Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Bold & Juicy Comfort

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this bold black pepper chicken recipe that promises intense flavor in every bite.

Tender chicken pieces dance with robust seasonings, creating a mouthwatering main course.

Fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling a delicious meal in the making.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with strategic cooking techniques.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness that satisfies deep hunger.

Crisp vegetables and juicy meat complement the peppery profile, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

You won’t be able to resist serving this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Black Pepper Chicken Flavor Boosters

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This sweet potato casserole delivers a perfect blend of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping that makes everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Simplify Holiday Cooking: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms complex holiday cooking into an accessible and stress-free experience for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Celebrate Seasonal Flavors: Packed with warm brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted pecans, this dish captures the rich, nostalgic essence of autumn and winter gatherings, making it ideal for family reunions and festive celebrations.
• No-Fuss Meal Prep: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when ready, allowing hosts to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen during special occasions.

Ingredient Breakdown for Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Lean meat that serves as the main protein source for this flavorful dish.

• Cornstarch, Salt: Help to coat the chicken and enhance its overall flavor.

• Garlic, Onions, Bell Peppers: Provide depth of flavor and add color and texture to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Black Pepper: Create a rich, savory sauce with a bold, spicy kick.

• Cooking Oil: Helps to sauté and cook ingredients evenly while preventing sticking.

Cooking Method for Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab a mixing bowl and sprinkle cornstarch over sliced chicken. Add a light dusting of salt.

Toss the chicken pieces until they’re completely covered with a fine, even layer of cornstarch.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Pieces

Warm a skillet with oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan. Cook chicken until each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Once perfectly seared, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, drizzle additional oil.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions
• Sliced bell peppers

Sauté vegetables until they become slightly translucent and tender.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Seasonings

Return seared chicken to the skillet with sautéed vegetables.

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring each chicken piece gets coated with the rich, savory sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to heat completely.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Tips to Nail Black Pepper Chicken

• Dust chicken with cornstarch to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Use high heat when searing chicken to achieve beautiful caramelization without overcooking the meat.
• Choose fresh bell peppers with vibrant colors for added visual appeal and extra crunch in the final dish.
• Season gradually and taste as you go, allowing black pepper to provide a bold, warming kick without overwhelming other flavors.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and let the natural chicken and pepper notes shine through.

Alternative Flavors for Black Pepper Chicken

• Spicy Szechuan Pepper Chicken: Replace black pepper with Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing, fiery kick that transforms the dish into a bold Sichuan-style meal.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Delight: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the chicken marinade for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version with complex herbal notes.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Fusion: Add coconut milk, red curry paste, and a splash of lime juice to create a creamy, tangy Southeast Asian-inspired variation with rich flavor layers.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the original recipe's essence.

Serving Suggestions for Black Pepper Chicken

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Create a vibrant serving board with sliced black pepper chicken arranged over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
• Spicy Asian Wrap Adventure: Stuff warm tortillas with black pepper chicken, crisp lettuce, quick-pickled cucumber ribbons, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a handheld meal that packs serious flavor punch.
• Noodle Bowl Delight: Layer thin rice noodles with black pepper chicken, sprinkle with green onions, add a soft-boiled egg, and pour some extra pan sauce over the top for a comforting one-bowl meal that satisfies completely.

Proper Storage for Black Pepper Chicken

• Store the Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date of preparation.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated completely, about 3-4 minutes.
• Separate chicken into individual portions before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps maintain the dish's quality when preparing meals in advance.

FAQs

• What does cornstarch do in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken and prevents it from becoming soggy, while also helping the sauce stick better to the meat.

• Can I use other types of peppers?

Yes, you can substitute bell peppers with jalapeños, poblano, or any other pepper you prefer for a different flavor profile and heat level.

• Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently spicy. The black pepper adds mild warmth and flavor, but you can increase heat by adding red pepper flakes or chili sauce if desired.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appear white throughout with no pink centers when cut.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy black pepper chicken originates from Chinese culinary traditions, delivering bold flavors with minimal ingredients. Pepper-crusted chicken pieces promise a zesty meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 – 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Salt, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Coat chicken slices with cornstarch and a light salt dusting to create a delicate protective layer.
2. Sear chicken pieces in hot oil over medium-high heat until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same pan, introduce fresh oil and gently sauté aromatic garlic, crisp onions, and vibrant bell peppers until they become slightly translucent and tender.
4. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
5. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and generously sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper across the pan, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated.
6. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauces to caramelize and infuse the chicken with rich, deep flavors.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, ensuring a perfect balance of saltiness and pepper intensity.
8. Plate immediately and serve alongside steamed rice or delicate noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Dust chicken pieces with cornstarch to create a light, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and provides a delicate crunch.
• Use high heat when searing chicken to achieve golden-brown edges, which develops deeper flavor through caramelization.
• Select fresh, bold black pepper for maximum aromatic intensity and consider cracking whole peppercorns just before adding to elevate the dish’s taste profile.
• Balance sauce ingredients carefully to prevent overwhelming saltiness, tasting and adjusting seasonings gradually for a harmonious flavor blend.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg