Black Pepper Chicken

This Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory black pepper sauce. It’s quick to prepare and tastes even better than your favorite takeout—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty and satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Black Pepper Chicken is bursting with flavor, thanks to the rich black pepper sauce and tender chicken pieces. The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce adds depth, while the crisp bell peppers and onions provide a lovely texture contrast. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s better than takeout—fresh, homemade, and customizable to your taste!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into ¼” (5-mm) thick pieces

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)

• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar

• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For Stir Fry:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ white onion, chopped

• 2 bell peppers, chopped (mix of colors)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

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

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and spread it into a single layer with as little overlap as possible. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned on the bottom. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir occasionally until both sides are browned, but the chicken is still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables:

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the minced ginger and garlic and stir quickly until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, stirring and cooking for about 20 seconds.

5. Add the Sauce:

Stir the sauce mixture to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then pour it into the skillet. Stir immediately and cook for a few seconds until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

6. Combine and Serve:

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove. Transfer everything to a large plate to prevent the ingredients from continuing to cook in the hot skillet.

7. Serve:

Serve the Black Pepper Chicken hot as a main dish, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas to make the dish even heartier.

• Rice or Noodles: Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

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

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great substitute. They add extra flavor and moisture, making the dish even juicier.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook everything when ready to serve.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), you can skip the marinating and cooking steps, simply adding it to the skillet when the vegetables are almost done cooking and mixing with the sauce.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Black Pepper Chicken for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the stir-fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini to the stir-fry for added texture and flavor.

8. Can I use a wok instead of a skillet?

Yes, a wok works perfectly for stir-frying and can give the dish a nice, smoky flavor if cooked over high heat.

9. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar in the sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet, depending on your preference.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, mix in a little more cornstarch dissolved in water and cook until the desired thickness is achieved.

Conclusion

This Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings bold, savory flavors to your table. With juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, slightly spicy sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like your favorite restaurant dish. Try it with rice or noodles for a complete meal, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade Asian-inspired cuisine!

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