Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistibly quick dinner with punchy flavor and vibrant color, this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe will be your new go-to. Inspired by your favorite takeout, it features succulent chicken breast cubes, crisp veggies, and an addictive peppery sauce—ready in less time than delivery arrives. Every forkful is juicy, fresh, and tastes like a meal you’d happily share with friends. Best of all, it’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to wow at any table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe are wonders of simplicity—each one chosen for the unique flavor, crunch, or color it brings to the dish. You’ll likely have most items already, making this a fuss-free addition to your meal rotation.

• Chicken breast: Bite-size cubes of tender, skinless chicken breast form the juicy base of the dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Peanut oil: Offers a high smoke point for quick searing and a faintly nutty aroma.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing the natural flavors of the chicken to life.
• Onions: Cut into generous cubes, they add sweet juiciness and a bit of bite.
• Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and vibrant color, as well as a mild, grassy flavor.
• Minced garlic: A hint of aromatic depth—just half a teaspoon goes a long way.
• Minced ginger: Brings zing and warmth that balances the bold black pepper.
• Fresh red or green chili: For subtle, fresh heat; adjust quantity to taste.
• Cornstarch (for chicken): Ensures the chicken has a light crispness outside and stays juicy inside.
• Black pepper (for sauce): Freshly ground for robust, spicy warmth; this is key to the flavor!
• Black pepper (final touch): A dash more at the end for extra aroma and kick.
• Light soy sauce: Lends savory saltiness that melds everything together.
• Dark soy sauce: Deepens color and adds a bittersweet complexity to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Just the right hint of tang to balance the savory notes.
• Brown sugar: A small amount smooths any bitterness and adds subtle molasses-like sweetness.
• Toasted sesame oil: For rich fragrance and a lovely finish—don’t skip it!
• Cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens the sauce for a gorgeous glossy coat on every ingredient.
• Water or chicken broth: Loosens the sauce slightly, ensuring it’s just the right consistency.

How to Make Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Whisk together all the sauce ingredients—crushed black pepper, rice vinegar, both soy sauces, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water or chicken broth—until smooth and free of lumps. This deeply flavorful, peppery sauce is what makes the Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe so addictive.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Take your bite-sized chicken cubes and toss them with a spoonful of the prepared black pepper sauce, a little salt, and cornstarch. Letting the chicken rest while you prep veggies lets it soak up flavor and ensures it stays tender during cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add peanut oil. Arrange the chicken cubes in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Cook until they’re golden and starting to brown, flipping once. If needed, work in batches so every piece gets a lovely seared edge before transferring to a plate.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add more oil and stir-fry ginger, garlic, and chili for just 30 seconds—enough to release their aroma. Then, toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry quickly over high heat so the veggies are still crisp and brilliantly colored, not soft.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Give your sauce another quick whisk, then pour it into the pan with the vegetables. Simmer for about 30 seconds, then return the chicken to the pan, stirring everything together until it’s heated through and evenly coated in that glossy, peppery sauce.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Finish the Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe by turning off the heat and sprinkling over the final hit of freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then get ready to plate up your masterpiece.

How to Serve Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For a fresh and colorful finish, sprinkle your Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe with sliced scallions, extra chilies for heat, or even a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. These small touches make the dish pop visually and add a burst of flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

This lively chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice, both perfect for soaking up the savory black pepper sauce. For a lighter meal, try it with stir-fried greens or a crunchy Asian slaw—either way, you have a perfectly balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe over noodles for a cozy twist, or tuck it into warm lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal. It also shines packed into lunchboxes with sticky rice and blanched veggies—delicious and convenient!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers quickly, then transfer to an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, this dish stays tasty and safe for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen by the next day, making lunch or dinner prep a breeze.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe! Simply portion cooled chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through so everything heats evenly—your black pepper chicken will taste fresh and flavorful again!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain super juicy and flavorful even after high-heat cooking, making them a great substitute for breast in this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time so they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is very adaptable. Using one chili gives a pleasant tingle, but you can add more or less according to your taste (or skip it for a milder version). The black pepper itself adds a gentle, aromatic heat rather than intense spiciness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to choose certified gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your other condiments. The core recipe itself is easily made gluten-free with those substitutions, so everyone can dig in.

What type of pepper should I use for the best flavor?

Freshly ground black pepper is key here. Its aroma and sharpness make the Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe shine. Pre-ground pepper is less pungent, so if that’s what you have, use a bit more to compensate.

How can I add more veggies?

Feel free to toss in quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, thinly sliced carrots, or broccoli florets during the stir-fry step. Just keep the veggies vibrant and crisp so they don’t overpower the star black pepper flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something flavorful, fast, and full of personality, I can’t recommend this Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe enough. It’s the type of dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it makes its way into your regular dinner lineup!

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