The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Zesty, Bold Flavor Fun

Whipping up a mouthwatering black pepper chicken recipe demands creativity and bold flavors that dance on your palate.

Aromatic spices blend seamlessly with tender meat, creating a symphony of taste.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Fragrant peppers infuse each bite with warmth and depth.

No complicated techniques stand between you and this delectable dish.

Regional traditions inspire this recipe’s robust character.

Savor every morsel and let your taste buds celebrate this incredible culinary journey.

Cooking Elements In Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean meat that provides the main protein, best when fresh and cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential spices that create the signature flavor profile, freshly ground black pepper offers the most robust taste.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps create a rich, glossy coating for the chicken.

• Garlic, Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide layers of flavor and texture, each contributing a unique taste and nutritional value.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth, glossy sauce and provides a light coating on the chicken.

• Water, Olive Oil: Helps in cooking process and prevents sticking, olive oil adds a subtle Mediterranean touch.

Black Pepper Chicken Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab your chicken pieces and generously sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch.

Make sure each piece is evenly coated, creating a delightful flavor and crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Pour olive oil into a sizzling hot skillet.

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Once perfectly seared, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Aromatic Vegetable Base

In the same skillet, drop in minced garlic and chopped onions.

Let them dance and release their incredible fragrance, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 4: Bell Pepper Burst

Toss in colorful bell peppers and stir-fry them quickly.

They should remain crisp and vibrant, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.

Step 5: Reunite and Sauce

Slide the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet.

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Water

Step 6: Final Simmer

Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken, coating the chicken and vegetables with a glossy, flavor-packed glaze.

The kitchen will now smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the black pepper chicken over fluffy white rice.

Grab your fork and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!

Black Pepper Chicken Cooked With Pro Precision

• Add freshly cracked black pepper at the end of cooking for a more vibrant, aromatic taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Marinate chicken pieces in the seasonings for 15-30 minutes before cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat with deeper flavor penetration.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal preference, or mix in red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Slice chicken and chop vegetables in advance to reduce cooking time and make the recipe more convenient for busy weeknights.

Black Pepper Chicken Leftover Instructions Made Simple

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or additional sauce. Stir gently to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
• Freeze chicken in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Side Matches for Black Pepper Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the bold black pepper flavor with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the rich chicken and balancing the spiciness.
• Serve Alongside Cooling Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing side dish with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil to offset the pepper's heat and provide a light contrast.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Select fragrant jasmine rice as the perfect base, absorbing the savory sauce and providing a neutral backdrop that enhances the chicken's robust seasoning.
• Add Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Top the dish with quick-pickled radishes or carrots to introduce a tangy crunch that brightens the overall flavor profile and adds textural complexity.

Black Pepper Chicken Flavor Edits

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall sodium content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari, use cornstarch certified gluten-free, and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into similar-sized pieces, and use plant-based oyster sauce alternative like mushroom-based sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or sriracha during sauce preparation, increase black pepper quantity, and incorporate diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, depending on your preference. Just ensure the chicken is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• How spicy is this black pepper chicken?

The recipe uses black pepper for flavor, not intense heat. If you want more spice, you can add red pepper flakes or increase the amount of black pepper.

• Is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken and thickens the sauce. It also helps the seasoning stick to the chicken, ensuring better flavor distribution.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.

Black Pepper Chicken Offers Bold Flavor In A Simple Skillet

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious black pepper chicken in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combines easy-to-find ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, and a savory sauce that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for different preferences by swapping vegetables or adjusting spice levels, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method, saving time on preparation and post-meal dish washing while creating a delightful, protein-rich meal.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken brings bold, aromatic flavors from traditional Asian culinary techniques. Succulent chicken pieces dance with zesty pepper, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

Vegetables and Other Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, finely ground black pepper, and cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, carefully arranging chicken to create a golden-brown exterior. Once perfectly seared, transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, infuse the cooking surface with minced garlic and diced onions, stirring continuously until their aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
4. Introduce colorful bell peppers to the skillet, tossing and turning them swiftly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant appearance.
5. Reunite the previously seared chicken with the vegetables, creating a harmonious culinary landscape.
6. Pour a carefully crafted sauce combining rich soy sauce, savory oyster sauce, and a splash of water, allowing the liquid to envelop the ingredients.
7. Simmer the mixture, watching as the sauce gradually transforms into a luxurious, glossy coating that clings to each piece of chicken and vegetable.
8. Plate the aromatic creation atop a bed of fluffy rice, ready to be savored immediately while still piping hot.

Notes

• Always use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch made from non-wheat sources.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end to brighten the flavor and cut through the richness of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg