The moment you hear the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot wok, you know dinner is about to be good. This Black Pepper Chicken recipe brings bold, savory flavors with a slight kick, thanks to the cracked black pepper and aromatic garlic-ginger combo. The glossy sauce hugs each piece of tender chicken, making it perfect to pair with fluffy rice for a cozy meal that feels like a Chinese takeout favorite—only fresher and more flavorful.
You’ll love how simple and fast this dish comes together. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The use of chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy, while the onions and bell peppers add texture and sweetness to balance the spice. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a family dinner, this dish is a surefire hit.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
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1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
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2 tablespoons water
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Steamed rice for serving
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
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In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and water. Set aside.
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Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until aromatic.
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Add green bell pepper and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
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Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and stir well to coat evenly.
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Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is cooked through and glossy.
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Serve hot over steamed rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
About the Dish
Black Pepper Chicken is a beloved Chinese-inspired dish known for its bold, savory flavors and quick preparation. While it’s a staple on many takeout menus, making it at home allows you to elevate its taste, control the quality of ingredients, and adjust spice levels to suit your preference. This dish features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are seared until golden, then coated in a glossy black pepper sauce that clings to every bite. The result is a sizzling, aromatic stir-fry that’s bursting with warmth and flavor.
What makes this recipe stand out is the use of freshly ground black pepper—not just as a background spice, but as the star. When paired with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweet and salty sauces like oyster and soy, the black pepper’s pungency is softened but still distinct, adding depth to every mouthful. Bell peppers and onions contribute crunch and sweetness, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Origin and Popularity
Black Pepper Chicken draws influence from both Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, where peppercorns and bold flavors are common. While authentic Chinese cooking often features the numbing spice of Sichuan peppercorns, this version leans into cracked black pepper for its sharp, smoky flavor. It has become a worldwide favorite, especially in Western adaptations of Chinese food, because it’s approachable, rich, and easy to recreate.
It’s particularly popular among home cooks because it doesn’t require a deep pantry of hard-to-find ingredients. Most of what you need can be found at any regular grocery store, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Over time, variations have emerged, from dry-style versions to extra-saucy ones, offering flexibility to match anyone’s taste.
Reasons to Love This Black Pepper Chicken
There are plenty of reasons why this dish is a go-to for families, couples, and solo cooks alike. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful, offering a punchy sauce that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish. The chicken stays juicy thanks to a simple marinade, and the pepper sauce gives it a kick without overwhelming heat.
It’s also quick and easy to make. You can prepare everything in about 30 minutes, which is faster than ordering takeout and waiting for delivery. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another perk is how customizable it is. Prefer white meat? Use chicken breast instead of thighs. Want more veggies? Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms. Looking to reduce sodium? Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce slightly. You can even make it gluten-free with tamari instead of soy sauce.
Health Benefits
This dish strikes a good balance between indulgence and nutrition. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, while onions and garlic bring immune-boosting compounds to the table.
Because it’s stir-fried in a small amount of oil, this meal is lighter than deep-fried alternatives while still delivering rich flavor. Using fresh black pepper may also offer digestive benefits and help stimulate appetite. Ginger adds anti-inflammatory properties, and the quick cooking method helps preserve the nutrients in vegetables.
To make this dish even healthier, consider pairing it with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or a side of steamed greens. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can even skip the rice altogether and serve the chicken with sautéed cabbage or lettuce wraps.
Serving Suggestions
Black Pepper Chicken is extremely versatile in how it can be served. The most common pairing is with a bowl of hot steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Jasmine rice or short-grain sticky rice works particularly well. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles are great substitutes.
Want to go beyond rice? Serve it with crispy noodles for added texture, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. This dish also pairs well with simple vegetable sides like stir-fried bok choy, garlic spinach, or a cucumber salad to cool the palate.
It’s also an excellent option for meal prep. Make a larger batch and divide it into containers with rice and steamed veggies. It reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge for several days, making your weekly meals easier and tastier.
Cooking Tips
To ensure the best results, there are a few key techniques that elevate this recipe. First, don’t skip the marinade—this helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor from the inside out. Using chicken thighs also ensures juicy, flavorful meat, but you can substitute breast meat if you prefer it leaner.
When cooking, make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the chicken. A hot pan sears the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating that slightly crispy exterior. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain that searing effect.
Use freshly ground black pepper rather than pre-ground—it’s more aromatic and delivers a better flavor. If you like more heat, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes or fresh chilies. And finally, don’t overcook the vegetables. They should be slightly tender but still crisp to maintain texture and color.
Variations You Can Try
This Black Pepper Chicken is a great base recipe for experimentation. You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for firm tofu or mushrooms. Tempeh and seitan are also good options for a plant-based version.
Craving something richer? Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy twist. Want a tangy finish? A drizzle of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime can brighten things up. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the sugar slightly or add a spoonful of hoisin sauce.
For extra umami, toss in a handful of chopped mushrooms, or stir in a beaten egg at the end for a silky texture, much like egg drop sauce. You can also adjust the vegetable mix to include baby corn, snow peas, or even zucchini depending on the season.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Chicken is more than just a takeout favorite—it’s a flavorful, fast, and flexible dish that fits beautifully into any meal plan. With its bold, savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, it’s both satisfying and adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. You don’t need a ton of ingredients or exotic spices—just a few pantry staples and some fresh produce. And once you try it, it’ll become a permanent part of your recipe rotation.
So next time you’re tempted to order takeout, grab your wok instead and whip up this homemade Black Pepper Chicken. It’s healthier, quicker, and just as delicious—if not more so.