Black Pepper Chicken

If you’re in the mood for something bold and full of flavor, Black Pepper Chicken is exactly what you need. This dish is all about that perfect balance of savory, peppery goodness. The chicken gets coated in a flavorful black pepper sauce that’s aromatic, slightly spicy, and absolutely addictive. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a restaurant-quality meal, yet it’s super easy to make at home. Trust me, once you’ve had a bite of this, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Black Pepper Chicken

Bold and Flavorful:

The star of this dish is the black pepper—warm, fragrant, and just the right amount of heat. Combined with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, the flavors really come alive. It’s rich without being heavy, and every bite is packed with flavor.

Quick and Easy:

This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have all day to cook. With simple ingredients and just a few easy steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.

Versatile:

Black Pepper Chicken goes great with a variety of sides—think steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or even a fresh salad. You can serve it however you like, making it a flexible option for any occasion.

Customizable:

If you’re someone who loves heat, feel free to bump up the black pepper for an extra kick. You can also add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to make it spicier. Or if you prefer something milder, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Perfect for Meal Prep:

This dish stores really well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s great for meal prep, and the flavors actually deepen after sitting for a day or two!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this perfectly peppery chicken:

Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors beautifully.

Black Pepper:

The key ingredient! Freshly cracked black pepper gives this dish its signature warmth and bite. Don’t skimp on this one—it’s what really makes this recipe stand out.

Soy Sauce:

For a touch of savory umami. The soy sauce pairs wonderfully with the pepper and balances out the flavors.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic adds depth and richness to the sauce, infusing the chicken with a savory punch.

Honey or Brown Sugar:

A little sweetness helps balance the peppery heat. You can use honey for a smoother sweetness or brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor.

Ginger:

Fresh ginger brings a subtle heat and zing to the dish, making it even more flavorful. It pairs beautifully with the garlic and black pepper.

Cornstarch:

For thickening the sauce and giving it that silky texture that clings to the chicken.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your delicious Black Pepper Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and ensures they’re perfectly coated with that amazing sauce.

Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Thicken the Sauce:

Mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens up to a nice glossy consistency, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine:

Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce, making sure each piece is coated with that delicious, peppery goodness. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

Serve your Black Pepper Chicken over steamed rice, with some veggies, or in lettuce wraps—however you like! Garnish with additional cracked pepper and some green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 270 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 32g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Black Pepper Chicken

With Rice:

Black Pepper Chicken is incredible over a bed of steamed rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables:

Pair it with some stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete and nutritious meal. The veggies add color, texture, and a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the chicken.

In Lettuce Wraps:

For a lighter option, serve the chicken in fresh lettuce leaves, making for a quick and tasty wrap. Add a drizzle of sauce for extra flavor.

With Noodles:

Serve this chicken alongside some noodles, like soba or rice noodles, to turn it into a full, comforting meal.

On its Own:

If you’re craving something simple, you can enjoy the chicken on its own, paired with a small side salad or just a squeeze of fresh lime.

Additional Tips

Spice It Up:

Feel free to add more black pepper or a dash of chili flakes to make this dish spicier. The black pepper is the star, but you can turn up the heat if you’re a fan of bold flavors!

Add Veggies:

If you’d like to make the dish more filling, you can stir in some veggies. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all work great in this peppery sauce.

Make It Ahead:

Black Pepper Chicken keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Adjust the Sweetness:

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of honey or brown sugar. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you still want that peppery heat to shine through.

Make It Gluten-Free:

To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A1: Yes, chicken thighs would be a great alternative! They’re juicy and tender, making them perfect for this dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze Black Pepper Chicken?

A4: Yes, you can freeze the chicken once cooked. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q5: Can I make this dish spicier?

A5: Yes! You can add more black pepper, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

Q6: Can I use a different sweetener?

A6: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar in place of honey or brown sugar.

Q7: Can I serve this with noodles?

A7: Yes, noodles would be a fantastic pairing! Stir-fry some noodles and toss them with the chicken for a flavorful one-pot meal.

Q8: How do I make this dish gluten-free?

A8: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A9: Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to make it even more colorful and nutritious.

Q10: How can I adjust the seasoning if it’s too peppery?

A10: If it’s too peppery for your taste, you can tone it down by adding more honey or soy sauce to balance it out.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The peppery sauce combined with tender chicken makes it a standout meal for any night of the week. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your pepper grinder, get cooking, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and spicy goodness!

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