This Easy Black Pepper Chicken recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish made with crispy chicken, sautéed bell pepper, celery, and onion, all tossed in a bold black pepper sauce. It’s a perfect meal-in-one, served over rice, and ready in under 30 minutes—making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (680g)
2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1 ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cornstarch (65g)
⅓ cup vegetable oil (80ml)

Sauce:

1 ½ Tablespoons oyster sauce
3 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 ½ cups chicken stock, low sodium (360ml)
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ Tablespoons freshly grated ginger
1 ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

Stir Fry:

1 medium white onion, chopped into bite-size pieces
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces

Serving:

5-6 cups hot cooked white rice (850-1000g)

Directions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and salt. Set aside. Place cornstarch in a separate bowl or plastic bag.
Make Sauce: In another bowl, mix all sauce ingredients and stir well.
Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, add to the cornstarch, and toss until evenly coated.
Sauté Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook half of the chicken, spacing out pieces for even crispiness, flipping once, for about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Sauté Vegetables: Add a little more oil if needed and cook onion, celery, and bell pepper over medium-high heat until tender.
Finish Cooking: Pour in the sauce and simmer until it begins to thicken. Return the chicken to the pan and stir until coated.
Serve: Spoon over hot cooked rice and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per serving: 1 cup rice and about 1 ¼ cups black pepper chicken)

Calories: 526 kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 74mg
Sodium: 1278mg
Potassium: 709mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 723 IU
Vitamin C: 29mg
Calcium: 46mg
Iron: 1mg

This delicious homemade version of Black Pepper Chicken is a fantastic alternative to takeout, bringing bold flavors and fresh ingredients straight to your table!

The Origin and Popularity of Black Pepper Chicken

Black Pepper Chicken is inspired by Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese-style stir-fries that focus on bold flavors and quick cooking techniques. The heavy use of black pepper in this dish gives it a unique and distinctive heat, making it stand out from other stir-fries. While this dish is commonly found in Chinese-American restaurants and takeout menus, homemade versions allow for better ingredient control and customization. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a fresh and healthier version of a takeout favorite.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe stands out due to its incredible depth of flavor. The chicken is coated in a cornstarch mixture before cooking, resulting in a light, crispy texture that soaks up the rich black pepper sauce. The sauce itself is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger, with freshly cracked black pepper adding an unmistakable punch. The balance of umami, sweetness, and spice creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Paired with fluffy white rice, it transforms into a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

The Role of Black Pepper in Cooking

Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices in the world, and in this dish, it takes center stage. Unlike other stir-fries that may rely on chili heat, Black Pepper Chicken harnesses the warming spice of freshly cracked black pepper to provide a deep, aromatic kick. This spice not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also adds subtle complexity. The key is to use freshly cracked black pepper rather than pre-ground pepper, as the fresh version has a stronger aroma and more vibrant taste.

The Perfect Pairing: Rice and Black Pepper Chicken

This dish is best enjoyed over a steaming bowl of white rice. The neutral, slightly sweet taste of rice balances out the boldness of the sauce, creating a harmonious bite every time. The rice also absorbs the sauce, ensuring that none of the delicious flavors go to waste. While white rice is a classic choice, you can also serve this dish with brown rice for a heartier texture or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Customizing Black Pepper Chicken to Your Taste

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. While the core ingredients create a well-balanced flavor, you can easily make adjustments to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

Add Heat: If you enjoy spicier dishes, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers.
Switch Up the Protein: While chicken is the star here, you can substitute it with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Extra Vegetables: Feel free to include mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas to add more color and nutrition to the dish.
Lower Sodium: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce slightly.

Why This Recipe is Great for Meal Prep

Black Pepper Chicken is an excellent option for meal prep because it stores well and tastes just as delicious the next day. The flavors meld together over time, making leftovers even more flavorful. Here are some meal prep tips:

Storage: Keep the cooked chicken and sauce separate from the rice to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the chicken.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze portions, store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Benefits of Black Pepper Chicken

This dish not only delivers on flavor but also provides several nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. The inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers and celery boosts the dish’s vitamin and mineral content. Black pepper itself has antioxidant properties and may aid digestion. While the sauce contains some sugar and sodium, making small adjustments can enhance the healthiness of the dish without compromising taste.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines bold flavors, crispy textures, and comforting warmth. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to takeout or simply want to enjoy a flavorful homemade meal, this dish is a must-try. With its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, Black Pepper Chicken is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy it fresh, share it with family and friends, and savor every bite!

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