Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and savory stir-fry dish that features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful black pepper sauce with bell peppers and onions. Inspired by classic Asian takeout, this dish comes together quickly and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with bold black pepper flavor.
• Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
• A healthier alternative to takeout.
• Great for meal prep and pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Cornstarch
• Chicken broth or water
• Sugar
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until slightly softened.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and black pepper.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce.
7. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Black Pepper Chicken: Add red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Extra Veggies: Include broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more nutrition.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it during the final step to heat through with the sauce.

What can I serve with black pepper chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it without oyster sauce?

You can substitute with more hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar.

Can I use ground chicken instead?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Cook the ground chicken fully before adding vegetables.

How do I make it extra saucy?

Double the sauce ingredients and simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Can I use other meats?

Yes, beef, pork, or shrimp all work well in this recipe.

What kind of black pepper is best?

Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor.

Is it very spicy?

It has a bold peppery kick but isn’t too spicy. Adjust pepper to your taste.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely! Store in meal prep containers with rice for easy lunches.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the taste of takeout to your home kitchen. With its rich pepper sauce and tender chicken, it’s perfect for busy nights, easy meal prep, or simply when you’re craving something bold and delicious. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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