If you’re a fan of bold flavors and quick meals, this Black Pepper Chicken will be your new favorite! Inspired by Chinese takeout, this dish features tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and onions, all coated in a savory black pepper sauce. The best part? It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights!
Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional, for extra depth)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra black pepper for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
1In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, white pepper, and chicken broth.
2Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
3Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
1In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
2Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
1Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
2Pour in the black pepper sauce and stir well.
3Add the cornstarch slurry and mix until the sauce thickens.
4Sprinkle with extra black pepper and green onions.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
1Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes:
- Use fresh ground black pepper for maximum flavor!
- Don’t overcook the veggies, they should stay slightly crisp.
- Marinate the chicken for extra tenderness.
This Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that beats takeout! With a rich, peppery sauce and tender chicken, it’s the perfect easy dinner to spice up your weeknights.
