Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Dinner Hit

Sizzling and aromatic, this black pepper chicken recipe brings a burst of bold flavors to your dinner table.

Tender chicken pieces dance with robust black pepper, creating a mouthwatering melody of spice and savory notes.

The dish promises a quick and satisfying meal that packs a serious punch of deliciousness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness that will make your taste buds sing.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes.

Get ready to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Cooking Hacks for Black Pepper Chicken

• Flavor Boost: Amp up the black pepper's kick by freshly grinding whole peppercorns just before cooking, releasing more intense and aromatic flavors.
• Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a delicious protein variation that keeps the core black pepper sauce intact.
• Spice Control: Adjust black pepper levels to suit your heat preference – reduce for mild warmth or increase for a bold, peppery punch that tingles your taste buds.
• Veggie Flexibility: Mix in different seasonal vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini to create exciting texture variations and add extra nutrition to the dish.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Presentation Tips for Black Pepper Chicken

• Zesty Table Companion: Serve this spicy black pepper chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a perfect flavor absorption and delightful texture combination.
• Veggie Boost Platter: Pair with quick-roasted broccoli or stir-fried green beans to add extra nutrition and a crisp contrast to the tender chicken.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a bright, aromatic garnish that elevates the dish's visual appeal and adds a subtle crunch.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the chicken in a large shared platter with extra sauce on the side, encouraging everyone to customize their portion and enjoy a communal dining experience.

How to Store Black Pepper Chicken Leftovers

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook this black pepper chicken in advance and divide into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. Perfect for busy professionals and students who need nutritious grab-and-go meals.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce-coated chicken separate from plain rice to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freezing Technique: Carefully package cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in skillet to restore original flavors and prevent drying out.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding small splash of water to retain moisture. Alternatively, quickly stir-fry in hot pan for 2-3 minutes to refresh crispy edges and revive sauce's vibrant taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Black Pepper Chicken Ingredients Overview

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh cuts with minimal fat for the best texture.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness, opt for authentic Chinese brands for genuine flavor.
• Shaoxing Wine: Provides rich, complex undertones that elevate the dish's authenticity.
• Cornstarch: Creates a silky coating that helps chicken stay juicy and tender during cooking.

• Chicken Broth: Brings a savory liquid base that enhances overall taste and moisture.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Delivers deep color and robust umami character to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the bold pepper and salty notes with a subtle sweetness.
• Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Delivers a bold, spicy kick and aromatic warmth.
• Salt: Sharpens and rounds out the entire flavor profile.

• Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil: Creates perfect high-heat cooking environment with neutral flavor.
• Ginger: Adds zingy, fresh warmth and helps cut through rich meat flavors.
• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent base notes that complement chicken beautifully.
• White Onion: Introduces sweet, crisp texture and mild sharpness.
• Bell Peppers: Brings vibrant color, crisp texture, and natural sweetness to the dish.

What Tools You Need for Black Pepper Chicken

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and achieving that perfect sear on chicken.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for preparing and combining sauce ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping ginger, garlic, onions, and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Plate: Used for transferring and serving the cooked chicken.

Black Pepper Chicken: Cooking Instructions

• Flavor Infusion

Blend chicken with aromatic liquid seasonings and powder coating to enhance taste and texture. Let the mixture rest and absorb rich flavors.

• Sizzling Preparation

Heat pan with oil until surface becomes glossy and shimmering. Carefully place chicken pieces creating golden crispy edges.

• Vegetable Symphony

Toss fragrant ginger and garlic into hot pan, releasing intense aromas. Add colorful pepper strips and onion slices for vibrant crunch.

• Sauce Transformation

Pour carefully crafted sauce mixture into skillet, watching it thicken and coat ingredients with glossy sheen. Reintroduce chicken, ensuring every piece gets luxurious sauce coverage.

• Plating Elegance

Transfer steaming hot creation onto serving dish, revealing a mouth-watering blend of caramelized chicken and glistening vegetables. Invite diners to enjoy immediately while flavors are most intense.

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent black pepper chicken delivers a spicy kick from Singapore’s culinary landscape. Fragrant seasonings and quick wok techniques create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced against the grain into ¼” (5-mm) thick pieces
• 2 tbsps peanut oil or vegetable oil
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
• ½ white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsps light soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsps Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 tsps dark soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
• 2 tsps coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 ½ tbsps sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Submerge chicken pieces in a symphony of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch, allowing flavors to harmonize for 10-15 minutes.
2. Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients into a glossy, unified mixture, setting aside for later integration.
3. Searing: Ignite a skillet on high heat, introducing oil and arranging marinated chicken in a pristine layer. Caramelize each side to a golden-brown perfection for approximately 30 seconds, then transfer to a holding plate.
4. Aromatics Awakening: Reignite the skillet, infusing oil with ginger and garlic’s intense fragrance, quickly followed by crisp onions and bell peppers. Stir rapidly to maintain vibrant colors and textural integrity.
5. Sauce Activation: Disperse cornstarch thoroughly, then cascade the reserved sauce into the sizzling skillet. Agitate swiftly to trigger thickening and create a luxurious, glossy coating.
6. Final Fusion: Reunite seared chicken with the effervescent sauce, gently tumbling to ensure each morsel receives an even, glistening embrace. Remove from heat and elegantly plate the Black Pepper Chicken, ready to captivate discerning palates.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 10-15 minutes to infuse deep, rich taste throughout the meat.
• Sear with Precision: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization without steaming the chicken.
• Vegetable Crunch Matters: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
• Sauce Thickness Control: Mix cornstarch thoroughly and add gradually to achieve the ideal sauce consistency – neither too thin nor too thick.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg