The Zesty Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Spice up your dinner routine with a mouth-watering black pepper chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

This zesty dish brings together tender chicken pieces coated in a robust, aromatic pepper blend.

Succulent chicken transforms into a flavor-packed meal that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of bold black pepper and complementary spices.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a warm, peppery kick that cuts through ordinary weeknight meals.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a weeknight warrior’s dream.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet impressive chicken dish that proves great flavor doesn’t need to be complicated.

Black Pepper Chicken Zesty Flavor Appeal

• Whip up this delicious black pepper chicken with minimal steps and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Enjoy a bold, zesty dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with just a few key ingredients and powerful black pepper seasoning.
• Customize this recipe by swapping vegetables or adjusting spice levels, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare a satisfying meal in just a few minutes, ideal for busy families looking for a fast, nutritious dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.

Black Pepper Chicken Ingredients to Shop For

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.

• Garlic, Ginger: Foundational flavor boosters that add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and natural sweetness.

• Soy Sauce, Black Pepper: Essential flavor components that create the signature taste of the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing and stir-frying to develop rich flavors and achieve proper cooking technique.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Gear Needed for Black Pepper Chicken

• Large cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp chef's knife: Essential for precise chicken and vegetable cutting.
• Mixing bowl: For combining marinade and sauce ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate seasoning and ingredient portioning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.
• Large skillet or wok: Perfect for searing chicken and stir-frying vegetables.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken during searing.

Simple Instructions for Making Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Slice and Marinate Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Combine chicken with soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.

Let the chicken absorb the flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Base

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Chicken broth

Set the sauce mixture aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden brown crust.

Flip and continue cooking until chicken is crispy and fully cooked.

Step 4: Build Aromatic Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Chopped ginger
• Sliced green onions

Sauté quickly until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 5: Create Glossy Sauce

Pour prepared sauce mixture into the pan.

Stir constantly and let the sauce simmer and thicken, coating the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return seared chicken to the pan.

Toss gently to ensure every piece gets completely coated with the glossy, rich sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Plate

Transfer chicken to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with additional chopped green onions and a fresh crack of black pepper.

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tricks for Spicy and Tender Chicken

• Let chicken marinate longer for deeper taste penetration, up to 30 minutes if time allows.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, from mild to extra bold.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding pan to achieve golden-brown chicken edges without steaming.
• Swap or add different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for textural diversity.
• Marinate chicken beforehand and store in refrigerator to speed up cooking process during busy weeknights.

Ways to Vary Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Thai Pepper Chicken: Replace black pepper with Thai bird chili for intense heat and authentic Southeast Asian flavor.
• Low-Sodium Herb Chicken: Swap soy sauce with low-sodium tamari and add fresh rosemary and thyme for rich herbal notes.
• Keto-Friendly Chicken: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, add extra virgin olive oil, and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Incorporate oregano, mint, and lemon zest with reduced black pepper for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Plating Suggestions for Pepper Chicken

• Flavor-Packed Plate Partner: Steamed jasmine rice complements the black pepper chicken's bold spiciness, soaking up the rich sauce perfectly.
• Freshness Booster: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and bright flavor contrast.
• Veggie Companion: Serve alongside quick-roasted broccoli or stir-fried bok choy to balance the protein and add nutritional depth to the meal.
• Cool Sidekick: Drizzle with a quick cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar to provide a cooling counterpoint to the pepper's heat.

Storage Tips for Leftover Black Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal because they’re tender and absorb marinade flavors quickly.

• How spicy is black pepper chicken?

This dish has a moderate pepper heat that’s flavorful but not overwhelming, providing a nice warmth without intense burning sensation.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep the same rich flavor profile.

• Is this considered a healthy meal option?

Black pepper chicken is protein-rich, relatively low in calories, and packed with nutrients from vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious dish.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken delivers bold flavors from traditional Chinese cooking techniques. Tender chicken pieces coated in peppery sauce promise a delicious meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1/2 white onion, chopped

Marinade and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Aromatics and Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken slices with marinade for enhanced flavor absorption, letting ingredients meld for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Whisk together sauce components in a medium bowl, ensuring smooth integration of all liquid and dry seasonings.
3. Heat wok or large skillet over high heat, adding oil until shimmering and almost smoking around 375°F.
4. Sear marinated chicken pieces in batches, creating golden-brown exterior without overcrowding pan, then transfer to clean plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium, introduce minced aromatics like garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to prevent burning.
6. Add chopped vegetables, sautéing until they become slightly translucent and retain crisp texture.
7. Pour prepared sauce into skillet, allowing liquid to simmer and gradually thicken for 2-3 minutes.
8. Reintroduce seared chicken to pan, gently coating each piece with glossy sauce and warming through completely.
9. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and optional chopped scallions for vibrant presentation.
10. Plate immediately while sauce remains hot and chicken retains optimal moisture and temperature.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor penetration, so consider up to 30 minutes for deeper taste absorption.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• For a lighter version, replace regular oil with coconut or avocado oil, which offer healthier cooking alternatives without compromising taste.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3.75 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg