Name: Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 500g skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes; 2 tbsp peanut oil; Salt, to taste; 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes; ½ tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp minced ginger; 1 small red or green chili, chopped (optional); 2 tbsp cornstarch; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 3 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; ½ tsp brown sugar; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water or chicken broth

I recently made this black pepper chicken recipe and just had to share my love for it! The juicy chicken coated in a savory, peppery sauce was an instant hit in my kitchen. It’s packed with flavor and tastes better than takeout, all while being surprisingly easy to prepare.

Plus, the vibrant mix of onions and bell peppers adds freshness and crunch, making it a wholesome favorite. If you want a meal loaded with bold flavors and ready in no time, this recipe is the way to go!

Ingredients

500g skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp peanut oil
Salt, to taste
2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ tsp minced garlic
½ tsp minced ginger
1 small red or green chili, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce

¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
½ tsp brown sugar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water or chicken broth

Note: This recipe serves 4.

Variations

You can personalize this black pepper chicken recipe to suit your dietary and taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free, but double-check your soy sauce for any hidden additives.
Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Extra Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even turkey for a different take.
Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
Heat Adjustment: Skip the chili for a mild version or add chili flakes for more spice.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing Bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
Large Skillet or Wok: Ideal for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping your ingredients.
Whisk/Fork: To combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Measuring Spoons: Makes ingredient precision easy.

How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is simple, quick, and packed with deliciousness. Here’s everything you need to do, step-by-step:

Marinate the Chicken

To begin, dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes and marinate them. Combine 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Coat the chicken evenly and set it aside to soak up all the flavors. This quick marinating step ensures that every bite is juicy and full of taste.

Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the black pepper sauce. Whisk together the soy sauces, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, then set it aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook them until golden brown on one side. Flip them over and cook until almost done. Remove the chicken once it’s lightly browned and tender. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and chili. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Now, add the onion and green bell pepper into the mix. Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat, preserving their crunch while intensifying their flavors.

Combine Everything

Reduce the flame to low and slowly pour in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few seconds while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, tossing until every piece is well-coated in the glossy sauce. Let everything heat up together for a minute before turning off the flame.

Serve Hot

Finish the dish with a final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Your easy black pepper chicken is all set to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Everyone’s favorite part about this dish? It’s a perfect blend of ease, taste, and versatility. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, it’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Packed with Flavor: The savory, tangy, and peppery sauce steals the show.
Great Texture: Tender chicken paired with crunchy vegetables.
Customizable: Adjust the heat or swap in your favorite proteins and veggies.
Healthy: Uses lean chicken and minimal oil for guilt-free indulgence.

How to Serve Easy Black Pepper Chicken

This dish works beautifully on its own but truly shines alongside some fun pairings. Serve it over a bowl of steamed white rice or noodles for a hearty meal. For an added flourish, garnish with sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions. If you’re serving guests, the colorful mix of the dish looks even better when presented in a wide ceramic dish.

Want even more variety? Pair it with fried rice, wontons, or light soups for a complete Asian-themed feast.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick rundown of the basic nutritional information for one serving of black pepper chicken:

Calories: Approximately 220
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 10g

(Note that exact values may vary based on ingredient brands and portions used.)

Make Ahead and Storage

For busy cooks, this recipe is a lifesaver because it stores excellently. You can prep ahead with minimal stress. The marinated chicken and pre-chopped vegetables can be refrigerated ahead of time, saving precious minutes when it’s time to cook.

Leftover black pepper chicken should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss it in a skillet until warmed up. Freezing is also an option if you want to store it for longer; make sure to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to maintain freshness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some personal tips and insights from my experience making this recipe:

Keep It Fresh: Always use freshly ground black pepper for the boldest flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**:** When browning chicken, cook in batches to avoid steaming the meat.
Prepare Ahead: Have all your veggies chopped and sauce ready before you begin cooking. The process moves fast!
Don’t Skip Marinade: This step is essential for the chicken to stay juicy and tender.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce’s sweetness or spice to suit your preferences.

And there you have it! This easy black pepper chicken recipe can effortlessly become a weeknight favorite or even a dinner party staple. Happy cooking!