Black Pepper Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. The savory taste of tender chicken combined with the bold kick of black pepper makes it a favorite for many. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, making it convenient for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 25mins |
History of Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken has its roots in Chinese cuisine, particularly in Sichuan cooking, where bold flavors are a staple. The dish became popular in Western countries due to its balanced flavor profile—spicy from the pepper and savory from the soy sauce. It’s now a common feature in Chinese takeout menus around the world, often adapted to suit local tastes.
Why Black Pepper Chicken
This dish is loved for its simplicity and robust flavor. The peppery kick adds a special touch to the tender chicken, making it more exciting than your usual stir-fry. It’s also very versatile, as you can easily adjust the spiciness to your preference. Plus, it pairs well with various sides, making it a flexible option for meals.
What is Black Pepper Chicken Made of?
Black Pepper Chicken typically includes bite-sized pieces of chicken, black pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and onions. Some versions may also include bell peppers and green onions for added flavor and texture. The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sometimes a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat from the pepper.
What to Have with Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken is often served with steamed rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with fried rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. Some like to add stir-fried vegetables on the side for a more complete meal.
Is Black Pepper Chicken Healthy?
Black Pepper Chicken can be a healthy option, especially if you use lean chicken breast and control the amount of oil and sodium in the dish. Black pepper itself has health benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing antioxidants. The dish is high in protein and can be low in calories if prepared with minimal oil.
Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch (if using) and a pinch of salt. This will help create a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a little garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pan during the final cooking stage.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and easy dish that packs a lot of flavor. It’s a great option for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Serve it with rice or noodles, and you’ve got a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
MORE RECIPES
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch (if using) and a pinch of salt. This will help create a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side.