As the evening sun spills golden light across the kitchen, I’ve often found myself craving a meal that’s as comforting as it is quick to prepare. That’s when this Easy Black Pepper Chicken comes into play. With juicy chicken mingling with bright, crisp vegetables, all tossed in a luscious black pepper sauce, this dish has become my go-to for busy weeknights.
What I love most is how effortlessly it captures that bold, comforting flavor often associated with takeout, yet is entirely homemade, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing taste. Even better, it comes together in just 25 minutes and can easily adapt to gluten-free diets, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and escape the fast-food rut, let me guide you through this simple yet flavorful one-pot meal that’s sure to impress both friends and family alike!
Why is Black Pepper Chicken a must-try?
Quick and Easy: This dish requires just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a stellar choice for busy weeknights.
Gluten-Free Adaptable: Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari to create a delicious gluten-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy!
Rich, Bold Flavor: The harmonious blend of black pepper, ginger, and garlic elevates each bite, delivering that comforting takeout taste right at home.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup time and maximize flavor by cooking everything in a single skillet, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: The vibrant colors and enticing aromas guarantee it will impress family and friends, transforming any dinner into a delightful experience.
Black Pepper Chicken Ingredients
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
For the Chicken
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Sliced against the grain for tenderness, ensuring a juicy bite.
• Cornstarch – Used for marinating chicken to maintain its succulent texture.
For the Sauce
• Light Soy Sauce – Adds savory umami flavor; swap for tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry – Deepens the sauce’s flavor; use dry sherry if Shaoxing is unavailable.
• Chicken Broth – Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Dark Soy Sauce – Contributes color and mild sweetness; use regular soy sauce if needed.
• Sugar – Balances the saltiness from soy sauce while adding a hint of sweetness.
• Coarsely Ground Black Pepper – The star ingredient that gives this Black Pepper Chicken its signature heat.
• Salt – Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
For the Stir-Fry
• Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil – Ideal for stir-frying due to its high smoke point.
• Minced Ginger and Garlic – Infuse aromatic flavors, lifting the dish’s profile.
• White Onion – Adds sweetness and texture, providing a solid flavor base.
• Bell Peppers – Introduce color, crunch, and nutrition; mixing colors makes for a visually appealing dish.
How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
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Marinate the sliced chicken by combining it with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors and ensure tenderness.
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Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl: chicken broth, light and dark soy sauces, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is shimmering before adding any ingredients for that perfect sear.
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Sear the marinated chicken in the skillet for about 1 minute on one side until lightly browned. Flip and cook until both sides have a beautiful golden crust but are still slightly pink inside.
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Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add any remaining oil to the skillet along with minced ginger and garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 20-30 seconds.
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Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet, stirring for about 20 seconds just until they start to soften, maintaining their vibrant colors.
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Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring continuously until thickened, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing quickly to coat thoroughly with the delicious sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Black Pepper Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Swap light soy sauce for tamari, making this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diners without losing flavor.
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Protein Swap: Use beef or tofu instead of chicken for a tasty twist, offering a new flavor profile and texture.
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Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for an additional pop of color and nutrition, making the dish even more wholesome.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the coarsely ground black pepper or toss in sliced chili peppers for those who adore a fiery finish.
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Sweet Twist: Drizzle a hint of honey or maple syrup into the sauce for a subtle sweetness, complementing the savory elements beautifully.
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Citrus Infusion: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the plated dish for a bright zing that elevates the bold flavors.
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Noodle Base: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice noodles instead of rice for a delightful alternative that adds a lovely chew to your meal.
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Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions right before serving to add aromatic freshness and a pretty presentation.
Expert Tips for Black Pepper Chicken
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High Heat Cooking: Keep the heat high throughout the process for optimal searing. This step ensures a juicy and well-browned chicken without overcooking.
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Single Layer Searing: Sear chicken in a single layer to achieve even browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
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Quick Movements: Be swift once cooking starts. Add ingredients and stir quickly to prevent the garlic from burning and to maintain the crunch of your vegetables.
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Modify the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper to match your taste preferences. For an extra kick, consider adding sliced chili peppers for an exciting heat boost.
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Gluten-Free Substitution: Don’t forget that substituting regular soy sauce with tamari makes this Black Pepper Chicken adaptable for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
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Serve with Care: For a healthier pairing, serve over steamed brown rice instead of white rice to enhance nutritional value and balance the dish.
How to Store and Freeze Black Pepper Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Freezer: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1-2 months. For best results, portion into single servings to make reheating easier.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the dish’s flavor and moisture.
What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken?
Elevate your dining experience with perfect pairings that will bring balance and delight to your table.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant base that soaks up the rich black pepper sauce, creating a harmony of flavors.
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Garlic Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a nutritious crunch, complementing the juicy chicken and enhancing the overall meal’s freshness.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These delightful bites offer a crunchy texture, perfect for dipping into soy sauce and pairing beautifully with the savory chicken.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens and a light vinaigrette will provide a crisp counterbalance to the rich flavors of the dish.
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Sesame Noodles: These nutty noodles bring a delightful twist, harmonizing with the black pepper’s heat while adding a fun texture.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: A cool and tangy salad brightens the palate, making each bite of warm chicken feel even more satisfying.
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Chardonnay or Riesling: A chilled glass of wine will enhance the meal, the crisp notes balancing the spice while complementing the dish beautifully.
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Mango Sorbet: This light and fruity dessert will cleanse the palate and finish the meal on a sweet, refreshing note.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Black Pepper Chicken preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the sliced chicken in the light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor infusion. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply heat the oil, quickly sear the marinated chicken, stir-fry the vegetables, and mix in the sauce until thickened. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time, just as satisfying as your favorite takeout!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this Easy Black Pepper Chicken. I recommend slicing the chicken against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and juiciness.
How can I tell if the vegetables are fresh enough to use?
Very good question! When selecting bell peppers, look for ones that are firm and glossy, without any soft spots or blemishes. Avoid those with dark spots all over or that feel shriveled, as they might not be as fresh.
How should I store leftovers of Black Pepper Chicken?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, you can freeze the Black Pepper Chicken for up to 1-2 months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing!
What are the best ways to freeze Black Pepper Chicken?
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date for quick reference! Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this Easy Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free by substituting regular light soy sauce with tamari. This way, you can still enjoy the rich flavors without worrying about gluten. It’s a fantastic option for anyone with dietary restrictions!
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering. This should help thicken it up nicely!
Savor Black Pepper Chicken: Speedy One-Pot Delight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the sliced chicken by combining it with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, light and dark soy sauces, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the marinated chicken for about 1 minute on one side until lightly browned, then flip and cook until both sides are golden but slightly pink inside.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and add minced ginger and garlic to the skillet, stirring until fragrant.
- Add onions and bell peppers, stirring for about 20 seconds until they start to soften.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Serve immediately.
