Black Pepper Chicken: Bold, Savory, and Bursting with Flavor

A Deep Dive into the Perfect Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Black Pepper Chicken is a vibrant and flavor-packed stir-fry dish, beloved in Chinese-American cuisine for its irresistible balance of heat, umami, and aromatic spice. Tender chicken is coated in a rich black pepper sauce, tossed with crunchy vegetables, and seared to perfection in a sizzling wok.

Whether you’re craving takeout-style comfort food or looking to create an impressive dish at home, this restaurant-quality recipe delivers in both taste and simplicity.

Why Black Pepper Chicken is a Go-To Favorite

• Quick and easy to prepare – ready in 30 minutes or less.

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• Rich, bold flavor profile – a blend of spicy, sweet, and savory.

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

• Healthier than takeout – less oil, fresher ingredients, and no MSG.

• Customizable – add vegetables, spice, or swap proteins to suit your taste.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Black Pepper Chicken

Using fresh, quality ingredients is key to achieving that signature bold flavor.

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece ginger, minced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: oyster sauce, soy sauces, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cracked black pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion for about 1 minute, then add bell peppers. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is glazed and glossy. Stir in the cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with green onions and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. Add sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for extra flair.

Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken

• Use freshly cracked black pepper: Pre-ground pepper won’t deliver the same bold, aromatic flavor.

• Slice chicken thinly: This ensures quick, even cooking and tender texture.

• Don’t overcook vegetables: Keep them slightly crisp for texture contrast.

• High heat is key: Use a hot wok or pan to achieve that classic stir-fry sear.

• Double the sauce if serving with rice—it soaks it up beautifully.

Delicious Variations to Try

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken

Add chili flakes or diced red chilies to the garlic and ginger for a spicy kick. You can also toss in a bit of Szechuan peppercorn for a tingling heat.

Black Pepper Tofu

Substitute chicken with firm tofu. Press, cube, and pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding to the stir-fry.

Low-Carb Version

Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.

Teriyaki Fusion

Blend in some teriyaki sauce and pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-spicy fusion variation.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Fried rice with egg and scallions

• Stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli

• Spring rolls or dumplings for appetizers

• Hot and sour soup for a full Asian-style meal

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish holds up beautifully for leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

• Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Perfect for meal prep, Black Pepper Chicken can be portioned into containers with rice and veggies for a balanced, delicious lunch all week long.

Nutritional Highlights

• High in protein from lean chicken

• Low in added fat and sugar (compared to takeout)

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from peppers and aromatics

• Easy to modify for gluten-free or low-sodium diets

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

From its deep peppery richness to its crisp vegetables and juicy chicken, Black Pepper Chicken hits all the right notes. It’s a takeout favorite you can now master at home, with clean ingredients and unforgettable flavor.

Whether you’re craving bold comfort food or looking for a quick, weeknight hero dish, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.