Sizzling Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: Spicy Comfort in Minutes

Crispy, golden chicken breasts adorned with fragrant black pepper chicken dance with bold, irresistible flavors that spark culinary excitement.

Aromatic spices whisper promises of delectable satisfaction waiting to unfold.

Pepper’s sharp bite mingles perfectly with tender meat, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Southeast Asian kitchens inspire this delightful dish that beckons you to explore vibrant cooking techniques.

Sharp, cracked peppercorns unlock complex flavor profiles rarely experienced in home cooking.

Complex yet simple ingredients combine to elevate an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Come savor this mouthwatering adventure that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Chicken Stir-Fry With Black Pepper Kick

Speedy Meal Magic: Whip up this black pepper chicken in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.

Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold black pepper, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweet honey, creating a taste adventure that’ll make taste buds dance.

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and maximum convenience – cook everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and kitchen chaos.

Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned chefs.

Black Pepper Chicken What Goes In

• Chicken: Protein-rich main ingredient that provides the primary flavor and substance of the dish.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken's flavor and adding subtle heat.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings additional spiciness to the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, savory undertones to the overall taste.
• Honey: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a tangy, bright note to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, aromatic essence to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Base aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for cooking and creating a non-stick surface.

Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prep Chicken Pieces

Grab chicken and toss it with cornstarch, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.

Make sure each piece gets a delicious, even coating that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully drop chicken pieces into the hot pan, letting them dance and sear until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring chicken is fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Aromatic Veggie Boost

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these flavor powerhouses until they soften and release their tantalizing aroma, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Blend these ingredients into a harmonious sauce that will make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Marry Flavors Together

Pour sauce into skillet, letting it bubble and simmer.

Return chicken to the pan, coating each piece generously.

Let everything mingle and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty finish.

Plate immediately and enjoy your Black Pepper Chicken hot and fresh!

Black Pepper Chicken Tips for Stir-Fry Done Right

• Use cornstarch to create a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and prevents the chicken from becoming tough during cooking.
• Cook chicken over medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Whisk sauce components thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that complement the black pepper's subtle heat.
• Sauté onions and garlic before adding sauce to release their aromatic oils, building a more complex and rich taste profile for the dish.
• Garnish with fresh green onions just before serving to add a bright, crisp element that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Reheat Black Pepper Chicken

• Store leftover black pepper chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping flavors fresh and texture intact.
• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture.
• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and quality.

Black Pepper Chicken Meal Companions

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the black pepper's bold flavor and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Prepare fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the dish's complex flavors.
• Create a Cooling Side Salad: Toss together a cucumber and mint salad with light rice vinegar dressing to balance the spicy and robust black pepper notes of the chicken.
• Serve with Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Add quick-pickled radishes or carrots to introduce a tangy crunch that contrasts with the warm, spicy chicken and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe Versions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use cornstarch-coated chicken and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener. Skip cornstarch coating and use almond flour instead. Reduce onion quantity for fewer carbohydrates.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Add fresh chopped cilantro or basil during final cooking. Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños for more intense spiciness.
• Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, shrimp, or turkey breast. Adjust cooking time based on protein type to ensure proper doneness and flavor absorption.

FAQs

• How do I achieve the best browning for the chicken?

Coat the chicken with cornstarch before cooking. This creates a crispy exterior and helps the seasonings stick to the meat while preventing the chicken from becoming soggy.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include fresh chili peppers to increase the heat level. You can also drizzle some chili oil or use hot sauce when serving to customize the spice intensity.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal. Thighs provide more flavor and tenderness, while breasts offer a leaner option. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption.

• Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

Yes, you can use hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and brown sugar as an alternative. Each replacement will slightly alter the dish’s flavor profile, so adjust according to your taste preferences.

Fiery Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy black pepper chicken delivers a bold flavor explosion that dances across taste buds with intense Asian-inspired zest. Crispy, tender chicken pieces glazed in a peppery sauce promise a mouthwatering culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Seasonings and Coating:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by coating the pieces thoroughly with a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned.
2. Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, adding vegetable oil until it shimmers with intensity. Carefully introduce the seasoned chicken, allowing it to sizzle and transform into a golden-brown masterpiece, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes until perfectly done.
3. Remove the chicken and reserve it momentarily, then introduce chopped onions and minced garlic into the same cooking vessel, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
4. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes in a separate bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
5. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, letting it bubble and dance. Reintroduce the cooked chicken, gently stirring to ensure each piece is luxuriously coated with the glossy sauce.
6. Allow the chicken to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, warming through and absorbing the complex flavor profile of the sauce.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped green onions, providing a final layer of freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Add extra crunch by coating chicken in panko breadcrumbs alongside cornstarch for a more textured exterior.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or replacing with ground black pepper for milder palates.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for richer flavor and more tender texture, preventing dryness during cooking.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and ensuring oyster sauce is gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg