Easy Black Pepper Chicken: Your New Go-To Recipe!

Hey there! Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen? Let’s talk about Easy Black Pepper Chicken a dish that’s not just tasty, but also super straightforward to whip up. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s dive into a chicken recipe that’ll impress even your pickiest eaters!

Why Black Pepper Chicken?

Why should black pepper chicken be on your dinner table? Well, if you’re anything like me, you love a dish that packs a flavor punch but doesn’t require a culinary degree to make. Imagine tender chicken coated in a savory black pepper sauce, served over rice, and it’s not just delicious it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Sound good? Didn’t think you could resist!

The Beauty of Black Pepper

What’s so special about black pepper anyway? Ever wondered why it’s considered the king of spices? Aside from giving food that satisfying kick, it’s packed with antioxidants and may even boost metabolism. So, it’s not just a flavor enhancer; it can lend a helping hand to your health too. Win-win, right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s nothing you can’t find in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s the breakdown:

• 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you must)
• 2 tablespoons of black pepper (yes, you read that right get ready to kick it up!)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional, but trust me go for it!)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (color of your choice)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings

• Green onions, chopped (for that nice pop of color)
• Sesame seeds (if you’re feeling fancy)

Cooking Method: Let’s Get Started!

Alright, let’s transform those ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the cornstarch, soy sauce, and oyster sauce over the chicken and mix it all up. Set it aside for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Want to make it even more delicious? Let it marinate longer if you have the time!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken once the oil is hot. Make sure to not overcrowd the pan—we want that glorious sear, not soggy chicken. Cook until it’s golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). You might want to do this in batches if your skillet is small.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Once your chicken is cooked through, toss in the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir it all together and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen should smell downright heavenly at this point—if it doesn’t, are you sure you’re cooking?

Step 4: Seasoning Time

Here comes the fun part—behold, the black pepper! Sprinkle it generously over the mixture and stir until everything is nicely coated. This is where the magic happens. Don’t be shy; the black pepper is what sets this dish apart!

Step 5: Final Touches

Give it a taste, and season with a bit of salt if needed. If you like it spicy, feel free to add a touch of chili flakes. Then, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling extra.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Serve your black pepper chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice, or go wild and serve it with noodles! Whatever you pick, just make sure to enjoy every bite. Trust me; you’ll want to go for seconds.

Tips and Variations

Make It Your Own

• Veggie Add-Ins: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can amp up the nutrition. Just toss them in with the bell peppers!
• Protein Swap: Not into chicken? Swap it for tofu or shrimp!
• Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use coconut aminos if you’re watching your sodium.

Meal Prep Magic

Want to make this dish even easier? You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time. Just chop and store everything in the fridge, and when it’s time to eat, you can whip this up in no time. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Trust me—your future self will thank you!

FAQs About Black Pepper Chicken

Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, use less black pepper. The beauty of this recipe is it’s totally customizable.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, and it’ll still taste amazing (computer science couldn’t even ruin it)!

Can I Freeze It?

You can totally freeze this chicken dish for up to a month. Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Thaw before reheating, and you’re good to go!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Not only does this easy black pepper chicken bring the flavor just right, but it’s also quick and easy—which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life (or binge-watching that series you’ve been dying to catch up on). Written down in my “must-have recipes” list, this dish holds a special place in my heart (and stomach).

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a super simple, but oh-so-delicious black pepper chicken recipe that’ll elevate your cooking game without breaking a sweat. Now, it’s your turn! Give this a try next time you’re in a cooking rut, and let me know how it goes. I bet you’ll be as obsessed as I am.

Ready to spice things up? Grab those ingredients and get cooking! Remember: the kitchen is your playground, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Easy Black Pepper Chicken

This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a savory, peppery sauce with onions and bell peppers. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch for coating
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce divided
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for balance
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• 1 medium onion cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• optional green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Method

 

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to marinate.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, black pepper, and chicken broth. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Return cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
7. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil. You can also substitute tofu or shrimp for a delicious variation. Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.