Amazing Black Pepper Chicken shot

Black Pepper Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between spicy and savory. With tender pieces of chicken breast cooked to perfection alongside crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a bold black pepper sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re craving something quick and satisfying or looking to impress family and friends, this dish delivers a punch of flavor with minimal effort. Serve it over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, and you have a wholesome, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Best Black Pepper Chicken photo

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor packed into every bite. The key ingredient, freshly ground black pepper, adds a sharp heat that complements the savory soy and oyster sauces perfectly. Unlike many complicated stir-fries, this version uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

What makes this dish truly special is how you can adapt it easily based on your preferences, making it a versatile go-to recipe. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use chicken breast, which tends to be lean and mild on its own but becomes wonderfully juicy and flavorful when cooked just right. If you enjoy recipes like the Teriyaki Chicken Recipe with its sweet and savory notes, you’ll love how black pepper adds a spicy kick to this dish, making it uniquely delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving

How To Make Black Pepper Chicken

Simple Black Pepper Chicken recipe image

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure your chicken breast is cut into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking. Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips, and mince the garlic and ginger finely. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will keep the cooking process smooth and fast.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with flavor, setting the foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry them until they turn white and start to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. Cooking the chicken properly ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Toss in the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry the mixture for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want your veggies to retain some crunch to contrast beautifully with the tender chicken.

Step 5: Season with Sauces and Black Pepper

Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce and oyster sauce to the pan, stirring well to coat all the ingredients. Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. The freshly ground black pepper is the star here—it adds a bold, peppery heat that elevates the entire dish.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish

Let the mixture cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth at this stage.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your Black Pepper Chicken hot over a bed of steamed cooked rice. The rice helps balance the spice and soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite a delight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the Pan: This causes the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor and a rubbery texture.
  • Using Pre-Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a much more intense and vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
  • Cooking Chicken Too Long: Overcooked chicken breast becomes dry and tough – keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain juiciness.
  • Skipping the Aromatics: Garlic and ginger add essential depth to the dish; don’t skip or substitute them with powders.
  • Not Adjusting Salt: Soy and oyster sauces vary in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Variations and Customizations

Ultimate Black Pepper Chicken recipe image

  • Add More Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work wonderfully and add extra nutrition and texture.
  • Swap Chicken for Beef or Tofu: For a different protein, try thinly sliced beef or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Spice It Up: Add sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes along with the black pepper for extra heat.
  • Use Different Peppers: Try a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful presentation and varied sweetness.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) during the last minute of cooking to create a glossy sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. This dish also freezes well – portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breast and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it okay to use bottled minced garlic and ginger?

While fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, bottled versions can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of each and adjust according to taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.

What can I serve with Black Pepper Chicken besides rice?

This dish pairs well with steamed noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A crisp green salad or sautéed greens are also great side choices.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and straightforward recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Its perfect balance of peppery heat, savory sauce, and tender chicken makes it a family-friendly favorite for any night of the week. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to master and endlessly adaptable. Next time you want a comforting yet exciting meal, give this Black Pepper Chicken a try – it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

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Creamy Black Pepper Chicken

Amazing Black Pepper Chicken shot

Black Pepper Chicken

This Black Pepper Chicken is vibrant and flavorful! Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold black pepper sauce make a perfect quick weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Wok

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Cut chicken breast into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Slice bell pepper and onion into thin strips. Mince garlic and ginger finely.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  • Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry until they turn white and start to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

  • Toss in sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Step 5: Season with Sauces and Black Pepper

  • Lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat ingredients. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish

  • Let mixture cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if a saucier dish is preferred.

Step 7: Serve

  • Serve hot over a bed of steamed cooked rice to balance the spice and soak up the sauce.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground black pepper for a sharper, more vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure chicken sears properly instead of steaming.
  • Add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy and oyster sauce alternatives.
Keyword Black Pepper, chicken, Easy, Quick, Stir-Fry

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