Black Pepper Chicken

An easy black pepper chicken recipe awaits you, featuring juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich savory black pepper sauce. This dish comes together quickly and offers a delightful alternative to your usual Chinese restaurant takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this black pepper chicken is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 25 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of ginger, garlic, and black pepper creates a savory sauce that elevates the simple chicken and veggies.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to cater to your taste preferences.
• Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily swap soy sauce for tamari and apple vinegar for dry sherry to make this dish gluten-free.
• Health-Conscious Meal: With lean protein and vibrant vegetables, this black pepper chicken is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience as you prepare this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Spatula
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken evenly while allowing room for stirring in vegetables.
• Medium-sized bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated in flavor.
• Spatula: Essential for flipping the chicken and mixing ingredients without damaging them.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 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 sherry)
• 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 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

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 (I used mixed colors)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the mixture.
3. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients.
2. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Add marinated chicken; spread it into a single layer with minimal overlap using a spatula.
3. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned on the bottom.
4. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned but slightly pink inside.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
2. Add minced ginger and garlic; stir quickly until fragrant.
3. Add chopped onion and bell peppers; stir-fry for about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Chicken

1. Stir the prepared sauce mixture until cornstarch dissolves completely; pour it into the skillet.
2. Stir immediately until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon’s back—this will take just seconds.
3. Return cooked chicken to skillet; quickly stir everything together to coat with sauce.
4. Turn off heat immediately to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer everything onto a big plate so ingredients don’t continue cooking in residual heat from the pan. Enjoy your delicious black pepper chicken as a main dish!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Serving black pepper chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, soaking up the savory sauce beautifully.

Over Noodles

• Serve the chicken over stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal that adds texture and flavor.

With Fresh Vegetables

• A side of lightly steamed or sautéed vegetables adds freshness and crunch to balance the dish.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun twist, use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with black pepper chicken and vegetables.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To ensure your black pepper chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor and tenderness of the meat.

• Use High Heat: Cooking at medium-high heat allows for better searing, resulting in juicier chicken with a nice browning effect.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of black pepper according to your taste preference for spiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your black pepper chicken can make a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A delicious mix of rice, eggs, peas, and carrots, fried together for added flavor.

2. Garlic Broccoli: Quickly sautéed broccoli with garlic brings a vibrant color and health benefits to your plate.

3. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup is perfect as an appetizer to complement your main dish without overpowering it.

4. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful crunch and are great for dipping.

5. Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers dressed in sesame oil and vinegar adds a cool contrast.

6. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles tossed with various vegetables make for a filling side that pairs well with chicken dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Pepper Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Take at least 10-15 minutes for better taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can steam it instead of sear it. Cook in batches for a nice browning effect.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand can slow you down. Prep everything ahead of time for a smooth cooking process.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the chicken well. Ensure you stir until thickened properly.
• Using Too Much Heat: Cooking on high heat may burn the garlic and ginger. Start medium-high and adjust as needed for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, then cover and heat until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Black Pepper Chicken:

What is Black Pepper Chicken?

Black Pepper Chicken is a savory dish featuring tender chicken cooked with vegetables in a rich black pepper sauce. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.

How spicy is Black Pepper Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of black pepper used. For milder flavor, reduce the black pepper.

Can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing apple vinegar to make it gluten-free.

What vegetables work best in Black Pepper Chicken?

Bell peppers and onions are classic choices, but you can also add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.

How do I customize my Black Pepper Chicken?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins like shrimp or tofu. This dish is versatile and can suit various tastes!

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with juicy chicken and crisp vegetables. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts looking for something nutritious yet satisfying. Experiment with different veggies and spices to make it your own!