Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Craving something savory with a kick of spice? This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a perfect choice! Packed with juicy chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce, this dish is an excellent addition to your meal rotation. It's quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Follow this guide to create a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

What Is Black Pepper Chicken?

Black Pepper Chicken is a popular stir-fry dish that features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich and savory black pepper sauce. The dish is known for its bold flavor, which comes from the generous use of freshly ground black pepper, combined with soy sauce, garlic, and onions. Often paired with bell peppers and other colorful vegetables, Black Pepper Chicken offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This dish is commonly found in Chinese-American restaurants but is also easy to prepare at home with a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients List for Black Pepper Chicken

To make this delicious Black Pepper Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (1 lb): Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Black Pepper (1 tablespoon): Freshly ground for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Low-sodium is preferred to control salt levels.
• Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami to the dish.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Minced for a robust garlic flavor.
• Ginger (1 tablespoon): Freshly grated for a bit of zing.
• Bell Peppers (2 medium, any color): Cut into strips or bite-sized pieces.
• Onion (1 medium): Sliced into thin wedges.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Low-sodium, to create the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For stir-frying.
• Green Onions (2 stalks): Sliced thinly for garnish.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish and added texture.

Ingredients List for Black Pepper Sauce

The Black Pepper Sauce is the star of this recipe. Here’s what you need:

• Black Pepper (1 tablespoon): Freshly cracked for a more intense flavor.
• Soy Sauce (¼ cup): The base of the sauce, adding saltiness and umami.
• Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons): Contributes a rich, savory taste.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps meld the flavors.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): To thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and adjustments based on your preferences and dietary needs:

• Chicken: If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish. Tofu or shrimp are excellent alternatives if you're looking for a different protein.
• Black Pepper: For a milder dish, reduce the amount of black pepper, or substitute with white pepper for a subtler heat.
• Soy Sauce: To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: For a vegetarian option, replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms or use hoisin sauce.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots.
• Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder can be used as a gluten-free thickener in place of cornstarch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Black Pepper Chicken at home is easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear on the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt. This light coating will help the chicken brown nicely and give the sauce something to cling to.
2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook without moving them for 2-3 minutes to let them brown. Then, stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften but still retain some crunch. The vegetables should be vibrant in color.
6. Make the Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
7. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the black pepper sauce over the top. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.

How to Cook Black Pepper Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Black Pepper Chicken is straightforward when you follow these steps:

1. Prep Ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes cutting the chicken, slicing vegetables, and mixing the sauce. Stir-frying is a fast process, so you’ll need everything within arm’s reach.
2. High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying requires high heat. Ensure your pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve the best sear and maintain the vibrant colors of your vegetables.
3. Layering Flavors: Start with aromatics like garlic and ginger to build the base flavor. Add vegetables that need longer cooking first, and finish with ingredients that need less time.
4. Timing: Stir-fry the chicken first, then remove it from the pan to avoid overcooking while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
5. Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch in the sauce helps to thicken it. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Black Pepper Chicken:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Too much chicken in the pan at once can lead to steaming rather than searing, resulting in less flavorful chicken. Cook in batches if needed.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before removing it from the pan. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Overcooking Vegetables: The vegetables should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Stir-fry them just until they start to soften.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter if burnt. Keep an eye on it, and add it after the oil is hot, but before it starts to smoke.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Black Pepper Chicken can make the dish even more appealing:

• Plating: Serve the Black Pepper Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Use a wide, shallow bowl or plate for a beautiful presentation.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of additional black pepper for a visual and flavor boost.
• Accompaniments: Pair this dish with simple sides like steamed rice, fried rice, or a light vegetable stir-fry to complement the bold flavors.
• Family Style: Serve the chicken in a large dish with serving utensils so everyone can help themselves. This is great for casual dining or family meals.

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles, for a hearty, comforting meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps. The crisp lettuce contrasts nicely with the spicy chicken.
• Alongside Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Black Pepper Chicken

Elevate your Black Pepper Chicken dish with these presentation ideas:

• Color Contrast: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers to create a vibrant, visually appealing dish.
• Serve in a Wok: If you have a wok, serve the dish directly from it for a rustic, authentic presentation.
• Garnish Generously: Use fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced chilies to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Layered Plating: For an elegant presentation, layer the rice or noodles first, then add the chicken and vegetables on top, drizzling the sauce over the entire dish.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Tips

To ensure your Black Pepper Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper has a more intense flavor than pre-ground pepper. It’s worth the extra effort.
• Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process faster and more efficient.
• Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan. Adjust the balance of saltiness, sweetness, and heat according to your preference.
• Rest the Chicken: After stir-frying, let the chicken rest briefly to retain its juices, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To add more heat, you can increase the amount of black pepper, add chili flakes, or include fresh sliced chilies in the stir-fry.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite meat substitute, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce in the recipe.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What if I don’t have a wok?
A: No problem! A large skillet or frying pan works well for this recipe. Just make sure it’s large enough to allow all the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold black pepper sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish offers a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. Follow the tips and variations provided to tailor the recipe to your taste, and enjoy the delicious results!

Print