How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to spice up your meal routine with a dish that’s both flavorful and fuss-free? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secrets for making the most mouthwatering Black Pepper Chicken you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is perfect for those quick family dinners or when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Plus, it pairs amazingly well with some easy pasta recipes or a side of steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors that will leave you craving more
• Ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for those busy weeknight dinner ideas
• Customizable to suit your taste preferences
• Healthy and packed with protein for a guilt-free meal
• Pairs well with rice, noodles, or even some creamy garlic pasta

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Black Pepper Chicken. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps together. This recipe is a breeze, and I’ve broken it down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the mixture. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures your chicken stays tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This sauce is the heart of the dish, giving it that rich, savory flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken. Immediately spread the chicken into a single layer using a spatula, with as little overlap as possible. Sear for 1 minute or so, until the bottom is lightly browned. Flip the chicken. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir occasionally, until both sides are browned but still a bit pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the ginger and garlic. Give it a quick stir until fragrant. Add the white onion and peppers. Stir and cook for 20 seconds. These veggies add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Stir the sauce mixture until the cornstarch is dissolved completely, and pour it into the skillet. Stir with a spatula immediately and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, a few seconds. Add back the cooked chicken. Quickly stir a few times to coat everything with the sauce. Turn off heat and remove the skillet from the stove. Immediately transfer everything to a big plate so the ingredients won’t keep cooking in the hot skillet.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:

• For an extra crispy texture, marinate the chicken for a bit longer, say 30 minutes to an hour.
• Don’t overcook the chicken—remember, it should still be a bit pink when you take it out. It will finish cooking when you add it back to the sauce.
• Feel free to customize the veggies. Bell peppers, onions, and snow peas are all great options.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch. If you like it thinner, add a splash more chicken broth.

How to Serve

Serving this Black Pepper Chicken is all about balance. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic combo
• Pair it with some easy pasta recipes for a quick weeknight dinner
• Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy meal
• For a more indulgent option, serve with some creamy garlic pasta

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s great for meal prep. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Storage: Cooked Black Pepper Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready.

There you have it, folks! A simple yet flavorful Black Pepper Chicken recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners or a delicious weeknight meal. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite recipes like Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast, Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken, and Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for more inspiration. Happy cooking!

Black Pepper Chicken

A classic Chinese dish with bold flavors of black pepper, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: main dish

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs) sliced against the grain into 1/4" (5-mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 white onion white onion chopped
• 2 bell peppers bell peppers chopped (I used mixed colors)

Method

 

1. Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
3. Cook chicken in oil until browned, then set aside.
4. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, onion, and peppers.
5. Add sauce, thicken, then combine with chicken.
6. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.