If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together in no time, this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. With tender slices of chicken tossed in a vibrant, peppery sauce and accented by crisp bell peppers and fragrant garlic and ginger, every bite delivers a perfect harmony of heat, sweetness, and tang. It’s a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a memorable, restaurant-quality meal that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the juicy chicken pieces to the aromatic black pepper and the bright pop of bell peppers, every component is essential for creating a dish full of texture, color, and depth of flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Light soy sauce (3 tablespoons total): Adds a savory umami kick with just the right saltiness.
- White grape juice or apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons total): Gives a subtle tang that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce and creates a luscious coating on the chicken.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Builds the base of the sauce for depth and moisture.
- Dark soy sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds color and a richer flavor contrast.
- Sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons): Balances out the savory and spicy notes in the sauce.
- Coarsely ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): The star of the dish providing its signature sharp bite and aroma.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances the overall taste just enough without overwhelming.
- Peanut or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for a quick stir-fry with a neutral flavor.
- Minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, zesty layer that awakens the senses.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Gives the dish its unmistakable savory depth.
- Chopped white onion (1/2): Provides sweetness and crunch as a supporting texture.
- Chopped bell peppers (2, mixed colors): Lends vibrant color and a satisfying crisp bite.
How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the sliced chicken with soy sauce, white grape juice or apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. This simple marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with intense flavor. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to soak in all the goodness, setting the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauces, vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt. This sauce mixture is the heart of the recipe, promising a thick, peppery glaze that will coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear it for about a minute on one side until it begins to brown. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds to one minute just until it turns golden but remains slightly pink inside. This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken juicy. Set it aside for now.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in minced ginger and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, followed by the onions and bell peppers. Stir everything for about 20 seconds so the vegetables soften slightly but maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Give the sauce mixture a quick stir to dissolve the cornstarch, then pour it over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir continuously and cook for 3 to 5 minutes as the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that will cling to every ingredient.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the luscious black pepper sauce. Turn off the heat and take the skillet off the stove to keep the flavors fresh and prevent overcooking. Your savory masterpiece is ready to enjoy!
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Easy Black Pepper Chicken hot, either over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or nestled inside crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb meal.
How to Serve Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro add an extra burst of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with this dish. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also enhance the texture and offer a nutty contrast to the peppery sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. For a more vegetable-forward meal, pair it with a light Asian-style cucumber salad or some steamed bok choy tossed in garlic and sesame oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, scoop portions of this Easy Black Pepper Chicken into crisp lettuce leaves, adding a fresh crunch and a pleasing hand-held format. Alternatively, serve it on a platter with a side of steamed rice and garnish with chili slices for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy feast that dazzles the eye as much as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Easy Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, it keeps well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the chicken’s tenderness and keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can sometimes dry out the chicken or make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they stay moist and tender, especially if you prefer a richer, more flavorful bite.
How spicy is this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?
The pepperiness is prominent but not overwhelming. If you love heat, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for an extra kick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternatives and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy this meal without worry.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Slice the chicken into thin, uniform 1/4-inch pieces against the grain. This technique ensures quick cooking and tender bites every time.
Can I prepare the sauce and marinade in advance?
Definitely! Both can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day or two, which makes weeknight cooking even faster and easier.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a dish that balances bold flavors, quick preparation, and simple ingredients, and this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe delivers all that and more. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and may it become one of your favorite quick meals to whip up when you want something delicious without any fuss.
Print
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces marinated and stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, peppery sauce. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner served over rice or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb alternative.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into 1/4” pieces
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon white grape juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons white grape juice or apple cider vinegar
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 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 recommended)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the sliced chicken, light soy sauce, white grape juice or apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, light soy sauce, white grape juice or apple cider vinegar, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and salt until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 1 minute until they start to brown lightly. Flip the pieces and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until the chicken has a golden exterior but remains slightly pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate; set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry briefly until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and stir continuously for about 20 seconds, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly but remain crisp.
- Add the Sauce: Stir the prepared sauce mixture again to ensure the cornstarch is dissolved, then pour it into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir immediately and cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring thoroughly so they are evenly coated with the thickened sauce and vegetables. Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the stove to prevent overcooking.
- Serve: Serve the black pepper chicken hot, either over steamed rice or in lettuce wraps for a delicious low-carb option.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of black pepper or add chili flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Use vegetable oil if peanut oil is unavailable or if there’s a peanut allergy.
- Adjust the sugar quantity to taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the vegetables with a crisp texture.
