Black Pepper Chicken

Savor the Comforting Flavors of Black Pepper Chicken

Embark on a flavor-filled journey with this Black Pepper Chicken recipe, where the bold kick of freshly ground black pepper meets tender chicken and crisp vegetables. This restaurant-style Chinese dish is quick to prepare at home, requires only simple ingredients, and delivers a taste that feels both comforting and exciting.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekday dinner or making it to impress guests, this recipe brings the cozy warmth of takeout into your own kitchen. The savory sauce, paired with colorful vegetables, transforms everyday chicken into a meal that feels special yet approachable.

Ideal for busy evenings, casual gatherings, or meal prepping, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food with a peppery twist. Ready to elevate your table with a dish that is both bold and satisfying? Let’s dive into this straightforward and rewarding recipe.

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Flavorful and Bold: Your New Go-To Black Pepper Chicken

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe not only recreates a classic takeout favorite but also enhances it with homemade freshness and flexibility. The sauce combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, and plenty of black pepper to create a balance of salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. With crisp vegetables and juicy chicken, every bite is layered with texture and taste.

Not just a dinner, this dish is an exploration of how simple seasonings can elevate chicken into something memorable. It’s versatile too—you can switch up the vegetables, try different proteins, or make it spicier to suit your preferences.

Here’s how to achieve that signature boldness and comforting flavor, complete with tips to help your Black Pepper Chicken turn out perfectly every time.

Serving suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice, fluffy jasmine rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

1. Use Freshly Cracked Pepper: Grind black pepper right before cooking to maximize its fragrance and punch.
2. Sear the Chicken Well: Let the chicken brown slightly for a richer flavor before adding the vegetables.
3. Balance the Sauce: Adjust soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for tang, depending on your taste.
4. Cook Vegetables Quickly: Keep peppers, onions, and celery slightly crisp for a fresh contrast.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Stir constantly once the cornstarch mixture is added to avoid lumps and ensure a silky coating.

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Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Equipment: Large sauté pan or wok, slotted spoon, mixing bowls

With this Black Pepper Chicken, your kitchen will feel like your favorite takeout spot, filled with the aroma of spices and sizzling vegetables.

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Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or any mild-flavored oil), divided
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced on a bias
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

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Directions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir in bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened but still crisp.
3. Prepare the Sauce: While vegetables cook, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, black pepper, and ginger in a small bowl until smooth.
4. Combine Everything: Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables.
6. Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

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Ready to Relish!

This Black Pepper Chicken offers a bold and comforting taste experience, making it a dish you’ll return to often. The warmth of the pepper, the savoriness of the sauce, and the freshness of vegetables come together in perfect balance.

Enjoy it fresh from the pan with rice, noodles, or even quinoa. It’s a flexible, delicious recipe that works for quick dinners, meal prep, or sharing with loved ones.

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