the vegetables for about 20 seconds, just long enough to soften them slightly while keeping their crunch. The contrast between the tender chicken and the crisp vegetables adds texture and freshness to the dish.
5. Combine the Sauce and Chicken
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Give your sauce mixture one final stir to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated, then pour it into the skillet with the vegetables. The sauce will thicken quickly, so stir constantly to prevent it from clumping. You want the sauce to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take just a few seconds.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together so that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the rich black pepper sauce. The black pepper flavor will intensify, giving the dish its signature spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors. As soon as everything is coated and heated through, turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Immediately transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a large plate or serving dish. Don’t leave the food in the hot skillet, as it will continue to cook and may become overdone. Serve the dish while it’s hot, with a side of steamed white rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the crispy vegetables and bold black pepper sauce will make this a meal to remember.
Making It Your Own
One of the best things about Black Pepper Chicken is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to make it even more to your taste:
- Gluten-Free Version: To make the dish gluten-free, simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce and dry sherry for the Shaoxing wine.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
- Spicy Variation: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chilies to the sauce. The extra spice pairs beautifully with the black pepper.
Conclusion
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is proof that a delicious, restaurant-quality meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors, this dish is a winner any night of the week. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it comes together. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!