The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering black pepper chicken recipe brings excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Spicy aromas will dance around your cooking space, promising delectable moments ahead.

Bold flavors emerge from simple ingredients, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Tender chicken pieces absorb the robust pepper warmth, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Subtle yet powerful seasonings transform humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Seasoned home cooks and curious beginners alike can master this delightful dish with confidence.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible creation.

Black Pepper Chicken: Bold and Flavorful

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delicious black pepper chicken with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps that anyone can master.
• Flavor-Packed Punch: Bold black pepper creates a zesty, aromatic dish that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting meal bursting with robust taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or quick family dinners.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this dish adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this flavorful dish.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the savory profile of the chicken.
• Salt: Provides essential seasoning to balance the dish.
• Black Pepper: Delivers a spicy and aromatic kick to the recipe.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Provide crunch, sweetness, and color to the dish.
• Garlic, Ginger: Contribute bold, warming flavors and aromatic depth.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish.

• Cooking Oil: Helps in sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How to Cook Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a light sprinkle of salt.

Let the flavors mingle and the coating settle for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken into the pan, cooking until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Once crispy, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

• Sliced onions
• Colorful bell peppers
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Stir-fry these vibrant ingredients for 2-3 minutes until their enticing fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Create Spicy Black Pepper Sauce

Return chicken to the pan.

Add black pepper sauce ingredients, sprinkling extra salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken Sauce

Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously.

Watch as the sauce transforms, becoming glossy and clinging beautifully to each chicken piece.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the dish, adding a bright, crisp finish to your black pepper chicken.

Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

• Marinate chicken in cornstarch and soy sauce for exactly 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption and create a light, crispy exterior.
• Use medium heat when sautéing chicken to achieve a golden-brown color without burning, which helps lock in moisture and develop rich flavors.
• Adjust black pepper quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to create a personalized heat profile.
• Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors, preventing them from becoming soggy or losing nutritional value.
• Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly to create a glossy, thick coating that clings perfectly to the chicken pieces.

Variations on Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Cayenne Kick: Replace black pepper with cayenne powder for a fiery, intense heat that transforms the chicken's flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Herb Blend: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos and use fresh herb mix like rosemary and thyme instead of black pepper for a lighter, aromatic version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute cornstarch with almond flour, use coconut oil for cooking, and add extra butter to increase fat content while maintaining crispy chicken texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate similarly, and use similar cooking techniques to create a plant-based alternative with identical seasoning approach.

Serving Suggestions for Black Pepper Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this black pepper chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal that brings everyone together.
• Spicy Lunch Bowl Twist: Create a hearty lunch bowl by placing the chicken over quinoa, topped with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Weekend Entertaining Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with roasted vegetables like broccoli and carrots for an impressive shared meal that looks restaurant-quality.
• Quick Meal Prep Option: Pack the chicken with brown rice and extra vegetables in meal prep containers for easy, flavorful lunches during the busy work week.

Best Storage for Black Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Why cornstarch in the marinade?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken and helps the sauce stick better, ensuring each bite is flavorful and has a nice texture.

• Can I use different peppers?

Yes, you can substitute bell peppers with jalapeños for more heat or use a mix of colors for a vibrant dish. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

• How spicy is black pepper chicken?

The spiciness depends on the amount of black pepper used. Start with less and gradually add more to control the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken from Southern India delights palates with complex flavor profiles. Tender meat mingles with aromatic spices, promising a culinary journey you will savor until the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 2–3 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, and salt, allowing flavors to penetrate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat with cooking oil, searing chicken until golden brown and crispy on all exterior surfaces. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, introduce sliced onions, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become aromatic and slightly translucent.
4. Reintroduce browned chicken into the vegetable mixture, incorporating black pepper sauce components and adjusting seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Continue cooking and tossing ingredients for 3-4 minutes, ensuring sauce thoroughly coats chicken and reaches a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the dish for a vibrant finishing touch and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Cornstarch coating helps create a crispy exterior and locks in the chicken’s moisture, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
• Marinating the chicken for 10 minutes allows the soy sauce to penetrate deeply, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense and aromatic flavor that elevates the entire recipe.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the same savory depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg