Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and has that perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, then Black Pepper Chicken is calling your name. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a punchy black pepper sauce that will dance on your taste buds and keep you reaching for more. The magic lies in the simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting yet exciting meal you can enjoy any day of the week. Once you try this recipe, Black Pepper Chicken will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Pepper Chicken recipe is in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role. From the tender chicken to the fragrant garlic and fiery black pepper, each element adds depth, texture, and color that make the dish truly unforgettable.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Slicing against the grain ensures tender, juicy pieces that soak up the marinade perfectly.
• Light soy sauce: Adds essential umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Shaoxing wine: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to both the marinade and sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a silky, luscious coating for the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce base.
• Dark soy sauce: Intensifies the color and adds richer, deep savory notes.
• Sugar: Balances the salty, tangy, and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Coarsely ground black pepper: The star ingredient that delivers the signature heat and bold bite.
• Salt: Keeps the flavors balanced throughout.
• Peanut oil: Provides a high smoke point for perfect searing and a subtle nuttiness.
• Ginger and garlic: Fresh aromatics that infuse the dish with warmth and zest.
• White onion: Adds crisp sweetness and texture.
• Bell peppers: Brighten the dish with vibrant color and slight crunch.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining sliced chicken with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade is essential as it tenderizes the chicken while creating a velvety coating that will hold the sauce perfectly. Let the chicken rest for about 10 to 15 minutes to soak in these flavors fully.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, mix together chicken broth, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, coarse black pepper, and salt. This sauce is where the Black Pepper Chicken gets its signature kick and glossy finish. Set it aside so it’s ready when you start cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer to achieve a beautiful sear. Let them cook undisturbed for about a minute until the bottoms develop a light golden crust, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. The goal is to get beautifully browned chicken that is still a little pink inside, which will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then toss in the minced ginger and garlic. The aroma will instantly fill your kitchen, signaling that deliciousness is underway. Quickly stir-fry these until fragrant, then add the white onion and colorful bell peppers, cooking just about 20 seconds to keep some crunch and vibrant color.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring immediately to prevent lumps. Watch as the sauce thickens rapidly, coating the vegetables with a shiny glaze. Return the chicken to the pan and give everything a few gentle stirs to ensure each piece is bathed in that luscious, peppery sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions or a few toasted sesame seeds can elevate the dish visually and add a bit of freshness or nuttiness that complements the robust black pepper flavor. For some extra zing, a light drizzle of chili oil can be a perfect choice if you enjoy heat.

Side Dishes

Black Pepper Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati, which soaks up the flavorful sauce wonderfully. For a low-carb option, serve alongside stir-fried greens or a crisp cucumber salad to introduce a cool contrast to the peppery warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Black Pepper Chicken on a bed of crunchy fried rice noodles or stuff it into lettuce wraps for a hands-on, interactive meal. You could also use it as a filling for savory crepes or flatbreads to add an Asian flair to your lunch or dinner plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes well. Wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the bell peppers might soften upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the sauce’s consistency and keep the chicken juicy. Avoid microwaving if you can, as that tends to make the chicken rubbery and the sauce less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving when cooking, so they actually work wonderfully in Black Pepper Chicken. The flavor melds beautifully regardless of which cut you choose.

What type of black pepper is best for this dish?

Coarsely ground black pepper is ideal because it delivers that recognizable crunch and bold flavor bite that defines Black Pepper Chicken. Using finely ground pepper won’t offer the same texture and intensity.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Also, double-check the Shaoxing wine label or replace it with a gluten-free dry sherry. These substitutions keep the dish safe but still flavorful.

Is there an alternative to Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute. It adds a similar nutty, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the marinade and sauce without overpowering other ingredients.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of black pepper slightly, but don’t eliminate it completely—it’s key to the dish. To amp up the spice, add fresh chopped chili or a dash of chili flakes along with the black pepper.

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is one of those incredibly satisfying dishes that promises comfort and excitement in every bite. The marriage of tender chicken with that bold, peppery sauce makes it a standout in any weeknight meal lineup. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with the vibrant flavors as much as I have. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Print