Black Pepper Chicken

You would never know this Black Pepper Chicken is homemade! With its amazing brown sauce, and crisp veggies each bite is packed with savory, peppery, and slightly tangy flavors that will leave your mouth watering.

Black pepper chicken is a Chinese American dish that combines a comforting Chinese takeout-style brown sauce with a good amount of black pepper. An easy black pepper chicken with juicy tender chicken, crisp vegetables (totally versatile if you’d like to sub in different veggies), and a rich savory black pepper sauce. It’s so comforting and delicious.

Love-hate relationship with Chicken

On earth, I love chicken because it is the most flexible lean mean a.k.a protein dish for everyone. Old or young (babies) love chicken. Additionally, chicken is also one of the minor least hated meals lol. So, here I am with my hundred chicken recipes on my blog, you can check it out. However, I still make them endlessly.

However, on the other day, I felt stuck and bored with chicken. I’ve been trying to chicken it and chicken out. Then, where have I been totally forgotting that black pepper chicken exists in this world? Sometimes, the most simple and easy one is the yummiest. Such a quote

Less is more

Muchbutter, 2024

So this Black pepper chicken with brown sauce from the Chinese-American style because using ground black pepper. Making restaurant stir fry might look challenging at first glance, but once you’ve followed a solid recipe once, you’ll understand the workflow and the whole process will become way less intimidating. Plus, once you’ve tasted how great a homemade stir fry is, you’ll prefer it over takeout. The homemade version also contains less oil, sugar, and sodium, which is better for your body.

Black pepper chicken should be one of the meals on your dinner menu rotation. Not only because it’s so easy to put together and delicious, but also because it is loaded with healthy lean protein and colorful veggies that make it perfect as a one-pot meal. 

Indulge in the bold flavors of Black Pepper Chicken! Marinated chicken breast cooked to perfection in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. deliciously satisfying dish for any occasion.

Ingredients of Black Pepper Chicken

Marinate

• Chicken Breast; Cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. However, I find that chicken thighs can be used too if you want some juicy meat for stir-fry.
• Soy Sauce; As the base of the sauce, soy sauce brings a savory umami taste. It adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice; Lemon juice adds a tangy and acidic flavor to the marinade.
• Ginger Juice; This fragrant spice adds a gentle zing and earthy flavor.

Sauce

• Chicken Broth; Chicken broth provides a flavorful liquid base for the sauce. It adds depth flavor and richness to the dish. You can use homemade or store-bought chicken broth.
• Ground Black Pepper; This warm and flavorful spice brings a peppery taste to the black pepper sauce, giving it a bold kick.
• Soy Sauce; As the base of the sauce, soy sauce brings a savory umami taste. It adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil; If you can find toasted sesame oil, buy it! The flavor is amazing. Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce. It’s used in moderation as a finishing oil to impart its characteristic taste and aroma
• Cornstarch; To thicken the sauce, Used as a thickening agent, cornstarch ensures the sauce has a smooth and velvety consistency, allowing it to coat the black pepper chicken perfectly.
• Sugar; Acting as a natural sweetener, the sugar balances the sauce by mellowing out the spiciness and tanginess. Feel free to use brown or light brown sugar as a substitution

Other

• Garlic minced; Fresh minced garlic is used and always adds a terrific flavor.
• medium Onion sliced; and chopped for lots of great flavor. Onions provide sweetness and texture to the dish. They’re sliced and added to the stir-fry for flavor and aroma.
• Ginger minced; provides a ton of flavor to this recipe. You can buy them pre-minced for ease!
• Red and Green Bell Pepper; Provides freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.
• Cooking Oil; is used for frying and sautéing the ingredients. It helps to prevent sticking and adds richness to the dish. You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil for cooking.

Recipe Instructions for Black Pepper Chicken

First thing first slice the chicken breast, and then by marinating your chicken. In a bowl, add the sliced chicken, water, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Rub the marinade ingredients into the chicken with your hands until the chicken has absorbed all the liquid. Marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Next, prepare the sauce mixture. In a small bowl Combine all the sauce ingredients which are ⅓ cup Chicken Broth, Ground Black Pepper, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch, and Sugar in a bowl. Mix until there is no lump and set aside. Stir everything together until well combined, and set aside.

Now, it’s time to cook chicken, Add the vegetable oil to a wok or large skillet and heat over high heat. Add half the chicken to the wok and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. The chicken will be 80-90% done, but you’ll cook it again at the end.

Then, let’s Sauté onion and bell peppers. If there’s no vegetable oil left in the skillet, add another tablespoon or so. Add the onion and bell peppers to the wok and cook for a minute. Add the chicken back to the wok and the prepared black pepper sauce. Pour the sauce mixture to a pan, immediately stir constantly until the sauce is thickened, and coat the chicken. Toss until well combined. Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and stir.

Finally, turn off the heat and black pepper chicken is ready to serve. Enjoy! Serve immediately over rice.

Tips for Storing, reheating, and making ahead of time!

• Store leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven until piping hot.
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Sharing is Caring

Let me know your results by uploading pictures and tagging us on Instagram at Much Butter and Pinterest. Do not forget to see and follow our new TikTok account.

For cooking videos, check and subscribe to our YouTube page. you can join our email for the latest idea menus.

Lastly, thank you, your support is so much appreciated 💕Happy cooking~

You will definitely love these recipes;