Black Pepper Chicken

Name: Black Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple vinegar (or dry apple juice); ½ cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons peanut oil; 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper; Mixed bell peppers and onion for sautéing

Published: August 6, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish takes just 25 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of black pepper, ginger, and garlic creates a delightful savory sauce that will impress your taste buds.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or even switch up the protein to keep things interesting.
Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, this meal is a nutritious choice for any dinner.
Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily modify the recipe using tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Medium-sized bowl
Small bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Provides ample space for searing chicken evenly while ensuring that everything cooks perfectly without overcrowding.
Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Spatula: Helps in flipping and stirring ingredients effectively without damaging them.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Black Pepper Chicken, you will need:

For the Chicken Marinade

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 apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
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

For Cooking

2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors recommended)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the marinade. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Spread it into a single layer using a spatula with minimal overlap. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip each piece and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until both sides are browned but slightly pink inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic; stir quickly until fragrant. Then add chopped onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds until they begin to soften.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Stir the prepared sauce mixture until cornstarch dissolves completely. Pour it into the skillet with vegetables. Stir immediately and cook until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take just a few seconds. Add back in the cooked chicken and stir quickly to coat everything with the rich sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Turn off heat and remove from stove immediately. Transfer everything onto a large plate so that it doesn’t continue cooking in residual heat. Serve hot as a main dish alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Black Pepper Chicken that’s sure to delight family and friends alike!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Serving black pepper chicken is all about enhancing its bold flavors and textures. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and can be presented in multiple ways to impress your family or guests.

With Steamed Rice

A fluffy bowl of steamed rice complements the savory sauce perfectly, absorbing all the rich flavors.

Over Noodles

Serve the black pepper chicken over cooked noodles for a hearty meal that adds additional texture and flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a fresh twist, spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying bite.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

Pair it with a mix of stir-fried vegetables to add color and nutrition, enhancing the overall presentation.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

Perfecting black pepper chicken involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes helps infuse it with flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables bring vibrant flavors that dried or old ingredients cannot match.
Control the Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat gives you a nice sear on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing the chicken in batches prevents steaming, ensuring nice browning and texture.
Thicken Sauce Correctly: Stirring continuously as you add your sauce helps prevent lumps of cornstarch from forming for a smooth finish.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with black pepper chicken enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well:

Jasmine Rice
A fragrant rice option that provides a subtle sweetness to balance the savory taste of the chicken.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Stir-fried rice mixed with assorted vegetables adds texture and flavor while making it a complete meal.
Quinoa Salad
Light and nutritious, quinoa salad with cucumbers and herbs offers freshness alongside the rich chicken dish.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy
A quick stir-fry of bok choy drizzled with soy sauce adds crunch and a hint of bitterness for balance.
Garlic Broccoli
Steamed broccoli tossed in garlic complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame oil provides a cool contrast to the warm, spicy chicken dish.
Egg Drop Soup
This light soup can serve as a comforting start that prepares your palate for the main course.
Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer an enjoyable crunch alongside your delicious meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Black Pepper Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor. Make sure to let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the sauces fully.
Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many pieces at once can lead to steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary for a nice golden crust.
Neglecting to prep ingredients: Having all your ingredients ready before starting ensures a smooth cooking process. Chop veggies and measure sauces ahead of time.
Using low-quality black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor significantly. Invest in a good quality peppercorn and grind it just before use.
Not adjusting sauce thickness: If your sauce is too thin, add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up. Always adjust according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To maintain quality, remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Black Pepper Chicken that might help you:

How can I customize Black Pepper Chicken?

You can add your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Adjust the black pepper according to your spice preference.

Is Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, by using tamari instead of soy sauce and dry apple juice instead of Shaoxing apple vinegar, you can easily make this dish gluten-free.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey, beef, or lamb if you prefer different proteins.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

Serve this flavorful dish over steamed rice or noodles. A side of stir-fried greens complements it beautifully.

How long does it take to prepare Black Pepper Chicken?

This delicious meal can be ready in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor! With its juicy chicken pieces and crisp vegetables coated in a rich sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize the vegetables or spice levels according to your liking—enjoy experimenting!

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