Black Pepper Chicken is a popular dish that brings the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dining table. With tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a peppery sauce, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again because everyone in your family will love it. This recipe is easy to prepare and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here’s how to make this delicious dish at home. The perfect black pepper chicken recipe.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Chicken
- 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 tablespoon white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 stalks of celery (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch ginger (minced)
Ingredients For the Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoons coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or sherry)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 tablespoon MSG (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
Cooking Instructions For Black Pepper Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast/thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Combine the chicken with light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, avocado oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
2. Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl: chicken stock, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, cornstarch, and coarse ground black pepper. Set this aside for later use.
3. Cook the Chicken
Start by heating about a cup of neutral oil (like avocado oil) in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it smokes. Fry the marinated chicken in batches for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
4. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Then add sliced onions and celery; stir-fry for an additional minute until they are just tender.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Stir quickly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve
Serve your Black Pepper Chicken hot over a bed of freshly steamed rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal.
Related Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor significantly.
- Customize Your Veggies: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots if you prefer.
- Meal Prep: Marinate your chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
With its savory taste and aromatic spices, this Black Pepper Chicken recipe will surely become a favorite in your household! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Black Pepper Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish inspired by Chinese cuisine. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a peppery sauce come together in this quick and easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb. chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tbsp avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 3 stalks celery (cut into 1″ pieces)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch ginger (minced)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 tbsp coarse ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp MSG (optional but enhances flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, avocado oil, and cornstarch. Mix well. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together black pepper, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sugar, MSG (if using), chicken stock, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat about 1 cup of neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot. Fry marinated chicken in batches for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables & Aromatics
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced onions and celery; cook for another minute until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~800mg
-
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.)
Extra Tips For Success
- Fresh Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor. Adjust quantity if you prefer less spice.
- Vegetable Variations: For extra crunch and color, you can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- Marination Time: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory flavors with just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will surely impress!
FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended because they are more difficult to overcook than chicken breast, ensuring the chicken stays tender.
Can I use different vegetables?
You can customize the recipe with vegetables like carrots, broccoli, white button mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.
What kind of black pepper should I use?
It’s important to use coarse ground black pepper for the best flavor. Avoid using the powdery kind. Freshly ground black peppercorns have a greater depth of flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a fair kick of heat but isn’t overbearing. If you’re wary, start with less black pepper in the sauce and add more to taste.
Do I have to fry the chicken?
No, if you prefer not to fry the chicken, you can air fry it. Lightly spray the base of the air fryer with oil, spread the chicken out, and lightly spray the chicken with oil. Cook at 200C/400F for 12 minutes or until lightly golden, crisp, and piping hot through the center. You may need to work in batches.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?
Marinating the chicken overnight will allow it to soak up more flavor. So that’s a yes, you can.
What can I serve with black pepper chicken?
Black pepper chicken can be served with cauliflower rice, brown rice, spicy noodles, or steamed white rice.
