Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is a savory stir-fry dish featuring tender pieces of chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a bold, peppery sauce. This popular takeout-style recipe is known for its balance of heat and umami, offering a quick, flavorful meal that’s easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple—ready in under 30 minutes

• Perfectly balanced black pepper sauce with a rich, aromatic flavor

• Customizable with different proteins or vegetables

• A healthier alternative to takeout

• Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep

• Uses pantry-staple ingredients

• Pairs well with rice or noodles

• Minimal prep and easy clean-up

• Naturally dairy-free

• Delicious and satisfying every time

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Light soy sauce

• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

• Cornstarch

• Chicken broth

• Dark soy sauce

• Sugar

• Coarsely ground black pepper

• Salt

• Peanut or vegetable oil

• Minced ginger

• Minced garlic

• White onion

• Bell peppers (any color)

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine sliced chicken with light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix to coat and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix chicken broth, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside.

3. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Sear without stirring for 30 seconds, flip, and cook for another 20 seconds. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add onion and bell peppers; cook until slightly softened, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Combine everything: Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir and bring it to a simmer until it thickens slightly. Add the chicken back in and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and coated in sauce.

6. Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken

• Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for more vegetables

• Increase black pepper or add red chili flakes for more heat

• Swap Shaoxing wine for dry sherry or omit entirely

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content

• Try sesame oil for added depth of flavor

• Serve with brown rice, jasmine rice, or stir-fried noodles

Storage/Reheating

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

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain texture.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for Black Pepper Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but breasts also work well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

You can use dry sherry, mirin, or skip it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a bold peppery kick, but you can adjust the black pepper to your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

If needed, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Chicken?

It pairs best with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, it keeps well for 2–3 days and can be part of a weekly meal prep plan.

Can I freeze Black Pepper Chicken?

It’s not ideal, as the vegetables may become mushy. Fresh is best.

Why is my chicken tough?

Overcooking can dry it out. Be sure to sear it quickly and finish cooking it in the sauce just until done.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a quick, bold, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful pepper sauce, it’s a perfect meal for busy nights or casual dinners. Enjoy it fresh with your favorite side of rice or noodles, and feel free to adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.