Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Bold Flavors Made Simple

Culinary adventures with black pepper chicken spark excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Aromatic spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors.

Robust seasonings blend seamlessly to craft an irresistible dish.

Home cooks can master this simple yet elegant recipe with confidence.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of peppery warmth.

Crispy edges and juicy interior make this meal a perfect weeknight solution.

Follow along and discover how easily you can turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry Success

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the primary ingredient for this savory dish.

• Soy Sauce, Wine, Cornstarch: Flavorful mixture that helps tenderize and enhance the chicken's taste while creating a smooth coating.

• Ginger, Garlic: Fragrant ingredients that provide depth and traditional Asian-style flavor to the dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and natural sweetness to the stir-fry.

• Black Pepper, Oil: Spicy seasoning and cooking medium that contribute to the overall flavor and cooking process.

Cooking Black Pepper Chicken in Simple Steps

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Pieces

• Soy sauce
• Cooking wine
• Cornstarch

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

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Blend all sauce ingredients thoroughly in a mixing bowl.

Set the sauce aside while preparing other components.

Step 3: Sear Tender Chicken Chunks

Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high temperature.

Spread chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook each side for 30 seconds until achieving a beautiful light brown color.

Move seared chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Awaken Vegetable Aromas

Add remaining oil to the same skillet.

Toss in minced ginger and crushed garlic, letting them release their fragrant essence.

Quickly introduce sliced onions and colorful bell peppers.

Stir-fry rapidly for just 20 seconds.

Step 5: Merge Flavors And Thicken Sauce

Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour into the skillet.

Allow sauce to simmer and thicken.

Return chicken pieces back into the pan, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.

Step 6: Plate And Enjoy

Serve the sizzling black pepper chicken atop steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy immediately while hot.

Tips for Balanced, Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Flavor

• Let chicken sit in the marinade for the full 15 minutes to absorb maximum soy sauce and wine taste, ensuring tender meat.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking.
• Continuously stir sauce while thickening to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy coating on chicken.
• Choose jasmine or basmati rice to complement the black pepper chicken's robust flavors and absorb the delicious sauce.

Fun Add-Ins for Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

• Spicy Sriracha Chicken: Replace black pepper with sriracha sauce for a fiery kick. Adjust heat level by adding more or less sauce.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Swap soy sauce with lemon juice and add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a zesty, aromatic version.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: Substitute sauce ingredients with coconut milk, curry powder, and a touch of turmeric for a creamy, Indian-inspired dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to make the recipe gluten-free and celiac-friendly.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken with Rice

• Flavor-Packed Sidekick: Pair this zesty black pepper chicken with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the rich, savory sauce and balance the peppery kick.
• Greens Galore: Complement the dish with a crisp side salad featuring cucumber, mixed greens, and a light sesame dressing to add freshness and contrast.
• Noodle Twist: Swap rice for egg noodles or lo mein for a delightful texture change that catches all the delicious sauce in every twirled bite.
• Spice Level Up: Sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil on top for heat lovers wanting an additional spicy dimension to the meal.

Best Storage for Black Pepper Chicken Dishes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor quality.
• 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's the purpose of marinating the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and prevent dryness during cooking by allowing the soy sauce, wine, and cornstarch to penetrate the chicken.

• Why use cornstarch in the marinade?

Cornstarch creates a protective coating on the chicken, helping it stay juicy and creating a slightly crispy exterior when seared, while also thickening the sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Look for a light golden-brown color and ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center. The meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

• Can I adjust the amount of black pepper in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase or decrease the black pepper to match your personal spice preference and taste.

Black Pepper Chicken – A Savory Weeknight Staple

• Tackle Quick Weeknight Meals: Perfect for busy families needing a fast, delicious dinner solution that comes together in minutes with minimal prep work.
• Boost Flavor Explosion: Packed with rich, bold black pepper notes and savory sauce that creates an incredible taste experience everyone will love, making each bite memorable and satisfying.
• Master Easy Cooking Skills: Beginner-friendly recipe that teaches essential stir-fry techniques, allowing home cooks to build confidence while creating restaurant-quality dishes without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe that welcomes personal tweaks like adding different vegetables or adjusting spice levels, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken dances with bold Malaysian flavors, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds. Fragrant spices and tender meat create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark 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 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 white onion (chopped)
• 2 bell peppers (chopped, mixed colors)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Allow flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Whisk together sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until smoothly combined, then set aside for later use.
3. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer, creating a golden sear for approximately 30 seconds per side until lightly browned. Remove chicken and reserve.
4. In the same skillet, add additional oil and quickly sauté minced ginger and garlic until aromatic, releasing their intense flavors.
5. Introduce sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, stirring rapidly for 20-30 seconds to maintain vegetable crispness.
6. Gently pour prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Return seared chicken to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the rich, peppery sauce.
8. Transfer the black pepper chicken to a serving platter, garnishing with optional chopped green onions. Accompany with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality chicken breasts or thighs with minimal fat for a leaner, more tender result.
• Balance black pepper intensity by adjusting quantity based on personal spice tolerance and preference.
• Consider using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative that maintains rich umami flavor.
• Quickly pat chicken dry before marinating to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture during cooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg