If you’re craving something that’s both appetizing and easy to make, you’ve come to the right place! This Black Pepper Chicken recipe brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it wiht you. With juicy chicken, a zesty sauce, and just the right amount of kick, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—are you ready to impress?

Cook Time: 15

prep Time: 15

Yields: 4

Calories: 1448

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Black Pepper Chicken

When I’m whipping up a batch of Black Pepper Chicken, I love how the flavors come together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty dish:

Chicken Coating:

1/4 cup cornstarch: this will give the chicken a lovely crunch when fried.
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine: This Chinese cooking wine enhances the dish with its rich taste (you can substitute with dry sherry if needed).
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: This is essential for that signature peppery kick.
1 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: thighs stay moist and tender during cooking.

Black Pepper Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: A base for the sauce that keeps it flavorful yet lighter.
1/4 cup oyster sauce: This will bring depth with its sweet and salty notes.
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine: To deepen the flavors of the sauce.
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce: Helps balance the sweetness of the oyster sauce.
1 tablespoon water: Thins out the sauce to the right consistency.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds that kick we all love.

Stir Fry:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: This helps in frying the chicken and vegetables without sticking.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: A must for aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
1 cup green bell pepper,cut into 1/2-inch pieces: For color and crunch.
1 cup white onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces: They caramelize beautifully and add sweetness.

For Serving:

2 cups cooked white rice: Perfect to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making a delightful homemade Black Pepper Chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Black Pepper Chicken

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these steps closely to ensure your Black pepper Chicken turns out perfectly:

Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and black pepper until smooth. It will become quite thick. Add the chicken pieces and stir until each piece is well-coated. Let it rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature.

Mix the Black Pepper Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add half of the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes or until the pieces are golden-brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the green bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combine Everything: Pour the prepared Black Pepper Sauce over the vegetables in the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens, which shoudl take about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, making sure everything is well-coated in the sauce.

Serve: Dish out the Black Pepper Chicken over cooked white rice and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious homemade Black Pepper Chicken that rivals your favorite takeout dish!

serving and Storage information for Black pepper Chicken

Once your Black Pepper Chicken is beautifully plated and ready to serve, you’ll want to enjoy it at its best. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and can also impress guests. Here’s how to serve and store it:

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Hot: For the best experience, enjoy your Black Pepper Chicken hot, straight from the skillet.The flavors are bold, and the aroma is absolutely inviting.
Accompaniments: serve it over fluffy white rice, which perfectly absorbs the rich black pepper sauce. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a fresh touch and a bit of crunch.

Storage Guidelines:

Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This chicken reheats well, making it a convenient meal option.
Freezing for Future meals: If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. when ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating: To reheat,warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave if you can, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious homemade black Pepper Chicken fresh and flavorful every time!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect black Pepper Chicken

Cooking should be enjoyable, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to ensure your Black Pepper Chicken turns out perfectly.

Notes:

Adjusting Heat Levels: If you like things spicier,feel free to increase the amount of black pepper or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you.
Chicken Options: While I prefer using skinless boneless chicken thighs for their tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember that they can dry out more easily,so be careful not to overcook them.
Vegetable Varieties: Don’t hesitate to mix in othre vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas. They not only add more nutrition but also enhance the dish’s color and texture.

Troubleshooting:

Sauce Too Thick: If your sauce becomes too thick while cooking, simply add a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Stir well to incorporate.
Chicken Not Browning: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. Cooking in batches can prevent the chicken from steaming and helps it brown nicely. Crowding the pan can lead to sogginess.
Flavor Issues: If your dish tastes bland, double-check the seasoning. Adding a pinch of salt or a splash more of soy sauce can elevate the flavor without overpowering it.

By keeping these notes and troubleshooting tips in mind, I’m sure your black Pepper Chicken will be a hit every time!