Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that packs a flavor punch? This Black Pepper Chicken has become a regular in our family’s meal rotation. With tender chicken pieces coated in a savory, peppery sauce alongside colorful bell peppers, it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor.

I discovered this recipe when trying to recreate one of our favorite takeout dishes, and honestly, my family thinks this homemade version is even better!

My kids, who can sometimes be picky about spicy foods, happily devour this – the pepper provides more of an aromatic warmth than overwhelming heat.

Why You’ll Love This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Quick and simple – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Family-approved – The balanced flavor appeals to both adults and kids
• Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or with a side of veggies for a complete meal
• Better than takeout – No need to order out when you can make this at home for a fraction of the cost

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

The magic of this recipe is in its accessible ingredients that pack a powerful flavor punch.

chicken and marinade:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4″ thick pieces
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

black pepper sauce:

• 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

stir fry:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (I used a mix of colors for visual appeal)

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken

This recipe comes together quickly, so I recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. It’s made my weeknight dinner prep so much smoother!

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix gently by hand until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients (chicken broth, light and dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, coarsely ground black pepper, and salt). Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute until lightly browned on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer chicken to a plate.
4. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add ginger and garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add white onion and bell peppers, stir-frying for about 20 seconds.
5. Combine everything: Give the sauce mixture a good stir to dissolve the cornstarch completely, then pour into the skillet. Stir immediately and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (this happens quickly, usually within 30 seconds). Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir a few times to coat everything with the sauce.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat immediately and transfer everything to a serving plate to prevent overcooking in the hot pan.

This black pepper chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. I like serving it with a simple side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Check out my crockpot chicken and dumplings for another family-friendly chicken dinner option!

Tips for the Best Black Pepper Chicken

• Use freshly ground pepper for the most aromatic flavor. The pre-ground stuff doesn’t pack the same punch.
• Slice chicken against the grain to ensure tender pieces that aren’t chewy.
• Don’t overcook the chicken – it will continue cooking when added back to the sauce.
• Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking as this stir-fry moves quickly.
• Adjust the pepper amount to suit your family’s spice preference.

Variations for Black Pepper Chicken

Add vegetables: While bell peppers and onions are traditional, feel free to add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

Make it spicier: If your family enjoys heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the black pepper.

Try a different protein: This sauce works wonderfully with beef slices or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

What to Serve with Black Pepper Chicken

This versatile dish pairs well with many sides:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Secret Ingredient Fried Rice
• Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl (substitute the chicken in this recipe with your black pepper chicken)
• Simple steamed vegetables
• A crisp Asian-inspired salad

FAQs

More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this black pepper chicken, you might also like these other family-friendly chicken recipes:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Easy Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
• One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Make This Black Pepper Chicken Tonight!

This black pepper chicken recipe has saved me on countless busy weeknights. The fact that it comes together so quickly but tastes like it took much longer is why it’s become a staple in our household.

I love watching my kids Sophia and James clean their plates when I serve this – there’s something so satisfying about creating a meal that brings everyone together.

The slightly sweet and peppery sauce coating tender chicken pieces is just irresistible!

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re tempted to order takeout. I promise it’s just as fast (and much more satisfying) to make it yourself!

Would you try this with different vegetables? Or maybe over noodles instead of rice? Let me know in the comments below!

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