Black Pepper Chicken: Flavorful 1-Hour Meal

Name: Black Pepper Chicken: Flavorful 1-Hour Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487848H7M55S
Total time: PT-487848H7M55S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon corn starch; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; Salt to taste; Green onions for garnish (optional)

by inass sped

August 21, 2025

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Black Pepper Chicken has become my go-to weeknight wonder, sparked by a memorable meal at a tiny, bustling eatery in Chinatown. I remember the intoxicating aroma of freshly cracked pepper and sizzling garlic hitting me the moment I walked in, and that first bite was an explosion of savory, spicy, and utterly satisfying flavors. This Chinese Black Pepper Chicken recipe captures that essence, bringing the vibrant taste of an authentic Black Pepper Chicken right into my own kitchen. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, yet delivers a restaurant-quality punch that always impresses. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken

The taste is phenomenal – a perfect balance of savory, peppery spice that wakes up your palate.
It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is surprisingly healthy, packed with lean protein and fresh veggies.
It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses common pantry staples for a delicious homemade dinner.
My family devours this every time; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful dish with this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe.
The tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables coated in that irresistible peppery sauce are simply divine.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards a truly delicious meal. For the chicken, you’ll need 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; using breasts keeps this dish lean and quick-cooking. The magic happens in the marinade, which is key to our Black Pepper Chicken Marinade Recipe. You’ll combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce for that umami depth, 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste) for the signature kick, and 1 tablespoon corn starch to help the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to the chicken. For aromatics, grab 1 tablespoon garlic, minced and 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; fresh is always best here! You’ll also need 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying, 1 bell pepper, sliced and 1 small onion, sliced for a bit of sweetness and crunch. A pinch of salt to taste and some optional green onions for garnish round everything out.

Black Pepper Chicken: Flavorful 1-Hour Meal - Black Pepper Chicken Guide - additional detail

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Let’s start by getting our chicken ready for that amazing flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon black pepper (or more if you like it extra spicy!), and 1 tablespoon corn starch. Give it a good toss with your hands or a spoon until every piece is nicely coated. Let this marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep your veggies. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and ensuring that delicious sauce adheres perfectly.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers. Carefully add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to get that perfect sear. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma at this stage is incredible!
Step 3: Now, let’s add some fragrance to our stir-fry. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add the 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon minced ginger to the cleared space. Stir-fry these aromatics for about 1-2 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Then, mix them into the chicken.
Step 4: It’s time for the veggies! Add your 1 sliced bell pepper and 1 sliced small onion to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp – still having a slight bite, not mushy. This is where the magic of a Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry really comes together, with vibrant colors and textures.
Step 5: Taste everything and adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more salt or an extra dash of black pepper for that signature kick. This is a key part of the Black Pepper Chicken Cooking Instructions – tasting and adjusting ensures perfection.
Step 6: Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, transfer your delicious Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions if you like, for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and simple dish!

Black Pepper Chicken: Flavorful 1-Hour Meal - Black Pepper Chicken Guide - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for the most flavorful and tender results!

Always use freshly cracked black pepper. Pre-ground pepper loses its potent aroma and flavor, and you won’t get that signature kick.
Don’t skip the cornstarch in the marinade! It helps tenderize the chicken and creates that glossy, delicious sauce that coats every piece perfectly.
Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken gets a nice sear instead of steaming, which keeps it tender and flavorful.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. This is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of salty, savory, and spicy notes that make this dish so irresistible.

What’s the secret to perfect Black Pepper Chicken?

The real secret to a truly flavorful Black Pepper Chicken is using freshly cracked black pepper and giving the chicken enough time to marinate with the soy sauce and cornstarch. This combination ensures maximum flavor penetration and a wonderfully tender texture. For more delicious chicken recipes, check out our recipes section.

Can I make Black Pepper Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! For efficient Black Pepper Chicken Meal Prep, you can marinate the chicken and chop your vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just stir-fry as usual! This is a great way to save time, similar to how you might prepare ingredients for a teriyaki chicken sheet pan supper.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Pepper Chicken?

The biggest pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steamed, not seared, chicken. Also, be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain tender-crisp. Finally, always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for that perfect savory and spicy balance. Learning these techniques can help you master dishes like this, much like mastering a Persian chicken recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

This versatile Black Pepper Chicken is fantastic served over fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which perfectly soaks up that delicious peppery sauce. Another great option is to pair it with a side of lightly steamed broccoli or mixed Asian vegetables for a complete and healthy meal. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, serving it alongside quinoa or even cauliflower rice works wonderfully. The rich, savory notes of the Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce also make it a brilliant choice for a more elaborate meal, perhaps alongside some spring rolls or a light, refreshing cucumber salad. For another flavorful chicken option, consider trying our zucchini noodle chicken alfredo.

Nutrition Facts for Black Pepper Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delicious dish. Remember, these are approximate values! For more information on nutritional guidelines, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate initiative.

Calories: Approx. 300-350 kcal
Fat: Approx. 15g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 3g
Protein: Approx. 30g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 15g
Fiber: Approx. 2g
Sugar: Approx. 5g
Sodium: Approx. 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Black Pepper Chicken

One of the best things about this Homemade Black Pepper Chicken is how well it keeps, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep throughout the week. Once your delicious stir-fry has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers. I find glass containers work best for reheating, but any good quality airtight container will do the trick. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. This is a great make-ahead option, similar to preparing jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.

When you’re ready to enjoy your Black Pepper Chicken again, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either of these methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Pepper Chicken

What is Black Pepper Chicken?

Black Pepper Chicken is a popular Chinese stir-fry dish known for its bold, savory, and distinctly spicy flavor profile derived from a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. It typically features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with aromatics like garlic and ginger, often accompanied by vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, all coated in a rich, peppery sauce. It’s a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. For other stir-fry ideas, consider a ground turkey and peppers stir-fry.

How to Cook Black Pepper Chicken?

To cook Black Pepper Chicken, you’ll start by marinating thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and plenty of black pepper. Then, stir-fry the chicken in a hot wok or skillet until browned and cooked through. Add aromatics like garlic and ginger, followed by your choice of vegetables. Finish by stir-frying everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened, creating a wonderfully savory and spicy Black Pepper Chicken.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a really spicy Black Pepper Chicken, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of black pepper. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes or a swirl of chili garlic sauce during the stir-frying process for an extra layer of heat. Taste as you go and adjust to your personal spice preference!

What kind of pepper should I use?

For the best flavor and that signature kick, always use freshly cracked black pepper. The essential oils that give black pepper its pungent aroma and taste are released when it’s ground just before cooking. Pre-ground pepper can be dull and won’t provide the same vibrant, spicy punch that makes this dish so special. For more about spices, you can explore resources on black pepper.

Variations of Black Pepper Chicken You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting to see how many ways I can enjoy Black Pepper Chicken! It’s so adaptable, making it easy to fit into different dietary needs or just to switch things up.

Gluten-Free Delight: For a completely gluten-free version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. This keeps all the savory goodness without the gluten, making it a great option if that’s a concern.
Oven-Baked Ease: If you’re not a fan of stir-frying, you can adapt this into an oven-baked dish. Toss the marinated chicken with the bell peppers and onions on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. It’s a wonderfully hands-off way to make this simple Black Pepper Chicken.
Veggie Power-Up: Feel free to load up on more vegetables! Broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all work beautifully in this stir-fry and add extra nutrients and texture.
Spicy Kick Upgrade: Want it even spicier? Add some sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili paste along with the garlic and ginger for an extra fiery kick.