Spicy glazed fried chicken garnished with black and white sesame seeds.

Black Pepper Chicken: A Bold and Flavorful Stir-Fry Recipe

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Introduction

If you love savory, peppery flavors, black pepper chicken is a dish you need to try. This Chinese-style stir-fry is packed with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, umami sauce infused with freshly ground black pepper. Unlike traditional spicy dishes that rely on chili, this recipe uses black pepper for a unique, warming heat that enhances every bite.

Not only is this dish quick and easy to make at home, but it’s also versatile—perfect as a standalone meal or paired with other favorites. If you have extra chicken, consider repurposing it with these delicious leftover rotisserie chicken recipes for creative meal ideas.

For those who love cooking on a flat-top griddle, this dish can also be adapted for high-heat cooking. Check out these Blackstone chicken recipes for more delicious, smoky flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a restaurant-quality black pepper chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast (thighs retain more moisture)
  • Cornstarch (for a crispy coating)
  • Light soy sauce (for depth of flavor)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (essential for heat and aroma)

For the Sauce:

  • Oyster sauce (adds umami richness)
  • Dark soy sauce (for a deeper color)
  • Rice vinegar (adds acidity to balance the flavors)
  • Chicken broth (helps create a rich sauce)
  • Sugar or honey (for a touch of sweetness)

Vegetables & Aromatics:

  • Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow for color and crunch)
  • Onion (adds natural sweetness)
  • Garlic & ginger (for an aromatic base)

For a lighter meal, serve this dish with rice cakes instead of traditional rice for a healthier, satisfying alternative.

How to Make Black Pepper Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide)

Grilled black pepper chicken drumsticks with a smoky char.
Juicy and smoky grilled chicken drumsticks, seasoned with black pepper and aromatic herbs.

1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
    • Oyster sauce
    • Dark soy sauce
    • Rice vinegar
    • Chicken broth
    • A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper
  2. Set aside for later use.

3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat. Add oil and sear the marinated chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together.
  4. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Garnish with freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.
  • Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.

Best Side Dishes & Serving Suggestions

This flavorful dish pairs well with:

  • Steamed white or brown rice – Soaks up the savory sauce
  • Garlic butter noodles – Adds a fusion twist
  • Crispy spring rolls – Perfect for extra crunch
  • Rice cakes – A lighter, healthier side option

Health Benefits of Black Pepper Chicken

Crispy black pepper fried chicken with a crunchy golden-brown coating.
Golden-brown crispy fried chicken seasoned with black pepper and sesame seeds for an extra kick of flavor.

1. High in Protein

With lean chicken as the main ingredient, this dish is great for muscle-building and overall health.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Black Pepper

Black pepper contains piperine, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

3. Lower Sodium Alternative

By using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt, this dish is a healthier alternative to restaurant versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is black pepper good in chicken?

Yes, black pepper enhances the flavor of chicken by adding warmth, spiciness, and depth. It complements both mild and bold seasonings, making it a great addition to marinades, rubs, and sauces.

2. How do you make black pepper sauce with chicken?

Black pepper sauce is a savory, spicy sauce that pairs well with chicken. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp black pepper (crushed or coarsely ground)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
  2. Add black pepper and stir for a few seconds.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir well.
  4. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
  5. Once thickened, pour over cooked chicken or mix it in.

3. What is in the black pepper chicken at Panda Express?

Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken consists of:

  • Chicken breast or thigh pieces
  • Black pepper sauce (made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and crushed black pepper)
  • Celery and onions
  • Garlic and ginger
  • Sugar and cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Oil for stir-frying

The dish is stir-fried and coated in the savory black pepper sauce, making it slightly spicy and flavorful.

4. What’s in black pepper sauce?

Black pepper sauce typically contains:

  • Black pepper (crushed or ground)
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Chicken or beef broth
  • Cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Sugar (optional, for balance)
  • Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)

5. What compliments black pepper?

Black pepper pairs well with:

  • Proteins: Chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu
  • Herbs: Basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley
  • Spices: Garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach
  • Dairy: Cheese, butter, cream-based sauces
  • Citrus: Lemon, lime, orange

6. How to make peppered chicken?

Peppered chicken is a spicy, flavorful dish using black pepper as the main seasoning.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken (cut into pieces)
  • 2 tbsp black pepper (coarsely ground)
  • 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
  • 1 small onion (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup chicken broth (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
  4. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, stir to coat.
  5. Add chicken broth (if using) and let it simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
  6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Final Thoughts

Black pepper chicken is a bold, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or even rice cakes, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Try making it today and experience the perfect balance of spice, heat, and umami goodness! 🔥

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