Black pepper chicken is a classic stir-fry dish bursting with bold flavors, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables. Known for its rich, peppery sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves a little kick in their meal. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or just want a quick dinner idea, this black pepper chicken recipe is easy to make, comes together in under 30 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ tsp white pepper (optional for extra heat)
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Preparation
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add the Sauce and Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Add the black pepper and white pepper. Stir well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use a mix of tofu and additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Extra Spicy: Add red chili flakes or sliced chili peppers for more heat.
Cooking Notes
- Freshly Ground Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Pre-ground pepper may not have the same bold kick.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste. For a milder dish, reduce the pepper by half.
- Veggie Crunch: Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should stay crisp for the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve black pepper chicken over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or spring rolls for a complete meal.
- Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Tips
- Cut Evenly: Slice the chicken and vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
- Double the Sauce: If you prefer extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works well, but chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful.
Is black pepper chicken spicy?
While the dish has a bold peppery flavor, it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the black pepper amount to suit your taste.
Can I freeze black pepper chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
This black pepper chicken stir-fry is a quick, easy, and delicious way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy. Serve it with rice or noodles, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!