If you are craving a dish that is bursting with bold flavors and easy to prepare, then this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy notes comes together with tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious black pepper sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will become a staple that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating that wonderful medley of flavors and textures that make this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe so irresistible. From the tender chicken pieces to the vibrant green onions, each element works together to bring this dish to life.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to give the chicken a light, crispy coating that locks in juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds that essential peppery kick that defines this dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and vegetables evenly without overpowering flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base once caramelized.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for a fragrant depth that complements the pepper perfectly.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Offers a savory, umami-rich backbone.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and complex flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the dish with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a bright acidity to lift the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love an extra touch of heat.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This simple mixture not only seasons the chicken but also helps create that slightly crispy texture when cooked, which is essential for absorbing the rich sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden-brown sear. Keep cooking until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cooking them in the leftover oil and browned bits from the chicken helps layer the flavors beautifully. Sauté until they turn soft and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes, which adds sweetness and an aromatic base for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the vegetables soften, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This combination creates the magic sauce that makes this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe so flavorful and well-balanced with sweet, tangy, and savory elements.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour your sauce into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then, add the chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so all those fantastic flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly around the chicken pieces.
Step 6: Serve
Your Black Pepper Chicken is ready to be enjoyed! Sprinkle the freshly chopped green onions over the dish for a fresh and colorful finish before serving. This step adds a lovely crunch and a burst of brightness that complements the savory sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate this dish in seconds. Freshly chopped green onions add visual appeal and a crisp bite. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped cilantro to brighten up each serving with a fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
Black Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati, which soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve with sautéed bok choy or roasted broccoli to introduce some earthy greens. Fried rice or simple noodles are also delightful companions, making the meal feel more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Black Pepper Chicken in a warmed brothy bowl over rice noodles with a squeeze of lime and fresh herbs. Alternatively, pack it into lettuce cups for a fun handheld meal with a refreshing crunch. Using colorful bowls or plating the dish alongside vibrant vegetable sides can turn a weeknight dinner into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to save this Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for longer, freezing is your friend. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help rehydrate the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can dry out the chicken. Slow and steady warming keeps the texture juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and tend to remain juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. They might also need a minute or two longer in the pan.
How spicy is the Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
The dish features a moderate peppery heat from the black pepper itself. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes or leaving the flakes out entirely for a milder version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep the recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing them before cooking. The sauce works well with vegetarian proteins but remember to use vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives or double the soy sauce.
What is the best way to cut chicken for this recipe?
Cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly. Try to make the pieces uniform in size to avoid overcooking some while others are underdone.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a homemade Black Pepper Chicken Recipe that hits all the right flavor notes while staying incredibly easy to prepare. Once you try this, I promise it will become one of your go-to dishes to whip up whenever you want something both delicious and comforting. So grab your ingredients and enjoy cooking up this wonderful meal that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!
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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Black Pepper Chicken featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using, to create a balanced sauce with savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken thoroughly and heat through.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the black pepper chicken to plates or a serving dish, and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- To reduce sodium, reduce the soy sauce or use low-sodium versions.
