Fiery Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Zesty Homemade Delight

Tender chicken pieces dance with fiery black pepper in this irresistible spicy black pepper chicken recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

Boldly seasoned and packed with aromatic spices, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory depth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The robust marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s both simple and impressive.

Fragrant spices mingle with succulent chicken, transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to unleash a symphony of bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

How to Sizzle Up a Skillet of Black Pepper Chicken

• Kick Off the Flavor Marinade

Toss chicken in a zesty mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it soak up those delicious flavors for a quick 15-minute flavor boost.

• Whip Up the Sauce Sensation

Blend soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl to create a mouthwatering sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Fire up a skillet with oil and toss in the marinated chicken. Cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is completely done, about 5–6 minutes. Scoop out the chicken and set aside.

• Bring the Veggie

In the same skillet, quickly sauté onions and bell peppers until they’re crisp-tender. Toss in garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Create the Final Flavor Explosion

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour over the prepared sauce and sprinkle with black pepper. Mix everything until coated evenly. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish. Optional: Drizzle with sesame oil for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Quick Tweaks to Make Your Black Pepper Chicken Stand Out

• Sprinkle extra freshly ground black pepper right before serving to boost the dish's intense, bold flavor profile and aroma.
• Adjust black pepper quantity to suit personal heat preferences – reduce for mild taste or increase for more peppery kick.
• Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for diverse protein options that maintain the recipe's delicious sauce and cooking technique.
• Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or xanthan gum to create a keto-friendly version that maintains sauce thickness without adding extra carbohydrates.
• Expand vegetable variety by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the stir-fry.

Serve Black Pepper Chicken With Rice, Wraps, or Veggies

• Rice Bed Delight: Serve this zesty black pepper chicken over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the rich, peppery sauce and create a complete meal that satisfies every bite.
• Asian Noodle Twist: Toss the chicken over hot egg noodles or rice noodles for a quick and delicious alternative that transforms the dish into a slurp-worthy noodle experience.
• Fresh Garnish Boost: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top to add brightness, crunch, and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish pop.
• Side Veggie Companion: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the bold black pepper flavors and create a well-rounded, nutritious plate.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Black Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish separate from other foods to maintain its delicious flavor profile.
• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to restore its crispy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture during reheating.
• Package the chicken in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals remain delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Prepare chicken and sauce components separately during weekly cooking sessions. Store chopped vegetables and marinated chicken in different containers to streamline future meal assembly and reduce daily cooking time.

FAQs

• What makes black pepper crucial in this recipe?

Black pepper provides a sharp, spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken, creating a bold and aromatic dish with a distinctive warmth and complexity.

• How does cornstarch help in the cooking process?

Cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken by creating a protective coating that locks in moisture, ensures even cooking, and helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy and smooth texture.

• Why should I stir-fry the chicken on medium-high heat?

Medium-high heat allows the chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior quickly while keeping the inside juicy, creating a beautiful caramelization that adds depth and flavor to the dish.

• Can I adjust the spiciness level of the black pepper chicken?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of black pepper. Start with a smaller quantity and gradually add more to suit your personal taste preference.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything That Goes Into Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Lean, tender meat that provides the main protein, choose fresh, boneless chicken thighs or breasts for best texture and flavor.

• Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Rich umami enhancer that tenderizes and adds deep color, look for authentic Asian brands with balanced saltiness.
• Cornstarch: Creates silky coating for chicken and thickens sauce, select finely ground version for smooth consistency.
• Sugar: Balances savory flavors and helps caramelize chicken, use white or brown sugar based on preference.
• Black Pepper: Delivers sharp, spicy kick that defines the dish's signature taste, freshly ground provides most intense flavor.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Provide crunch and sweetness, select firm vegetables with vibrant colors for visual appeal.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent base note, choose fresh cloves for most robust flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for stir-frying, pick high smoke point oil like canola or peanut.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, fragrant finish, use sparingly as its flavor is intense.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, savory depth, select high-quality bottled sauce from Asian grocery stores.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances sauce complexity, use low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.

Tools to Cook Black Pepper Chicken With Bold Flavor

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and preparing sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Help ensure accurate sauce and seasoning measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and moving chicken while stir-frying.

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Korean Black Pepper Chicken delivers bold flavors straight from Seoul’s street kitchens. Home cooks can enjoy this quick, zesty recipe with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Whisk soy sauce and cornstarch into chicken, allowing flavors to infuse for 15 minutes, creating a tender and flavorful protein base.
2. Prepare Sauce: Blend soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl, establishing a rich, complex flavor profile.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat, introducing marinated chicken and cooking until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Remove chicken and in the same skillet, quickly sauté onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes, maintaining their crisp texture, then add garlic and stir for 30 seconds to release aromatic oils.
5. Combine and Season: Return chicken to the skillet, pour prepared sauce over the ingredients, generously sprinkle black pepper, and stir to ensure even coating.
6. Thicken and Finish: Add cornstarch slurry to create a glossy sauce, then optionally drizzle sesame oil for an extra layer of depth and aroma, tossing everything together for a final, cohesive blend of flavors.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken absorb soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for precisely 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor penetration without over-soaking.
• Control Heat Effectively: Use high heat for searing chicken to achieve golden caramelized edges while maintaining internal moisture, preventing dry or rubbery texture.
• Veggie Crunch Preservation: Sauté bell peppers and onions briefly (3-4 minutes) to retain crisp texture and vibrant colors, avoiding mushy vegetable consistency.
• Sauce Thickening Technique: Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir constantly to ensure smooth, glossy sauce without lumps or uneven coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg