Tired of boring chicken dinners? I get it! We all crave something exciting, flavorful, and easy after a long day. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. It’s quick to make, bursting with savory and spicy flavors, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Forget takeout – this recipe is faster, healthier, and tastes even better! Get ready to impress your family (and yourself!) with this restaurant-quality dish made right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
- It delivers a bold, savory flavor profile with a satisfying kick of black pepper.
- The recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
- You can easily customize the recipe to your preferred spice level.
Here’s why this Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Honestly, what’s not to love? This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe ticks all the boxes:
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time and energy.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and (of course!) black pepper creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients required! This recipe relies on pantry staples and affordable chicken.
- Customizable: Want it spicier? Feel free to kick up the heat with more black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. To balance the spice, try adding a bit of honey or brown sugar..
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will love this dish! It’s a guaranteed win for family dinners.
“This Black Pepper Chicken is my go-to recipe when I need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper — add more or less as you like.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, sliced
Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Easy Black Pepper Chicken
Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Combine well and marinate for 15 minutes or up to 30 for deeper flavor.
Marinating helps the chicken stay juicy and soak up all those tasty flavors. - Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat to cook the chicken. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside for now.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 1–2 minutes, stirring until it thickens, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped green bell pepper and sliced onion to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook the sauce for a minute or two until it’s thick and glossy.
- Add the Chicken Back In: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in the Black Pepper: Stir in the freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve this delicious easy black pepper chicken hot over rice or noodles. Feel free to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Black Pepper Chicken
Here are a few tips to take your Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe to the next level:
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper is Key: Using freshly ground black pepper will make a huge difference in the flavor. It has a much more potent and aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.
- Adjust the Spice Level: This recipe is moderately spicy. If you want it milder, cut back on the black pepper. For a spicier dish, add more black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To keep it gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Oyster Sauce Substitute: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar.
Variations on This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Want to mix things up? Looking to switch it up? Here are a few easy ways to make this recipe your own:
- Black Pepper Beef: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef steak for a delicious black pepper beef stir-fry.
- Black Pepper Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick and easy seafood dish.
- Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is delicious served over:
- Steamed rice (white or brown)
- Noodles (lo mein, chow mein, or udon)
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
Round out the meal with one of these tasty side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Asian slaw
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
Looking for More delicious recipes?
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Storage Instructions
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat using a pan on medium or pop it in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 40-45g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Note: The nutrition details may change depending on your ingredients and portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just fine. They’re a little juicier and add more flavor than chicken breasts.
Q: Can I get this ready before mealtime?
A: Yes, you can get a head start! Make the sauce earlier and keep it chilled in the fridge—it’ll stay good for a couple of days.You can marinate the chicken earlier so it picks up more flavor before cooking.
Q: What’s the best way to freeze it?
A: After the chicken has cooled down, pack it into an airtight container and freeze it—it’ll last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move it to the fridge the night before and warm it up when needed.
Q: What kind of rice vinegar should I use?
A: You can use any type of rice vinegar, but I prefer using seasoned rice vinegar for a little extra flavor.
Q: I don’t have oyster sauce. What can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar.This Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and customizable – everything you could want in a recipe! Skip the takeout tonight and try making this dish at home! I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout in 30 Minutes!)
Description
I'm so excited to share my go-to Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. It's quick to make, bursting with savory and spicy flavors, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients For the Chicken:
Ingredients For the Sauce:
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
-
In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor).
-
Make the Sauce:
-
In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken:
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics:
-
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add Veggies:
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Add chopped bell pepper and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until softened slightly.
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Add Sauce & Simmer:
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Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
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Combine & Pepper It Up:
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Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to coat well. Stir in freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust pepper level as needed.
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Serve:
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Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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