why make this recipe
Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and quick dish that brings the bold flavor of black pepper to tender chicken. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or to impress your friends at a gathering. The combination of spices, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables makes it not only tasty but also colorful on your plate. Plus, it’s a fulfilling option that can be ready in no time!
how to make Black Pepper Chicken
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors are nice)
Directions :
- Combine chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Mix gently by hand until the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken. Spread it into a single layer using a spatula. Sear for about 1 minute until the bottom is lightly browned.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir occasionally until both sides are browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Then, add the white onion and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 20 seconds.
- Stir the sauce mixture to dissolve the cornstarch completely, then pour it into the skillet. Stir quickly and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which takes just a few seconds.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and quickly stir everything together to coat with the sauce. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a large plate to avoid overcooking.
- Serve hot as your main dish!
Black Pepper Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and quick dish featuring tender chicken with bold black pepper flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into 1/4” thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors preferred)
Instructions
- Combine chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, spreading it into a single layer. Sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally until browned but slightly pink inside. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Then, add onion and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 20 seconds.
- Stir sauce mixture, then pour into skillet. Cook until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Remove from heat and transfer to a large plate.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider adding cashews or peanuts. Adjust black pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
how to serve Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken tastes best when served hot right after cooking. You can serve it over a bed of steamed white or fried rice. It also goes well with noodles or as part of a larger Chinese-inspired meal alongside dishes like stir-fried vegetables.
how to store Black Pepper Chicken
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it until heated through.
tips to make Black Pepper Chicken
- For extra crunch, consider adding cashews or peanuts when you stir in the vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper based on your spice tolerance. More pepper will add a stronger flavor.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can add more juiciness to the dish.
variation
You can make this dish with tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
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FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, cook them together.
2. What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a good alternative. Just ensure you use something that adds depth of flavor.
3. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure that the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.


