Black Pepper Chicken

An easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables and a rich, savory black pepper sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious flavor that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. Quick to prepare and highly adaptable, you can enjoy this delightful meal in just 25 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The rich black pepper sauce adds a bold taste that enhances the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your palate.
• Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily swap soy sauce for tamari and Shaoxing wine for dry sherry to make this dish gluten-free.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with lower calories and fresh ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

For this Black Pepper Chicken recipe, having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here are some essential items you will need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium-sized bowl
• Small bowl
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides enough space for searing chicken evenly and sautéing vegetables without overcrowding.
• Spatula: Helps in flipping the chicken easily, ensuring even cooking and browning.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for mixing marinades and coatings thoroughly without making a mess.

Ingredients

An easy black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich savory black pepper sauce. It takes no time to put together and tastes better than your usual Chinese restaurant takeout! {Gluten-Free Adaptable} To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce (both light and dark), and use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Sautéing

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is coated with a thin layer of the marinade. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Spread it into a single layer using a spatula with as little overlap as possible. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute while stirring occasionally until both sides are browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic; stir quickly until fragrant. Next, add chopped white onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Stir the sauce mixture again until cornstarch is dissolved completely. Pour it into the skillet with vegetables. Stir immediately while cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should only take a few seconds. Add back in the cooked chicken and quickly toss everything together to ensure even coating with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Turn off heat and remove from stove immediately transferring everything to a large plate so ingredients won’t continue cooking in residual heat from pan. Serve hot as a main dish.

Enjoy your homemade Black Pepper Chicken!

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light bite, serving this dish can be customized to satisfy any palate.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve your Black Pepper Chicken over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fresh twist, spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a light and healthy option that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Accompanied by Noodles

• Pair your dish with stir-fried noodles tossed in sesame oil. The noodles soak up the flavors of the chicken, creating an irresistible harmony.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• For a nutritious alternative, serve your Black Pepper Chicken on a bed of quinoa. It adds texture and is packed with protein.

As Part of a Chinese Feast

• Include Black Pepper Chicken as part of a larger spread with other Chinese dishes like dumplings and fried rice for an authentic experience.

With Broccoli or Other Greens

• Add some steamed broccoli or sautéed greens on the side. They provide a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the chicken.

How to Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

To make sure your Black Pepper Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for longer than 15 minutes enhances flavor absorption.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ginger and garlic; they add depth to the dish.
• Manage Heat Carefully: Cooking at medium-high heat helps achieve that perfect sear without overcooking the chicken.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of black pepper based on your spice tolerance; start small if you’re unsure!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve your dish right after cooking while it’s hot and fresh!

Best Side Dishes for Black Pepper Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Black Pepper Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of vegetables and egg stir-fried with rice complements the chicken beautifully.
2. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Miso Soup: This warm soup offers a comforting start to your meal while balancing flavors nicely.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumber, vinegar, and sesame oil adds brightness to your plate.
5. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with herbs and shrimp are light yet satisfying alongside your main dish.
6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick-cooked bok choy retains its crunch while providing additional nutrients.
7. Garlic Bread: For something different, serve garlic bread as a fun way to soak up any leftover sauce.
8. Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites make for an excellent starter that pairs well with any Asian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Pepper Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavors. Always allow time for the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Using Too Much Oil: Overusing oil can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Not Searing Properly: Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or dried ginger and garlic may dull the dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste.
• Forgetting to Stir Sauce: Not stirring the sauce mixture before adding it can lead to clumps of cornstarch. Mix well to ensure a smooth consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Black Pepper Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Black Pepper Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Black Pepper Chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and provide extra juiciness and flavor.

Is Black Pepper Chicken spicy?

The dish has a mild spice from black pepper but is not overwhelmingly hot. Adjust the pepper quantity according to your taste preference.

How can I make Black Pepper Chicken gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it perfect for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Black Pepper Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices based on your preferences. This recipe is quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful homemade meal!