Black Pepper Chicken

Name: Black Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 white onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors are great!)

Author: lia

Published: April 26, 2026

Delicious Black Pepper Chicken served with vegetables and rice

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introduction

Black Pepper Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a spicy, savory sauce. The bold taste of black pepper gives this meal its name and character. It’s a quick recipe that offers a satisfying taste, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

why make this recipe

This recipe is not only easy to follow but also packs a punch of flavor that will impress your family and friends. It’s a great way to enjoy chicken with a delightful twist. The combination of fresh vegetables and a rich sauce enhances the overall dining experience. Plus, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for busy cooks.

how to make Black Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs) (sliced against the grain into 1/4” (5-mm) thick pieces)
1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cloves garlic ( minced)
1/2 white onion (chopped)
2 bell peppers (chopped; mixed colors are great!)

Directions:

Combine chicken, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix by hand until the chicken is well coated. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it into a single layer with a spatula. Sear for about 1 minute until the bottom is lightly browned.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir occasionally until both sides are browned but slightly pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add minced ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Then add the chopped onion and bell peppers, stirring and cooking for about 20 seconds.
Stir the sauce mixture well until the cornstarch is dissolved, and pour it into the skillet. Stir with a spatula immediately and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, just a few seconds.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Quickly stir a few times to coat everything with the sauce. Turn off the heat and transfer the contents to a big plate to prevent overcooking.
Serve hot as a main dish.

how to serve Black Pepper Chicken

You can serve Black Pepper Chicken over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

how to store Black Pepper Chicken

Store any leftover Black Pepper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

tips to make Black Pepper Chicken

Make sure to slice the chicken against the grain for the tenderest texture.
Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference.
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.

variation

You can switch up the ingredients by using different proteins like shrimp or firm tofu. This recipe can also be made with different vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of wine? Yes, if you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance but it’s best to cook it fresh for the best texture and flavor.