Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Succulent black pepper chicken dances with bold, zesty flavors that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Peppers and aromatic spices swirl together, creating a mouthwatering symphony of taste.

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and this recipe delivers pure excitement.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a robust, crackling pepper blend that awakens every sense.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with precision and passion.

Crisp, fragrant notes will transport you straight to a bustling kitchen where every bite tells a delicious story.

You cannot wait to dive into this incredible meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a spectacular feast.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the heart of this delicious dish.

• Soy Sauce: Salty and rich Asian condiment.
• Shaoxing Wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine with deep flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a smooth coating for the chicken.

• Ginger, Garlic: Fragrant ingredients that add depth and warmth.
• White Onion: Sweet and mild base vegetable.
• Peppers: Colorful and slightly spicy vegetable addition.

• Sauce Mixture: Combination of seasonings that bring the dish together.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for searing and cooking.

• Black Pepper: Spicy and sharp spice that gives a kick.

• Salt, Other Seasonings: Standard flavor enhancers in the recipe.

Cooking Instructions for Black Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch.

Gently mix by hand until chicken is evenly coated.

Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until thoroughly blended.

Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add marinated chicken, spreading it into a single layer with minimal overlap.

Sear for about 30 seconds until the bottom turns lightly brown.

Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 15 to 20 seconds.

The chicken should be browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside.

Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, add remaining oil.

Toss in ginger and garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant.

Add white onion and peppers, cooking for approximately 20 seconds to release their flavors.

Step 5: Create Glossy Sauce

Stir the sauce mixture to ensure cornstarch is completely dissolved.

Pour into the skillet and immediately stir with a spatula.

Cook until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, which takes just a few seconds.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Quickly stir to coat everything with the glossy sauce.

Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a large serving plate to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the black pepper chicken hot as a delicious main course.

Best enjoyed immediately while the flavors are at their peak.

Tips to Bring Out Black Pepper Chicken Flavor

• Let the chicken sit in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch mixture for exactly 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption without making the meat tough.
• Spread chicken in a single layer when searing to ensure even browning and prevent steaming, which helps develop a delicious golden exterior.
• Stir the sauce thoroughly before adding to the skillet, making sure cornstarch is completely dissolved to achieve a smooth, glossy texture that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Move the finished dish to a serving plate immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, maintaining the chicken's tender and juicy texture.
• Stir-fry onions and peppers for just 20 seconds to keep them crisp and vibrant, preserving their fresh flavor and nutritional value.

How to Store and Reheat Black Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

What Pairs Well with Black Pepper Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Pairings: Black Pepper Chicken Companions
• Craft Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Soft, fluffy white rice perfectly absorbs the savory black pepper sauce, creating a delightful base that balances the dish's bold flavors and provides a neutral canvas for the spicy chicken.
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that cuts through the dish's richness, complementing the black pepper's sharp notes and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Spark Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light cucumber and lettuce salad with a tangy rice vinegar dressing, offering a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, peppery chicken and creating a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Pour Chinese Green Tea: Brew a delicate green tea that neutralizes the dish's spiciness, providing a smooth, cleansing finish that highlights the chicken's complex flavor profile and aids digestion.

Black Pepper Chicken Twists

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish celiac-safe and eliminate gluten completely.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap cornstarch with almond flour or arrowroot powder for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains sauce thickness and texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or seitan chunks, pressing and marinating them similarly to achieve a protein-rich plant-based meal that mimics the original recipe's flavors.
• Spicy Heat Variation: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños during the vegetable sautéing stage to increase the dish's heat level and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.

FAQs

• What is Shaoxing wine, and can I substitute it?

Shaoxing wine is a Chinese rice wine used in cooking. If unavailable, you can substitute with dry sherry or rice vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Marinate the chicken briefly and avoid overcooking. Sear quickly on high heat and remove from the pan as soon as it’s mostly cooked to keep it tender and juicy.

• Why is it important to spread the chicken in a single layer when searing?

Spreading the chicken in a single layer helps achieve even browning and prevents steaming. This technique ensures a nice, lightly caramelized exterior that locks in flavor.

• What type of peppers work best in this recipe?

Bell peppers or a mix of red and green bell peppers are ideal. They add color, crunch, and a slight sweetness that complements the black pepper and chicken.

What Makes Black Pepper Chicken So Bold

• Elevate Weeknight Cooking: Create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes with minimal ingredients and simple techniques that will impress your family.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping, fast marinating, and speedy cooking make this dish perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated steps.
• Flavor-Packed Asian Delight: Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and black pepper combine to deliver a bold, tangy taste that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Versatile Serving Option: Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that adapts to your preferences.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling black pepper chicken brings bold Sichuan-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with fiery spice and aromatic depth. Pepper-crusted tender chicken pieces promise a quick, delicious meal that satisfies intense cravings in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced against the grain into 1/4 inch (5-mm) thick pieces

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch by hand, ensuring a thin, even coating. Let the flavors meld for 10-15 minutes.
2. Whisk sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until fully combined and set aside for later use.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Carefully spread marinated chicken in a single layer to maximize browning. Sear quickly, flipping once to achieve light golden edges while maintaining a slightly pink center.
4. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, quickly sauté ginger and garlic until aromatic, releasing their intense flavors.
5. Add white onion and peppers to the skillet, stirring briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
6. Rewhisk sauce to eliminate any settled cornstarch, then pour into the skillet. Stir rapidly as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing swiftly to coat each piece with the luxurious sauce. Immediately transfer to a serving plate to prevent overcooking.
8. Present as a sizzling main course, garnished with optional green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and creates a delicious flavor base.
• Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect sear with a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside slightly pink.
• Quick cooking is key to preventing the chicken from becoming tough and dry, so have all ingredients prepared and ready before starting.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch to maintain the same delicious flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 62 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg