Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Introduction
The Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe delivers a bold, savory punch that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. Bursting with the brightness of freshly cracked black pepper and balanced by tender chicken and sweet bell peppers, this takeout-style classic is both irresistibly flavorful and easy to whip up at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or aiming to recreate your favorite restaurant dish, this recipe is bound to impress.
Why This Black Pepper Chicken Is a Crowd Pleaser
Black Pepper Chicken is renowned for its aromatic sauce, vibrant veggies, and the perfect balance between deep umami flavors and a distinct peppery kick. The recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity—ready in under 30 minutes, it lets “everyday” ingredients shine. It’s a winner for busy weeknights, meal prep, or any occasion where you want to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
The Art of Perfectly Peppery Chicken
The secret to the best Black Pepper Chicken is generous use of freshly ground black pepper, which provides complex aroma and gentle heat without overwhelming the dish. Marinating the chicken briefly ensures tenderness, while high-heat stir-frying locks in juices and creates a delicious caramelized exterior. Combine this with crisp vegetables and a silky sauce, and you’ll have a meal that’s as satisfying as your favorite takeout—but healthier!
Tips for Stir Frying and Sauce Perfection
Cut chicken into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking, and use a very hot skillet or wok to achieve that signature seared flavor. For the sauce, a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, a hint of sugar, and lots of cracked black pepper creates irresistible depth and glossy texture. Don’t rush the pepper—crack it fresh for a noticeable difference in taste!
Serving Suggestions for the Best Black Pepper Chicken
Serve your Black Pepper Chicken over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the savory sauce. For extra crunch and color, add a sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds right before serving. Pair with a light cucumber salad or sautéed greens for a perfectly balanced meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 portions, with each serving containing about 320 calories (depending on rice and sauce quantities). It’s packed with lean protein, antioxidant-rich veggies, and bold flavor, making it a wholesome dinner everyone will crave.
Best Black Pepper Chicken Recipe at a Glance
Freshly cracked pepper, tender marinated chicken, and colorful veggies come together for a fast, satisfying stir-fry that’s a guaranteed hit for families and food lovers alike.
Ingredients
💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to get an organized shopping list with every ingredient, sorted by grocery store department. It’s the easiest way to streamline your meal planning and ensure you never miss an ingredient at the store!
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside while prepping other ingredients.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and lots of freshly cracked black pepper.
- Stir Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes each side, just until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Stir Fry Veggies: In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Stir fry garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together for another minute. Make sure chicken and veggies are well coated and the sauce is heated through.
- Serve: Plate Black Pepper Chicken over rice, garnish with green onions (if desired), and serve immediately.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Black Pepper Chicken is excellent for weekly meal prep and menu planning. Portion into containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches or reheat quickly for dinner.
Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to:
- Automatically add all required ingredients to a master shopping list
- Combine overlapping ingredients across your weekly recipes (like soy sauce or peppers!)
- Organize your grocery list by department for the fastest shopping experience
- Prevent duplicate purchases and reduce last-minute store trips
- Make meal prep smooth and stress-free
Pro tip: Schedule your whole week of meals to see how ingredients like chicken, onions, or peppers are used in multiple recipes—the app keeps tabs on total quantities so you buy just what you need!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Enjoy a flavorful, quick, and healthy Black Pepper Chicken meal any night of the week—perfectly planned and shopped with a little meal planning help!
