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If you love bold, takeout-style flavors that come together in minutes, this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe will be your new weeknight favorite! Juicy chicken pieces coated in a glossy black pepper sauce deliver just the right kick of spice and a comforting depth of flavor.
Imagine your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic and freshly cracked black pepper — it’s a quick, flavorful dish you’ll make again and again.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Bold & Flavorful: The freshly cracked black pepper makes all the difference!
- Versatile: Perfect for rice bowls, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
- Family Friendly: Mildly spicy, easily adjustable to taste.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this delicious Black Pepper Chicken:
For the Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1–2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional but adds warmth)
🔥 How to Make Black Pepper Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, 1 tsp black pepper, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic (and ginger, if using). Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch slurry, and freshly cracked black pepper. Pour over the chicken. Stir well and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken — about 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with a side of stir-fried veggies. Garnish with extra cracked pepper or chopped green onions if desired.
🍚 Serving Ideas
This Black Pepper Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – classic and comforting.
- Garlic Noodles – for an Asian restaurant-style twist.
- Crisp Salad or Stir-Fried Veggies – adds freshness and color.
- Crusty Bread or Roasted Potatoes – for a fusion-style meal.
💡 Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
✅ Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent texture.
✅ Use Fresh Black Pepper: Grind it fresh for maximum aroma and flavor.
✅ Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
✅ Marinate Well: Even 15 minutes makes a difference — overnight is even better!
✅ Adjust Heat: Like it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or extra black pepper.
🧊 Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Store cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, or microwave gently for 2–3 minutes.
🥦 Variations You’ll Love
- Add Veggies: Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for color and crunch.
- Swap Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for a fun twist.
- Make it Sweet & Spicy: Add a teaspoon of honey or chili sauce for balance.
❓ FAQs about Black Pepper Chicken
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It’s mildly spicy. You can easily reduce or increase the pepper to your taste.
Q: Can I use ground black pepper instead of freshly cracked?
A: Yes, but freshly cracked pepper gives a more vibrant flavor.
Q: Can I make it without cornstarch?
A: You can use tapioca or arrowroot powder as a thickener alternative.
Q: What vegetables go best with this dish?
A: Bell peppers, onions, snow peas, and baby corn complement it perfectly.
🥄 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Leads to dryness — cook just until 165°F (75°C).
- Skipping the Marinade: You’ll miss out on depth of flavor.
- Using Old Pepper: Always grind fresh peppercorns for bold taste.
- Ignoring Veggies: Add color and nutrition with your favorite vegetables.
❤️ Conclusion
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and comforting flavors — ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love.
Don’t forget to share your version in the comments or tag us on Pinterest! 🌿
