Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with the robust taste of freshly ground black pepper. This stir-fry features vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Green onions for garnish, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until chicken is browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 5 more minutes.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or sliced fresh chili when sautéing the garlic.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat; adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
• If you like more sauce, double the amount of soy and oyster sauce and increase the cornstarch slurry slightly for a thicker glaze.

Storage

Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use black pepper powder instead of freshly ground black pepper?

Yes, you can use black pepper powder, but freshly ground black pepper offers a stronger, more vibrant flavor and aroma that enhances the dish better.

Is oyster sauce necessary in this recipe?

Oyster sauce adds depth and a slightly sweet umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce, keeping in mind the taste will vary slightly.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This Black Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in freshly ground black pepper, cooked with crisp green bell peppers, onions, and a savory blend of soy and oyster sauces. Easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it combines spicy, savory, and slightly sweet elements for a deliciously balanced dish.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 500 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste (for marinating)

Cooking Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste (for seasoning)
• Green onions for garnish, chopped

Thickening Sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
4. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and aromatic.
5. Combine Chicken with Sauces: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and add the teaspoon of sugar. Stir everything thoroughly to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Finish Cooking: Adjust seasoning with salt if required. Continue to cook the chicken in the sauce until it is fully cooked and tender, approximately 5 more minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot as a main dish with rice or noodles.

Notes

• For extra heat, add chopped fresh chilies or a pinch of chili flakes during the garlic sauté step.
• Using boneless chicken thighs keeps the chicken tender and juicy; you can substitute with boneless chicken breasts if preferred but cook slightly less to avoid dryness.
• The black pepper used in this recipe is key for the characteristic spicy flavor; freshly ground black pepper is recommended over pre-ground.
• You can add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or carrots for more variety and nutrition.
• This dish pairs excellently with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.

Keywords: Black Pepper Chicken, Stir-fry Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce