Ever craved a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas?
Black Pepper Chicken delivers just that! This dish packs a punch with its bold flavors and tender chicken, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time, leaving you plenty of moments to savor each delicious bite.
Why make this recipe
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both easy to whip up and tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant? Black Pepper Chicken checks all the boxes:
- Quick cleanup: One pan is all you need—less mess means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Budget-friendly: With simple ingredients and a few staple pantry items, it won’t break the bank.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavor and colorful veggies—a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used mixed colors)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken gets a thin coat. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear for 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until both sides are browned but slightly pink. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Veggies: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then toss in the minced ginger and garlic. Stir until fragrant, then add the chopped onion and peppers. Stir for about 20 seconds.
- Combine Everything: Stir the sauce mixture until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour it into the skillet, stirring immediately. Cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the chicken back and stir to coat everything with the sauce.
- Serve it Up: Turn off the heat and transfer to a large plate. Serve hot as a delightful main dish.
How to make Black Pepper Chicken (Overview)
Making Black Pepper Chicken is a breeze! Start by marinating that chicken to soak up all those flavor-packed spices. While that’s doing its thing, whip up a quick sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing! Once the chicken is seared to perfection, toss in the aromatic ginger and garlic with colorful bell peppers. Combine everything with the luscious sauce, and voila—dinner is served! Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to serve Black Pepper Chicken
Serve your Black Pepper Chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or noodles, and watch the colors come to life on your plate. The vibrant reds and greens of the bell peppers pop against the succulent chicken, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How to store Black Pepper Chicken
Keep your leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, throw it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Black Pepper Chicken
Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your dish:
- Adjust the spice: If you love a kick, feel free to increase the black pepper!
- Add more veggies: Toss in some broccoli or snap peas for a colorful crunch.
- Make it ahead of time: Marinate the chicken the night before for even deeper flavors!
- Cornstarch magic: Use cornstarch to achieve that crispy texture on the chicken—you’ll be glad you did!
- Swap the oil: If you’re out of peanut oil, any neutral oil works just fine!
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try making a vegan version with tofu or seitan. Just toss in the same marinade and follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free option. You can also experiment with different sauces—like a tangy Hoisin sauce for a sweet twist!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a richer, juicier flavor, so go for it if that’s your jam.Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yep! Simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and you’re set!What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with white rice, quinoa, or even a crunchy salad for a refreshing touch!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
